5 Lessons Learned from the 2024 Healthcare Cyberattack, One Year Later

The 2024 Healthcare cyberattack was a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in handling sensitive healthcare data. One year after the incident, its implications remain significant for the healthcare industry and beyond. The industry was at a standstill, thus underscoring the need for robust cybersecurity measures and expedited recovery processes. Learning from this incident is critical for fortifying defenses against future attacks and restoring connection quickly.

What takeaways has the industry gathered one year later? Here are five lessons learned.

1.  Cybersecurity is No Longer Just an IT Issue

Gone are the days when safety and security was limited to an organization’s IT Manager. In today’s era of persistent threats, security should be a focus at every layer of an organization. To make this a reality, executives must take the lead in embedding a culture of security throughout their organization. Leadership drives culture, and the foundation of effective cybersecurity starts with a top-down approach.

Associates serve as the first line of defense against cyber threats. Company-wide initiatives, such as security awareness programs and executive endorsements of best practices, can significantly reduce risks. When an organization prioritizes cybersecurity, it sends a clear message of shared responsibility across all levels of the organization.

2. Disruptions are Often Longer and More Costly than Expected

The Change Healthcare cyberattack showcased the significant consequences of lost connections and extended downtimes. Of the millions affected, the disruptions were not only longer than initially anticipated, but also far more costly. The financial burden of recovery—ranging from system repairs to legal fees and potential regulatory fines—can quickly escalate. This means the loss of access to critical processes can be much more far-reaching than organizations initially account for. In 2023 alone, ransomware attacks caused nearly 19 days of downtime for healthcare organizations in the United States, which translated to over 14 billion U.S. dollars of monetary loss.

As the healthcare industry continues to navigate these challenges, the full scope of downtime costs is becoming all too clear, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures and proactive response strategies.

3. Compliance is Now a Standard Benchmark

The industry’s suggested compliance and regulatory framework from even a few years ago is now labeled outdated. Given the dynamic nature of healthcare safety and the sophistication of today’s cyber criminals, complete compliance should be a baseline, not a ceiling. Credentials like HITRUST certification and alignment with criteria set forth from Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission (EHNAC), for example, are no longer optional, but expected. As enhanced compliance measures are introduced, healthcare organizations should aim to implement certifications and best practices to improve their overall cybersecurity posture.

4. Communication Is Key During a Crisis

In the event of a crisis, swift, clear communication is necessary. Affected stakeholders should be notified of a security-related incident promptly that acknowledges the crisis and shows understanding for those affected. In today’s day and age, transparent and accurate information is also expected from the parties involved.

Cross collaboration is critical. The success of any defense strategy depends on partnerships between organizations, cybersecurity experts, and government agencies. Sharing threat intelligence and best practices within the healthcare industry strengthens collective resilience. These collaborative efforts can prevent isolated incidents from becoming widespread crises and the partnerships have effectively minimized risks, showcasing the value communication brings in enhancing resilience.

5.  Operational Recovery Requires Proactive Preparation

While proactive cybersecurity measures are essential for identifying and preventing potential threats, the reality of today’s healthcare environment demands that organizations also prepare for the inevitability of cyber incidents. February 2024’s attack came as a wake-up call to many in the industry and underscored the fact that a robust cyber safety program must also include reactive game plans. Organizations need to adopt comprehensive plans to anticipate and mitigate risks while also laying out the blueprint for quick recovery protocols.

These processes should be thoroughly tested and, additionally, strategies should be malleable and easily adaptable to the evolving, increasingly sophisticated nature of cyber threats. Of course, proactive tools like regular security assessments, penetration testing, and timely software updates are essential components of defense, but reactive cybersecurity measures focusing on response and recovery efforts are also incredibly vital.

Measures like Availity’s Rapid Recovery ensure that even when preventive strategies fail, healthcare organizations can limit the damage, recover quickly, and maintain continuity of care. Combining proactive defense measures with up-to-date, adaptable business continuity plans brings the ability to limit the severity of these kinds of attacks and will undoubtedly make for easier recovery.

Availity’s Security-first Mindset

The 2024 Healthcare cyberattack provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. Given the interconnected nature of healthcare, the industry can take these learnings and work together to ensure a safer industry for all. By learning from past incidents, healthcare organizations can build a safer, more resilient future. 

Click the button below to learn how we are addressing cyber security challenges through Availity’s Rapid Recovery framework.

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