GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cybersecurity In The Health Care Industry Statistics

Cybersecurity incidents in the health care industry are on the rise, with data breaches and ransomware attacks becoming increasingly common threats.

Highlights: Cybersecurity In The Health Care Industry Statistics

  • In 2021, 24% of all global cyber attacks were targeted at the healthcare industry.
  • 88% of U.S. healthcare organizations have experienced a data breach in the last two years.
  • In 2019, the cost of healthcare breaches was double the global average at $6.5 million.
  • Around one-third of healthcare organizations do not test their security defenses regularly.
  • 91% of healthcare organizations reported at least one breach of IT security in the past 12 months.
  • Eight out of ten healthcare organizations don't have a dedicated cybersecurity leader.
  • 36% of healthcare employees claim they’ve never received cybersecurity training.
  • 50% of healthcare organizations rely on outdated systems, which makes them more vulnerable to attacks.
  • The healthcare industry spends on average only 6% of its budget on cybersecurity.
  • The number of reported cyber incidents in healthcare went up by 55% in 2020.
  • In 2018, insider threats accounted for 58% of healthcare industry breaches.
  • More than 93% of healthcare organizations have experienced a data breach since Q3 2016.
  • Over 41.4 million patient records were breached in 2019.
  • Unauthorized access/disclosure was the initial cause of 34.55% of healthcare breaches in 2019.
  • The average time to identify a healthcare breach is 236 days.
  • 82% of mobile healthcare apps are vulnerable to at least two critical cybersecurity risks.

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The Latest Cybersecurity In The Health Care Industry Statistics Explained

In 2021, 24% of all global cyber attacks were targeted at the healthcare industry.

The statistic ‘In 2021, 24% of all global cyber attacks were targeted at the healthcare industry’ suggests that nearly a quarter of cyber attacks worldwide last year were specifically aimed at the healthcare sector. This high percentage highlights the vulnerability of the healthcare industry to cyber threats, which can have severe consequences including data breaches, compromised patient records, and potential disruptions to critical healthcare services. The prevalence of these attacks underscores the importance of strengthening cybersecurity measures within the healthcare sector to safeguard sensitive information and ensure the continual delivery of quality healthcare services.

88% of U.S. healthcare organizations have experienced a data breach in the last two years.

The statistic that 88% of U.S. healthcare organizations have experienced a data breach in the last two years suggests a prevalent and concerning issue within the industry. This high percentage underscores the vulnerability of healthcare organizations to cyber threats and the importance of implementing robust data security measures. The frequency of data breaches in such a critical sector like healthcare could not only compromise patient confidentiality but also have far-reaching consequences on patient safety and trust. This statistic highlights the urgent need for continuous evaluation of data security protocols, investments in cybersecurity infrastructure, and staff training to mitigate the risks associated with data breaches in healthcare organizations.

In 2019, the cost of healthcare breaches was double the global average at $6.5 million.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, the cost of healthcare data breaches was notably higher than the global average, reaching $6.5 million. This suggests that healthcare organizations faced a significant financial burden due to breaches, likely stemming from factors such as fines, investigation costs, legal fees, remediation efforts, and loss of revenue or business opportunities. The high costs associated with healthcare breaches underscore the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and data protection practices within the industry. Efforts to strengthen security protocols, invest in employee training, and adopt advanced technologies can help mitigate the financial impact of breaches while safeguarding sensitive patient information.

Around one-third of healthcare organizations do not test their security defenses regularly.

The statistic that around one-third of healthcare organizations do not test their security defenses regularly indicates a concerning trend within the industry. Regular testing of security defenses is crucial to identify vulnerabilities and potential weaknesses that could be exploited by cyber attackers, especially in the sensitive healthcare sector where patient data is at risk. The fact that a significant portion of organizations are not regularly conducting such tests suggests a potential lack of preparedness and proactive security measures, putting both patient data and organizational reputation at risk. It underscores the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity efforts and ensuring that comprehensive security testing protocols are in place to safeguard sensitive information and prevent potential data breaches in healthcare organizations.

91% of healthcare organizations reported at least one breach of IT security in the past 12 months.

The statistic that 91% of healthcare organizations reported at least one breach of IT security in the past 12 months highlights a significant and widespread issue within the healthcare industry. The high percentage indicates that the majority of healthcare organizations have experienced some form of IT security breach, which can have serious consequences such as compromised patient data, financial loss, and damage to their reputation. This statistic underscores the importance of addressing cybersecurity threats in the healthcare sector through implementing stronger security measures, regular monitoring, employee training, and staying up-to-date with the latest security protocols to protect sensitive information and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of patient data.

Eight out of ten healthcare organizations don’t have a dedicated cybersecurity leader.

The statistic “Eight out of ten healthcare organizations don’t have a dedicated cybersecurity leader” means that the majority of healthcare organizations lack a specific individual responsible for overseeing cybersecurity measures within their organization. This statistic suggests that many healthcare organizations may not have the necessary focus or resources dedicated to managing cybersecurity risks, potentially leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats such as data breaches and cyber attacks. Without a dedicated cybersecurity leader, these organizations may be at a higher risk of experiencing security incidents that could compromise patient data security and overall operational integrity.

36% of healthcare employees claim they’ve never received cybersecurity training.

The statistic indicates that 36% of healthcare employees report never having received cybersecurity training in their line of work. This is concerning because healthcare organizations are increasingly being targeted by cyber threats due to the sensitive nature of the data they handle. Without proper cybersecurity training, employees may lack the knowledge and skills necessary to protect sensitive patient information and prevent data breaches. This statistic highlights a potential vulnerability within the healthcare industry that could have serious implications for patient privacy and the overall security of healthcare systems. It underscores the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity training programs to enhance the resilience of healthcare organizations against evolving cyber threats.

50% of healthcare organizations rely on outdated systems, which makes them more vulnerable to attacks.

The statistic that 50% of healthcare organizations rely on outdated systems highlights a concerning vulnerability within the healthcare industry. Outdated systems are often more susceptible to cyber attacks due to security gaps and lack of updates that protect against evolving threats. This puts sensitive patient data at risk of being compromised, leading to potential breaches that can have serious consequences for both patients and healthcare providers. It underscores the urgent need for healthcare organizations to invest in modernizing their systems to ensure the security and privacy of patient information and to maintain the trust of their stakeholders.

The healthcare industry spends on average only 6% of its budget on cybersecurity.

The statistic that the healthcare industry spends on average only 6% of its budget on cybersecurity highlights a concerning imbalance in prioritization of cybersecurity measures within the sector. Given the sensitive and personal nature of the data stored in healthcare systems, such as patient records and medical histories, the relatively low investment in cybersecurity poses significant risks in terms of potential data breaches and compromised patient confidentiality. This statistic underscores the urgent need for healthcare organizations to allocate more resources towards enhancing their cybersecurity infrastructure to safeguard against cyber threats and protect the integrity of healthcare data.

The number of reported cyber incidents in healthcare went up by 55% in 2020.

The statistic indicates that the number of reported cyber incidents in the healthcare sector increased by 55% in 2020 compared to the previous year. This significant rise in cyber incidents highlights the growing vulnerability of healthcare organizations to cyber threats and underscores the urgent need for improved cybersecurity measures in the industry. The increase could be attributed to various factors such as the rapid adoption of digital technologies, the shift to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the increasing sophistication of cyber attackers targeting sensitive healthcare data. This statistic underscores the importance of investing in robust cybersecurity strategies to protect patient information, maintain the integrity of healthcare systems, and prevent disruptions to critical healthcare services.

In 2018, insider threats accounted for 58% of healthcare industry breaches.

The statistic indicates that in 2018, 58% of all data breaches in the healthcare industry were caused by insider threats. Insider threats refer to breaches that are committed by individuals within the organization, such as employees, contractors, or other trusted entities, who have authorized access to the system. This statistic highlights the significant role that human factors play in cybersecurity incidents within the healthcare industry. Protecting sensitive patient data from insider threats requires robust security measures, including employee training, access controls, monitoring systems, and regular security audits to prevent and detect unauthorized access or malicious activities from within the organization.

More than 93% of healthcare organizations have experienced a data breach since Q3 2016.

The statistic indicates that a significant majority, over 93%, of healthcare organizations have encountered a data breach from the third quarter of 2016 onwards. This highlights the prevalent vulnerability of healthcare systems to cyber threats and breaches, which can lead to unauthorized access or disclosure of sensitive patient information. Such breaches can have serious consequences, including compromised patient privacy, financial losses, and damage to the organization’s reputation. It underscores the urgent need for healthcare organizations to prioritize robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard patient data and minimize the risks associated with data breaches.

Over 41.4 million patient records were breached in 2019.

The statistic “Over 41.4 million patient records were breached in 2019” indicates a concerning trend of cybersecurity breaches in the healthcare industry. This statistic highlights the significant risk posed to sensitive patient information, including personal and medical data, due to data breaches. The high number of breached patient records in 2019 underscores the urgent need for healthcare organizations to improve their security measures and data protection strategies to safeguard patient privacy and confidentiality. Furthermore, this statistic serves as a stark reminder of the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity practices to mitigate the risks associated with cyberattacks and protect individuals’ sensitive information.

Unauthorized access/disclosure was the initial cause of 34.55% of healthcare breaches in 2019.

This statistic indicates that in 2019, unauthorized access or disclosure was identified as the primary cause in approximately 34.55% of healthcare data breaches. Unauthorized access refers to instances where individuals or entities gain entry to sensitive healthcare information without proper authorization, while unauthorized disclosure involves the improper sharing or exposure of this information. These breaches can lead to a variety of consequences, such as compromised patient privacy, financial fraud, and reputational damage for healthcare organizations. The prevalence of unauthorized access and disclosure as the initial cause of breaches underscores the importance of strong data security measures and robust information security protocols within the healthcare industry to protect patient data from unauthorized access and exposure.

The average time to identify a healthcare breach is 236 days.

The statistic “The average time to identify a healthcare breach is 236 days” represents the average amount of time it takes for a healthcare organization to detect that a data breach has occurred. This means that from the moment a breach occurs to the point at which it is discovered, it typically takes approximately 236 days. A breach in the healthcare industry can have severe implications, as it can result in the exposure of sensitive patient information such as medical records and personal data. The delay in identifying breaches can prolong the period of vulnerability and increase the potential harm to individuals affected. Efforts to improve data security practices and enhance breach detection mechanisms are crucial in reducing this detection time and ensuring the protection of healthcare data.

82% of mobile healthcare apps are vulnerable to at least two critical cybersecurity risks.

The statistic “82% of mobile healthcare apps are vulnerable to at least two critical cybersecurity risks” suggests that the majority of mobile healthcare applications face significant security challenges. These vulnerabilities could potentially expose sensitive patient information and compromise the integrity of the healthcare data stored within the apps. The presence of multiple critical cybersecurity risks indicates a pervasive issue across the mobile healthcare app landscape, highlighting the urgent need for developers and healthcare organizations to prioritize and enhance their cybersecurity measures to safeguard patient data and ensure the security and privacy of healthcare information.

References

0. – https://www.www.fortifiedhealthsecurity.com

1. – https://www.www.infosecurity-magazine.com

2. – https://www.www.businessinsider.com

3. – https://www.www.intsights.com

4. – https://www.www.fool.com

5. – https://www.www.beckershospitalreview.com

6. – https://www.www.cyberark.com

7. – https://www.www.verizon.com

8. – https://www.securityboulevard.com

9. – https://www.www.ponemon.org

10. – https://www.digitalguardian.com

11. – https://www.www.optimusinfo.com

12. – https://www.www.itproportal.com

13. – https://www.www.healthcareitnews.com

14. – https://www.www.himss.org

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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