{"id":100238,"date":"2020-04-29T13:33:06","date_gmt":"2020-04-29T20:33:06","guid":{"rendered":"\/blogs\/?p=100238"},"modified":"2025-08-12T02:28:16","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T09:28:16","slug":"ransomware-attacks-cybercriminals-pinpointing-healthcare-organizations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/internet-security\/ransomware-attacks-cybercriminals-pinpointing-healthcare-organizations\/","title":{"rendered":"Ransomware Attacks: Cybercriminals Pinpointing Healthcare Organizations"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">No One is I<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">nvisible to<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Ransomware Attacks: <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">C<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ybercriminals Pinpointing H<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ealthcare Organizations<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\" data-wac-het=\"1\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\" data-wac-het=\"1\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In this challenging time, c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ybercriminals have\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">their eyes on\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">consumers<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and institutions alike.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Malicious groups have increased their targeting of hospitals and healthcare entities to take advantage of deepening resource strain.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many of these groups are using\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/en-us\/antivirus\/malware.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">ransomware attacks<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to compromise hospital systems<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, locking up patient records or vaccine research until\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a hefty ransom is paid. The requested\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">sum\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">usually a high value of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bitcoin or alternative cryptocurrencies<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">as these are\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/other-blogs\/mcafee-labs\/crypto-currency-laundering-service-bestmixer-io-taken-down-by-law-enforcement\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">typically more difficult to trace<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\" data-wac-het=\"1\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">However, unlike\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">with\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">old tax paperwork or\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">private\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">family photos, the impact of<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">los<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ing\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">or mass distributi<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ng patient records<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">could literally\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">mean<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0life or death<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0for those awaiting urgent care or diagnos<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">i<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bad<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0actors<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0count\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">on this urgency\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">to guarantee\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">that\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">their ransom is\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">met<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\" data-wac-het=\"1\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Be wary of old tactics with a new twist<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\" data-wac-het=\"1\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The tactics these cybercriminals use\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">can be a combination of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">traditional phishing<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">vulnerability exploitation<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Reportedly,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the WHO\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">has seen a\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcareitnews.com\/news\/cyberattacks-continue-mount-during-covid-19-pandemic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">twofold increase<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in phishing attacks by cybercriminals attempting to steal credentials.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">S<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ome<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0ransomware groups\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">have stated<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0they will avoid targeting hospitals\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">given\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">current strain on healthcare systems<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Still,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0claims<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0from criminal organizations<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">should<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">be taken with a<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0hefty<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0grain of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">salt.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\" data-wac-het=\"1\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Keep your security up to date<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\" data-wac-het=\"1\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In the meantime,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/enterprise\/en-us\/threat-center\/advanced-threat-research.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">M<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">cAfee Advanced Threat Research<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0closely monitoring\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">new threats that aim to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The team has<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/other-blogs\/mcafee-labs\/staying-safe-while-working-remotely\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">analyzed these threats based on geography<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and will continue to report\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">further findings.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0While these threats are not unexpected as cyber criminals always try to leverage large events to their advantage, it is disappointing to see at a time when the world needs to come together that there are those who have scant regard for the sense of community.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\" data-wac-het=\"1\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stay ahead of malicious t<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hreat<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\" data-wac-het=\"1\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Whether you\u2019re a healthcare professional<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">family provider<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">or both<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0here are some tips\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">that can help you stay ahead of malicious tactics be<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ing used to attack individuals and healthcare institutions<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\" data-wac-het=\"1\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Secure\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">your home network<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0by checking your device passwords<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and Wi-Fi password. Make sure your system and software are all up to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">date, and<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0take the time to perform pending updates.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\" data-wac-het=\"1\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Avoid\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">clicking on\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">emails<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and texts from\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">unknown senders. Be wary of any communication coming from \u201cofficial\u201d sources that encourage urgent actions on provided links or ask for your login credentials.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\" data-wac-het=\"1\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Check in often with family and friends and be their technical advisor if needed to help steer them away from social engineering or spammy phishing<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0 Back up your files regularly, and consider using a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/en-us\/safe-browser\/mcafee-webadvisor.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">free safe\u00a0 browser\u00a0 e<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">xtension<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0that can help steer you away from illegitimate sites.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\" data-wac-het=\"1\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Be sure to set up<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/en-us\/antivirus\/free.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">robust<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0security<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0on devices that may now be seeing a lot more online time.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\" data-wac-het=\"1\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Don\u2019t forget security for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mmsmcafee.onelink.me\/mcafeefree\/ransomware\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">your phone<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2013<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/consumer\/mobile-and-iot-security\/the-latest-mobile-scams-how-to-stay-safe\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">stay protected<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0from\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">malicious apps and<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">smishing<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\/vishing attempts.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To stay updated on all things\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/en-us\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">McAfee<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"auto\">and for more resources on staying secure from home, follow\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/McAfee_Home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">@McAfee_Home\u202f<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"auto\">on Twitter, listen to our podcast\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/geo.itunes.apple.com\/podcast\/us\/id1257232208?mt=2&amp;at=1010lbVy&amp;ct=mcafeehackable_GaryBlog_EndBlurb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Hackable?<\/span><\/i><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u202f and \u2018Like\u2019 us on\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/McAfee\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Facebook.<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>No One is Invisible to Ransomware Attacks: Cybercriminals Pinpointing Healthcare Organizations\u00a0 \u00a0In this challenging time, cybercriminals have\u00a0their eyes on\u00a0consumers\u00a0and institutions&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":674,"featured_media":95960,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10667,10661,13],"tags":[5220,4452,3969,4185,4549,6600],"coauthors":[3973],"class_list":["post-100238","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-security-news","category-internet-security","category-privacy-identity-protection","tag-cryptocurrency","tag-cybersecurity","tag-healthcare","tag-phishing","tag-ransomware","tag-ransomware-attacks"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.4 - 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Many of these groups are using ransomware attacks to compromise hospital systems, locking up patient records or vaccine research until a hefty ransom is paid.\u00a0\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Ransomware Attacks: Cybercriminals Pinpointing Healthcare Organizations | McAfee Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"No One is Invisible to Ransomware Attacks: Cybercriminals Pinpointing Healthcare Organizations\u00a0 \u00a0In this challenging time, cybercriminals have\u00a0their eyes \u00a0Malicious groups have increased their targeting of hospitals and healthcare entities to take advantage of deepening resource strain. 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