Illustration of ransomware (or ransomware).
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Geeko
The number of cyber attacks targeting healthcare facilities has increased twice as much as the number of hacks in other industries.
Between early November and late December 2020, cybersecurity experts at Check Point saw a 45% increase in attacks in medical centers, compared to 22% elsewhere.
Ransomware is the preferred mode of action for hackers.
"Ransomware attacks against hospitals and similar establishments are particularly harmful," Check Point analyzes in a report released on January 5.
“Any disruption to systems can affect the ability to provide care and put lives at risk.
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Health centers are even more vulnerable to a hack of this type in the midst of the coronavirus crisis and cybercriminals know it well.
Many target these establishments, which are more inclined to pay a ransom to recover their data given the danger to patients.
Attacks on weekends and holidays
Canada is the country with the strongest growth in ransomware, increasing by 250% in two months.
The North American continent is however the least affected by the phenomenon, with an increase of 37%.
By comparison, the number of such cyberattacks has grown by 137% in the Far East, 112% in Latin America and 67% in Europe.
To set up their hacking and steal data, hackers favor Ryuk and Sodinokibi (REvil) software.
These attacks most often take place on weekends and holidays.
Specialists therefore recommend the utmost vigilance to hospitals in this complicated period.
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