The Landscape of Cybersecurity and Technology in the U.S. Healthcare System

Abstract

This paper explores the escalating cybersecurity landscape and technology within the US healthcare sector, highlighting the rise in ransomware attacks and their profound impact on patient care, financial stability, and organizational reputation. The adoption of digital health solutions, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has expanded the attack surface, making healthcare a prime target for cybercriminals. Notable incidents, including breaches at Ascension Health Systems, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, and Change Healthcare, underscore the sector's vulnerability, with smaller healthcare providers being particularly at risk due to limited resources. The analysis utilizes data from the OCR Breach Portal, alongside academic and industry sources, to assess the frequency, scale, and nature of these breaches. Key mitigation strategies are discussed, including advanced security measures, strict access controls, comprehensive data backup procedures, and cybersecurity insurance. The paper also examines the regulatory consequences and legal challenges faced by healthcare organizations, emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach involving government support, compliance with HIPAA, and robust cybersecurity practices to safeguard sensitive healthcare data and ensure the continuity of critical services.