The problems surrounding IT security in the healthcare sector are causing increasing levels of concern, both among healthcare professionals and in regulatory bodies. Over the past six months, there has been a steady stream of flash messages from the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and other security organizations about increased threat levels against healthcare systems. We have seen a multitude of healthcare provider organizations falling prey to ransomware attacks, putting patient safety at risk and causing enormous financial damage.
But why is this sector experiencing an increase in attacks? Is there something specific about healthcare that makes IT security particularly hard? Yes. Yes, there is.