How to Prevent Ransomware Attacks in Healthcare

Ransomware attacks on hospitals and healthcare organizations have surged in recent years. In 2023, the healthcare industry suffered more ransomware attacks than any other sector, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. 

Overall, ransomware attacks on healthcare providers rose by 278% from 2018 to 2023, illustrating the need for comprehensive cybersecurity measures to protect against ransomware. 

This ransomware can have devastating consequences for healthcare providers, disrupting critical services, exposing sensitive patient data, and incurring significant financial costs, all of which will be discussed today. 

Keep reading our guide on how to prevent ransomware attacks in healthcare to better understand the state of cybersecurity and ransomware in healthcare and what can be done to prevent these threats from disrupting operations.  

Key Takeaways

• Ransomware attacks on healthcare organizations have surged, with a 278% increase from 2018 to 2023, making cybersecurity a top priority.
• Attackers target healthcare due to valuable patient data, outdated infrastructure, and the urgency of medical services.
• Effective ransomware prevention includes regular backups using the 3-2-1 strategy and system recovery testing.
• Employee training on phishing recognition and secure data handling significantly reduces the risk of human error leading to ransomware infections.
• Network segmentation and multi-factor authentication help prevent ransomware from spreading and restrict unauthorized access.
• Continuous security monitoring, risk assessments, and working with a cybersecurity provider strengthen overall ransomware defenses.

What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is malicious software designed to encrypt data and demand payment in exchange for restoring access. When a ransomware infection occurs, files, databases, and applications become inaccessible, disrupting critical operations.

Attackers typically demand ransom payments in cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, to obscure their identities. However, paying the ransom does not guarantee data recovery. Attackers may often demand additional payments, fail to provide a functioning decryption key or leave behind persistent malware that enables future attacks.

The Impact of Ransomware on Healthcare

Ransomware poses a severe threat to healthcare organizations, where uninterrupted access to data and systems is essential for patient care. A successful ransomware attack can result in operational disruptions, data breaches, and significant financial losses.

Disrupted Operations

When ransomware locks critical systems, healthcare providers may be forced to cancel appointments, delay procedures, or divert patients to other facilities. 

Electronic health records (EHRs), imaging systems, and prescription services may become inaccessible, directly affecting patient treatment and safety. Emergency response times can be compromised, putting lives at risk.

According to a recent study on ransomware in the healthcare sector, 70% of organizations hit with ransomware in 2024 reported that it negatively affected patient care. 61% noted that delays resulted in poor outcomes, with 28% noting an increase in patient mortality, a stark 21% rise from the prior year. 

Data Breaches and Regulatory Consequences

Many modern ransomware variants encrypt data and exfiltrate it before initiating encryption. This means that even if an organization restores its files from backups, sensitive patient information may have already been stolen. 

For example, 275 million healthcare records were breached in 2024, a 63.5% increase from 2023 and drastically higher than the 60 million breaches in 2021. 

A breach involving protected health information (PHI) can result in violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other regulatory requirements, leading to fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage.

Financial Losses

The financial burden of a ransomware attack extends beyond the ransom payment. Organizations often face substantial costs for incident response, forensic investigations, remediation efforts, and system restoration. 

Additional expenses may include legal fees, regulatory fines, and lost revenue due to operational downtime. Many healthcare providers, particularly smaller institutions, struggle to recover financially from a severe attack.

For example, every day of downtime for a healthcare organization costs an average of $1.9 million. Furthermore, according to a recent survey, of those healthcare organizations in the USA affected by ransomware, the median ransom paid was $1.5 million, with an average ransom payment of $2.4 million. 

On that note, worldwide, the cost for healthcare organizations to recover from a ransomware attack rose from 1.27 million in 2021 to 2.57 million in 2024, once again illustrating the growing need for healthcare organizations to take 

All of these statistics underscore the need for healthcare organizations to have robust cybersecurity solutions in place. For MSPs managing healthcare providers, this means having access to the best unified detection and response solutions. 

That said, why is the healthcare industry a prime target for ransomware? 

Why Is the Healthcare Industry a Prime Target for Ransomware?

Ransomware attacks on healthcare organizations are common due to valuable data, operational urgency, outdated infrastructure, and interconnected systems. Attackers know that healthcare providers cannot afford prolonged downtime and often feel pressured to pay ransoms quickly.

Here’s why healthcare is a prime target for ransomware: 

Valuable Data

Healthcare organizations store large amounts of sensitive patient information, including medical histories, insurance details, and financial data. 

This data is lucrative on the dark web for identity theft and fraud. Unlike financial credentials, which can be replaced, medical records contain permanent information, making them especially valuable to cybercriminals.

Time-Sensitive Operations

Medical facilities rely on electronic health records (EHRs), diagnostic tools, and scheduling systems for timely care. 

When ransomware locks critical systems, hospitals may need to cancel procedures, delay emergency care, or divert patients. The risk to patient safety increases the likelihood of organizations paying ransoms to restore services quickly.

Outdated Infrastructure and Legacy Systems

Many healthcare providers still use legacy systems and medical devices that are difficult to update. 

Older operating systems, proprietary software, and embedded medical equipment often lack modern security features, making them vulnerable. The challenge of upgrading these systems while maintaining operations leaves healthcare organizations exposed to attacks.

Lack of Cybersecurity Resources

Cybersecurity often takes a backseat to patient care expenses. Limited budgets, understaffed IT teams, and a lack of cybersecurity expertise weaken defenses. 

Many healthcare organizations remain vulnerable to ransomware due to insufficient investment in threat detection, employee training, and incident response planning.

Regulatory Compliance and Legal Implications

Healthcare organizations must comply with strict data protection regulations like HIPAA. A ransomware attack exposing protected health information (PHI) can lead to legal and financial consequences, including regulatory fines and lawsuits. 

Organizations often feel compelled to resolve attacks swiftly, sometimes by paying ransoms, to avoid reputational damage and penalties.

Interconnected Systems and Third-Party Risks

The healthcare sector operates within a complex ecosystem that includes hospitals, clinics, insurers, and medical device manufacturers. 

Many share patient data and IT infrastructure, creating multiple attack vectors. A security breach in one organization can spread rapidly, affecting multiple stakeholders and amplifying the attack’s impact.

Let’s move on and discuss how to prevent ransomware attacks in healthcare. 

How to Prevent Ransomware Attacks in Healthcare

Here, we have a detailed guide that provides the information required to prevent ransomware attacks in healthcare. Here’s a list that summarizes the most important steps to take:

1. Implement a Robust Backup and Recovery Strategy
2. Educate and Train Employees
3. Keep Systems and Software Up-to-Date
4. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication
5. Segment Networks and Restrict Access
6. Utilize Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Solutions
7. Conduct Regular Risk Assessments and Penetration Testing
8. Partner with a Trusted Cybersecurity Provider

Let’s start with step one; implementing a robust backup and recovery strategy. 

1. Implement a Robust Backup and Recovery Strategy

A well-structured backup and recovery strategy is essential for mitigating ransomware threats. By maintaining secure, accessible backups, organizations can restore data without needing to pay a ransom. However, simply having backups is not enough; they must be properly configured, tested, and protected from compromise.

To reduce risk, backups should be stored offline or on a separate network, ensuring they remain unaffected if the primary systems are compromised. Regular testing of recovery procedures is also critical. Without verification, organizations may discover too late that their backups are incomplete or corrupted, leading to prolonged downtime and disruptions in patient care.

A widely recommended approach is the 3-2-1 backup strategy, which takes the following form:

• Maintain at least three copies of critical data.
• Store these copies on two different types of storage media.
• Keep one backup copy offsite or in a secure cloud environment.

Automating backup processes minimizes human error and ensures consistency. Additionally, backup strategies should be reviewed and updated periodically to align with evolving system architectures and security threats. 

2. Educate and Train Employees

While advanced security tools play a vital role in ransomware prevention, employees remain the first line of defense. Cybercriminals frequently exploit human error, with phishing accounting for over 90% of successful cyberattacks. 

Attackers gain an entry point into healthcare networks by deceiving employees into clicking malicious links or opening infected attachments. To reduce this risk, cybersecurity training should be ongoing, interactive, and practical. 

Employees must learn how to:

• Identify phishing emails by recognizing urgent requests, suspicious senders, and vague greetings.
• Verify attachments and links before opening them.
• Report suspicious emails or system activity to IT security teams immediately.
• Use strong passwords and protect login credentials.
• Handle sensitive patient data securely in compliance with HIPAA and other regulations.

Making training engaging is key to improving retention. Real-world examples, simulated phishing attacks, and gamified learning modules can reinforce security best practices. 

Moreover, organizations should provide regular security updates through email bulletins, posters, and staff recognition programs to keep cybersecurity at the forefront of their minds. When well-trained and alert, employees become active participants in ransomware prevention, significantly reducing the likelihood of a successful attack.

3. Keep Systems and Software Up-to-Date

Keeping systems updated is one of the most effective ways to prevent ransomware infections. Yet, many organizations fail to patch vulnerabilities in a timely manner, creating openings for attackers. Studies show that 60% of data breaches stem from unpatched software, making it a critical risk factor.

A structured patch management process should be in place to ensure updates are applied consistently. 

This includes:

• Regularly updating operating systems, applications, and medical devices to patch security vulnerabilities.
• Automating patch deployment where possible to minimize the risk of human error and reduce IT workload.
• Maintaining a detailed inventory of all software and connected devices, assigning responsibility for updates.
• Monitoring vendor announcements for end-of-life software and planning upgrades before security support ends.

Medical devices often have longer lifecycles and may not receive frequent updates. In these cases, organizations should work with manufacturers to assess security risks and implement alternative safeguards, such as network segmentation, to isolate vulnerable systems from core networks.

Responding quickly to zero-day vulnerabilities is also essential. Since attackers actively exploit these flaws before patches are released, organizations must have a process in place for rapidly deploying emergency fixes.

Routine vulnerability scanning helps identify unpatched systems and misconfigurations before they become entry points for ransomware. By making software and system updates a priority, healthcare organizations can close security gaps and significantly reduce their exposure to cyber threats.

4. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) strengthens account security by requiring an additional verification step beyond a password. Even if an attacker compromises a password, they cannot gain access without the second authentication factor, such as a one-time code or biometric scan.

Key Areas for MFA Implementation

MFA should be enforced for all user accounts, prioritizing those with access to sensitive data and critical systems, including:

• Electronic health record (EHR) systems
• Remote access tools and virtual private networks (VPNs)
• Email accounts
• Administrative and privileged user accounts

Authentication Methods

A strong MFA solution should support multiple authentication methods to accommodate user needs, such as:

• SMS or voice-based one-time passwords
• Hardware or software tokens
• Biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition)
• Push notifications via a mobile app

Deployment and Management

Ensure seamless integration with existing systems, particularly cloud-based services like Office 365 and Google Workspace. Provide clear setup instructions and user support, including training sessions to address common issues.

Establish policies for handling lost authentication devices and ensure quick access revocation when needed. Regularly review and update MFA configurations to align with industry best practices, such as those outlined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Monitor MFA adoption across your organization and use reporting tools to identify non-compliant accounts. Consider implementing risk-based MFA, which requires additional verification for high-risk activities, such as logins from unknown locations or devices.

5. Segment Networks and Restrict Access

Network segmentation is a critical defense against ransomware, preventing an attack from spreading across an entire system. Organizations can limit access and contain potential threats by dividing networks into isolated segments.

Strategies for Network Segmentation

Here are several ways to segment networks for increased healthcare ransomware protection:

• Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs): Separate medical devices, administrative systems, and guest networks to prevent lateral movement of ransomware.
• Firewalls and Access Controls: Restrict traffic between segments, allowing only necessary communication.
• Least Privilege Principle: Grant users and devices only the access required for their roles. Regularly review and adjust permissions.

Role-Based and Privileged Access Control

Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to assign permissions based on job functions rather than individuals. 

Restrict administrative privileges to a limited number of trusted users and separate accounts based on access levels.

Use privileged access management (PAM) solutions to securely store and manage administrative credentials, reducing the risk of compromised privileged accounts.

Continuous Monitoring and Testing

Regularly monitor access logs and network activity using security information and event management (SIEM) tools to detect anomalies. Conduct penetration testing to identify weaknesses and misconfigurations in segmentation policies.

Educate employees on access control policies, emphasizing the risks of credential sharing and unauthorized device use.

Adopting zero-trust security principles further strengthens defenses by requiring continuous verification of users and devices, regardless of location. By limiting ransomware’s ability to spread, network segmentation significantly reduces the impact of an attack.

6. Utilize Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Solutions

Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions continuously monitor devices for signs of malicious activity. By using advanced analytics and machine learning, EDR tools can detect and respond to threats in real time.

EDR identifies suspicious behavior before ransomware encrypts files, automatically isolates infected endpoints to prevent further spread, and terminates malicious processes and alerts security teams.

Selecting and Deploying an EDR Solution

When selecting an EDR solution, look for an EDR solution that integrates with existing security tools, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, scales to accommodate a large number of endpoints without impacting performance, and provides detailed forensic data to aid in investigations.

Maximizing EDR Effectiveness

To maximize EDR effectiveness, provide security teams with training on how to use EDR effectively. Develop incident response playbooks outlining steps to take when a ransomware threat is detected.

Regularly review EDR configurations, monitor for false positives, and fine-tune detection rules to optimize accuracy.

EDR solutions play a crucial role in preventing ransomware infections from causing widespread damage by continuously monitoring endpoints and enabling rapid containment.

7. Conduct Regular Risk Assessments and Penetration Testing

Systematic risk assessments identify vulnerabilities and evaluate the effectiveness of existing security controls. These assessments also help organizations comply with HIPAA regulations, which require periodic security evaluations.

Key Steps in Risk Assessments

Risk assessments are designed to perform the following tasks: 

• Identify assets that create, store, or transmit electronic protected health information (ePHI).
• Evaluate threats and vulnerabilities associated with each asset.
• Assess the effectiveness of current security measures.
• Determine residual risk and develop remediation plans.

Using established frameworks, such as NIST or HITRUST, ensures a structured approach to identifying and mitigating risks.

The Role of Penetration Testing

Penetration testing, or ethical hacking, simulates real-world attacks to uncover weaknesses that traditional vulnerability scans may miss. This includes testing for misconfigurations, weak passwords, and unpatched software vulnerabilities

NIST recommends conducting penetration tests at least annually and after significant system changes.

Choosing a Penetration Testing Provider

When choosing a penetration testing provider, look for relevant certifications, such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), experience in healthcare cybersecurity and compliance with HIPAA requirements, and a structured testing methodology with clear, actionable remediation recommendations.

Addressing Identified Vulnerabilities

Prioritize fixes based on severity and potential impact. Establish a structured process for remediation and report findings to key stakeholders.

By proactively identifying security gaps through risk assessments and penetration testing, healthcare organizations strengthen their defenses against ransomware and other cyber threats.

8. Partner with a Trusted Cybersecurity Provider

Defending against ransomware requires specialized expertise that many healthcare organizations lack in-house. A managed service provider (MSP) can help bridge this gap by offering advanced security services and continuous monitoring.

Benefits of an MSP

An experienced MSP stays updated on emerging ransomware tactics and provides proactive defense strategies. They offer 24/7 security monitoring and incident response, detecting and mitigating threats in real time. 

Vulnerability scanning and management helps identify and remediate security gaps before attackers can exploit them. Many MSPs provide endpoint detection and response (EDR) to monitor and isolate compromised endpoints, reducing the risk of lateral movement.

Security awareness training is another critical service, equipping employees to recognize phishing attempts and ransomware risks. MSPs also assist with backup and disaster recovery planning, ensuring organizations can quickly restore critical data in case of an attack.

Choosing the Right MSP

Selecting a provider with healthcare experience is essential. The right MSP should have proven expertise in HIPAA compliance and healthcare cybersecurity. Their team should include certified professionals, such as those with CISSP or CEH credentials. 

Strong partnerships with leading cybersecurity technology vendors indicate reliability and up-to-date solutions.

Transparent service level agreements (SLAs) and clear reporting processes help ensure accountability. Client references and case studies demonstrating success in ransomware prevention can provide further confidence in their capabilities.

Strengthening Ransomware Defenses

An MSP functions as an extension of the IT team, helping assess security posture, identify vulnerabilities, and implement best practices. With continuous monitoring, they can detect threats early and respond rapidly to minimize impact.

Beyond prevention, an MSP plays a crucial role in incident response planning by ensuring the organization is prepared to recover from an attack. They guide the restoration of systems from backups, coordinate stakeholder communication, and conduct post-incident reviews to strengthen future defenses.

Partnering with a trusted cybersecurity provider enhances ransomware resilience, allowing healthcare organizations to focus on patient care while experts manage evolving cyber threats.

How Guardz Helps Healthcare Organizations Prevent Ransomware Attacks

Guardz delivers a comprehensive, all-in-one endpoint security solution. With real-time threat detection, ransomware mitigation, and compliance tools, Guardz enables you to safeguard your data and maintain uninterrupted operations.

Just some of the most essential services offered by Guardz include: 

• Real-Time Threat Detection: Identifies and responds to threats instantly, minimizing potential damage.
• Ransomware Mitigation: Provides tools to neutralize ransomware attacks quickly and efficiently.
• Compliance Tools: Ensures adherence to industry standards and regulations, reducing the risk of fines and penalties.

Guardz simplifies the complexities of cybersecurity, allowing you to focus on delivering quality patient care. It’s a reliable partner in protecting your organization from ransomware threats.

Final Thoughts on Preventing Ransomware Attacks in Healthcare

Ransomware attacks in healthcare pose a significant risk, threatening patient safety, data security, and financial stability. 

With attacks becoming more frequent and costly, organizations must take a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Implementing strong backup strategies, multi-factor authentication, network segmentation, and endpoint detection solutions are essential to minimizing risk. 

Regular employee training, risk assessments, and penetration testing further strengthen defenses. Partnering with a trusted cybersecurity provider can also provide the expertise and continuous monitoring needed to stay ahead of evolving threats. 

By taking these steps, healthcare organizations can protect critical systems, maintain compliance, and ensure uninterrupted patient care. The fight against ransomware requires ongoing vigilance, but a well-structured security strategy can significantly reduce the risk of a successful attack.

With a trusted unified detection and response solution such as Guardz, healthcare organizations can feel secure in their cybersecurity stance. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does Ransomware Typically Infect Healthcare Systems?

Ransomware primarily spreads through phishing emails, malicious links, and compromised remote access tools. Attackers often exploit unpatched software vulnerabilities or use stolen login credentials to gain access to networks before deploying ransomware.

What Should Healthcare Organizations Do if They Get Hit by Ransomware?

Immediate actions should include isolating affected systems, notifying the security team, and engaging a cybersecurity expert to assess the breach. Organizations should avoid paying the ransom, as this does not guarantee data recovery and may encourage further attacks.

Are Medical Devices at Risk of Ransomware Attacks?

Yes, many medical devices run on outdated operating systems with limited security updates, making them vulnerable. Isolating these devices through network segmentation and monitoring traffic to detect anomalies can help reduce risk.

How Can Small Healthcare Providers Improve Cybersecurity on a Limited Budget?

Smaller organizations can prioritize cost-effective security measures such as regular employee training, implementing MFA, keeping software updated, and using cloud-based security services that offer scalable protection.

Why Is Paying the Ransom Not Recommended?

Paying the ransom does not guarantee that files will be restored. Some attackers demand additional payments or fail to provide decryption keys. Additionally, paying encourages further attacks and may violate regulatory compliance laws.

What Are Zero Trust Security Principles, and How Do They Prevent Ransomware?

Zero trust assumes that no user or device should be trusted by default, even if inside the network. Continuous authentication, least-privilege access controls, and network segmentation prevent unauthorized movement and limit ransomware damage.