The healthcare industry is a magnet for cybercriminals, and it’s easy to see why. First, the treasure trove of personal health information (PHI) is incredibly valuable—from detailed medical histories to sensitive financial data, this information isn’t just gold—it’s like striking it rich for hackers. But it’s not just the data that appeals; it’s the critical nature of healthcare itself. Imagine the chaos if a hospital’s systems were to go dark or a patient’s data were to be compromised—there would be severe, potentially life-threatening consequences. This makes healthcare organizations more inclined to pay ransoms or meet other demands to restore their…
Author: Kirsten Doyle
Advanced Computer Software Group Ltd (Advanced) is facing a provisional fine of £6.09 million following a 2022 ransomware attack that disrupted NHS and social care services. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has preliminarily determined that the company failed to implement adequate measures to protect the personal information of 82,946 individuals, including sensitive data. Advanced, a key IT and software services provider to national organizations like the NHS, serves as a data processor, handling personal information on behalf of these entities. The ransomware incident, which occurred in August 2022, involved hackers accessing several of Advanced’s health and care systems through a…
Today’s businesses rely heavily on technology to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and connect with customers. However, this dependency has also opened the door to a growing threat: ransomware attacks. By 2031, the cost of ransomware attacks is estimated to reach $265 billion (USD) annually. The rapid growth of ransomware attacks has made this cyber threat a top concern for businesses worldwide. The number of attacks surged by 55.5% in 2023, with 4,368 documented cases and only a fraction of reported attacks. As an executive, understanding the potential impact of ransomware on your business and taking proactive steps to mitigate these…
We live in an era where customers demand convenience and instant gratification and want to use their smartphones and mobile devices to access their apps and services instantly. At the same time, trust in established brands such as Google or Apple makes customers more comfortable logging in to apps or websites using credentials like AppleID rather than sharing sensitive data directly with unfamiliar businesses. However, this can only be done through an effective authentication mechanism to verify the identity of users and ensure that only authorized people can access sensitive resources or perform specific actions within the application. Therein lies…