How to strengthen cyber defenses in healthcare industry

Kaushik Ray, the COO of WhizHack Technologies, has made a significant breakthrough in unraveling the complex cyber security breaches that have been wreaking havoc in the healthcare sector. As a result of this breakthrough, he has shared valuable insights on how companies can proactively protect themselves against these impending cyber attacks.

Ransomware on the rise: Strengthening cyber defenses in the healthcare industry
The recent cyber-attacks on Sun Pharmaceuticals by the ALPHV Ransomware Group, AIIMS cyber-attack, and Safdarjung Hospital, has served as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by healthcare organizations in India. These incidents highlight the urgent need for robust cybersecurity solutions to enable these organizations to meet acceptable cybersecurity standards and protect critical systems and patient data. Healthcare organizations, responsible for the well-being of millions of patients, are increasingly becoming prime targets for cyberattacks, with ransomware attacks being a significant threat. These attacks not only disrupt critical operations but also jeopardize patient’s safety and compromise sensitive data. Recognizing the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures, WhizHack Technologies, a vertically integrated Cyber Security organization has developed innovative solutions to help healthcare organizations combat these evolving threats.

The alarming rise in ransomware attacks:
The healthcare industry in India witnessed a concerning rise in ransomware attacks, with approximately 1.9 million cyberattacks targeting healthcare organizations in the country until November 28, 2022, as reported by a financial daily. This surge in attacks highlights the growing threat to cybersecurity in the healthcare sector. Additionally, there was a 38% increase in global cyberattacks in 2022 compared to the previous year, with the healthcare industry in India being the primary target, as reported by another financial daily. These healthcare-specific ransomware attacks have significant consequences for patient data, healthcare operations, and organizational reputation. To strengthen cybersecurity defenses, healthcare providers should understand the types of attacks, their impact, associated issues, and potential resolutions, and implement proactive measures.

Decoding ransomware attacks
Ransomware attacks on healthcare organizations are intricate and multifaceted, taking various forms that defy a one-size-fits-all approach. Data Encryption Attacks encrypt patient data, jeopardizing care, data integrity, and confidentiality. DDoS attacks overload systems, disrupting operations and causing financial losses. Ransomware with Data Exfiltration poses a dual threat by encrypting and threatening to release data, compromising privacy and putting organizations in a difficult position. Phishing-driven malware and insider threats further compound the risks faced by healthcare organizations.

WhizHack Technologies: Solutions for a secure future:
WhizHack Technologies, a leading cybersecurity organization, has developed state-of-the-art solutions to assist healthcare organizations in countering ransomware attacks effectively. Their flagship products, TRACE and ZeroHack, are tailored specifically to meet the unique challenges faced by the healthcare industry.

TRACE, WhizHack’s advanced Threat Intelligence solution, provides healthcare organizations with comprehensive threat intelligence in a hybrid cloud environment. By leveraging domain-specific deception technology, TRACE significantly reduces attack surfaces. Its customizable sensors offer tailored deception to potential attackers, empowering healthcare organizations to detect and prevent threats proactively. With TRACE, healthcare organizations gain a crucial advantage in staying one step ahead of cybercriminals.

ZeroHack, WhizHack’s 4th generation Extended Detection and Response (XDR) solution, offers comprehensive threat detection for networks and hosts. By combining sensor and host-based agents, ZeroHack employs triple-layer engines incorporating industry-standard signature technology, optimized machine learning, and deep learning models. This multi-layered approach enables ZeroHack to detect and mitigate more than 21 classes of zero-day attacks, providing enhanced protection against evolving cyber threats.

Building a resilient healthcare sector:
The escalating ransomware attacks on healthcare organizations demand urgent action. To protect patient lives and critical systems, cybersecurity must be a top priority in the healthcare industry. WhizHack Technologies is at the forefront, offering advanced solutions to strengthen cybersecurity defenses. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and partnering with organizations like WhizHack, healthcare organizations can establish robust security measures. This will effectively mitigate ransomware risks and ensure uninterrupted, high-quality patient care. The need of the hour is to build a resilient healthcare sector that prioritizes patient safety and data security. Business Standard