Why ransomware attacks against hospital can be more severe than other businesses

Mackenzie Garrity -

Although hospitals and health system are no more likely to be hit by a ransomware attack than any other business, they can be more severe because of the information they hold, according to Bankinfosecurity.com.

Eddie Chang, vice president of cyber risk management, bond and specialty insurance at Travelers, said that because hospitals and providers cannot survive without recovering patient files, ransomware attacks can often cause more severe consequences.

"When ransomware attackers see a doctor's office, law firm or other professional organization, they will often set a relatively high ransom in belief that more money is available," Mr. Chang told Bankinfosecurity.com.

Healthcare organizations don't always have the money to hire digital forensic experts or rebuild the encrypted systems. In turn, hospitals and health systems may find paying the ransom is less expensive.

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