Cybersecurity attacks not only threaten data, but also lives: report

As cyberattacks become more common, hospitals and health systems should not only be worried about the loss of data, but also the possible loss of life, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2020 Global Risk Report and cited by Yahoo Finance.

Advertisement

The report was developed by Marsh & McLennan and Zurich Insurance Group. Researchers found that cybersecurity attacks within the healthcare industry and other markets is the fifth biggest global economic risk in 2020 behind risks like economic confrontations, political polarization, heat waves and destruction of ecosystems.

“What we’ve seen in the past are really thefts of data in the form of data being stolen, your social security numbers, your credit card numbers, or data being held hostage in the form of ransomware,” said Peter Bashar, general counsel at Marsh & McLennan, to Yahoo Finance.

“But really the emerging threat, what experts are particularly concerned about, is the idea that you can manipulate the controls of nuclear facilities, chemical plants, telecommunication networks, and that that could morph from the digital realm really into the physical realm, so that you went from a loss of data to a loss of life.”

To prevent cyberattacks, hospitals and health systems should consider implementing different artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

More articles on cybersecurity:
Health systems should update computer systems in wake of Iran tensions, H-ISAC says
3 cybersecurity predictions for 2020
Former NYC hospital employee pleads guilty to hacking coworkers’ emails

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

The hidden cost of lost clinical time and how leading health systems are responding

Friday, August 7
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Kassaundra McKnight-Young, Zebra TechnologiesGregory Carras, Zebra TechnologiesJennifer Gene, Levata

Advertisement

Next Up in Cybersecurity

Advertisement

Comments are closed.