The Hidden Cost of Healthcare Data Breaches: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You
In today’s interconnected world, protecting patient data is a non-negotiable priority for healthcare organizations. Yet, as cybersecurity breaches become more frequent and sophisticated, the stakes for healthcare IT security are higher than ever. At Telcion Communications Group, we’ve seen firsthand just how vulnerable the healthcare sector is to cyberattacks, and the lessons we’ve learned are critical for anyone responsible for safeguarding sensitive data.
The True Impact of Healthcare Data Breaches
Let’s start with some numbers that should make you stop and think:
40,954,697 – the number of patients whose personal data was involved in a breach.
319 – the number of medical organizations that were breached.
8 – the number of organizations that were breached more than once.
And these are just statistics from the first half of this year. Even more alarming, a study by Vanderbilt University found that as many as 2,100 patients die each year because of security breaches, as patient care is disrupted by compromised systems.
Despite these numbers, many organizations still believe they are safe. The reality, however, is that most breaches occur at organizations with fewer than 1,000 employees. Hackers don’t care how big your operation is – they’re after your patients' data, and a single click on a malicious email can bring down your entire system.
A Breach Is Just One Click Away
Several years ago, one of our hospital clients experienced a complete system outage. The issue? A security breach that compromised over 500 systems. At the time, security was simpler. Most organizations only relied on antivirus software and firewalls. However, this breach was far more sophisticated, and it took our team of engineers working around the clock to restore the hospital’s systems.
Since then, I’ve seen countless breaches – some lasting days, others lasting months. One organization was forced to operate on paper for six months because of a breach. These incidents reinforce the need for multiple layers of security to protect sensitive information and maintain patient trust.
Real-World Consequences
The consequences of breaches are real, and they go far beyond financial losses. In April of this year, UnitedHealth Group, one of the largest healthcare providers in the U.S., with 152 million customers, was breached. The hackers demanded a $22 million ransom, which UnitedHealth paid, but it didn’t stop the release of patient data on the dark web.
While large corporations often make headlines, it’s smaller organizations that are most vulnerable. Hackers know that smaller organizations may not have the resources or sophisticated security layers to fend off an attack. In fact, 91% of breaches are caused by email attacks. A single click from an unsuspecting employee can expose your entire system to a cyberattack.
The Challenge of Securing Your Organization
Building and maintaining effective security layers can feel overwhelming for many healthcare organizations, especially those with limited resources. However, the cost of doing nothing is far greater. The common thread among all breached organizations? They believed their systems were “good enough” – until they weren’t.
At Telcion, we’ve seen it all, and our goal is to help healthcare organizations avoid becoming another statistic. We’ve built our services around providing comprehensive, layered security solutions that are both robust and manageable. And we know that you’re too busy providing care to worry about cybersecurity. That’s why we want to make it as easy as possible for you.
A New Approach to Security
Instead of making cybersecurity harder to access, we’re removing barriers to entry. We want to help you assess your security risks and implement an additional layer of protection – at no cost. As we head into Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, we’re presenting this offer to the first five organizations to sign up. This is not just a trial. It’s a real commitment for one year to help you safeguard your patient data and protect your reputation.
If your organization is concerned about cybersecurity – and it should be – there’s no better time to act by partnering with a trusted IT service provider like Telcion Communications Group.
Take Action Today
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Submit your email here to sign up for a free security layer and assessment. We’ll help you implement the security solutions you need to keep your organization safe. In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help make your business more secure.
By recognizing the importance of cybersecurity and taking proactive measures, healthcare organizations can avoid the devastating consequences of a data breach. Together, let’s make sure your organization is prepared.
Lance Reid is CEO of Telcion Communications Group.
You may also like:
