Global Cybersecurity Threat Report Q1 2024: Ransomware Attacks Shift Focus to Healthcare Sector

April 2024 – Worldwide

According to the new quarterly threat intelligence report published by SecureNet Global, ransomware campaigns have shifted their focus predominantly to the healthcare sector. In Q1 2024, 42% of reported ransomware incidents targeted hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions, a 27% increase from Q4 2023.

Experts attribute this trend to the critical nature of healthcare services, with attackers banking on the urgency to restore access quickly. The report notes that attackers are increasingly using double-extortion techniques, not only encrypting data but also threatening to leak sensitive patient information if ransom demands are not met.

Key Findings:

• Increased use of sophisticated ransomware strains tailored to evade detection.
• Exploitation of outdated medical devices and unpatched software vulnerabilities.
• Rise in insider threats, with ransomware actors recruiting or coercing healthcare employees.

The report urges healthcare organizations to strengthen endpoint detection, ensure timely patching of medical systems, and establish robust incident response plans to mitigate ransomware risks.