Threat Management

Healthcare continues to be key ransomware target

Healthcare has been the second most targeted sector by ransomware attacks during the third quarter after the manufacturing industry, according to HealthITSecurity. Most attacks against healthcare between July and September have been attributed to Russian ransomware operation Everest, which is linked to the BlackByte ransomware group, as well as the BianLain and LockBit ransomware gangs, a GuidePoint Research report revealed. Even though organizations impacted by LockBit and Hive ransomware attacks declined by 53% during the third quarter, eight ransomware gangs were observed to have 62 more victims in October than in September, while LockBit continues to be a prolific operation despite the decline in activity. "While two of the biggest ransomware actors saw a combined 53 percent decrease in reported victims, the total victims published across GRITs dataset only decreased by 7.3 percent, indicating a major increase among the remaining ransomware organizations. If this shift continues, we may see a major increase in targeting from groups toward organizations impacting potential loss of life, such as Healthcare, Utilities, and Energy.

Get daily email updates

SC Media's daily must-read of the most current and pressing daily news

By clicking the Subscribe button below, you agree to SC Media Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.