CINCINNATI (WKRC) – A ransomware attack has caused a system-wide outage at Kettering Health, impacting all 14 of its medical centers and its call center.
The attack highlighted the growing threat faced by medical and health organizations, as cybercriminals target these institutions knowing that lives are at stake and the urgency to pay a ransom is high.
Data indicated that ransomware attacks have increased by 11% over the past year, with approximately 100 known ransomware gangs operating globally. Experts warn that hackers can infiltrate healthcare systems regardless of their security measures. Healthcare workers prioritize saving lives, often leaving IT systems vulnerable.
Richard Harknett, co-director of the Cyber Range Institute, commented on Kettering Health’s response to the attack.
“So, it was interesting if you look at the Kettering announcement. They said specifically they had plans in place for this type of situation. I assume what they mean is that they know how to operate with pen and paper,” said Harknett. “If this was as widespread as it appeared to be based on their announcement, that’s what they are doing. So, if you’ve trained that into your organization. That’s what we call cyber resilience.”
For individuals concerned about protecting their information in the event of a healthcare system breach, experts advise vigilance. Scammers often exploit large breaches, pretending to offer solutions or using the opportunity to scam individuals.
It is crucial to remain skeptical, keep personal shields up, and frequently check accounts for any suspicious activity.
