What 2025 Cybersecurity Reports Say About Attacks on Healthcare Systems

Table of Contents

• Overview of Cybersecurity Threats in Healthcare
• Key Threats Identified in 2025 Reports
• Impact of Cyberattacks on Healthcare Systems
• Common Vulnerabilities in Healthcare
• Mitigation Strategies for Healthcare Organizations
• Future Outlook for Healthcare Cybersecurity
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

Overview of Cybersecurity Threats in Healthcare

Healthcare organizations are under siege. According to 2025 reports, the sector faced 1,710 security incidents last year, with 1,542 confirmed data breaches, affecting millions of patients. The high value of medical data—think Social Security numbers, medical histories, and insurance details—makes healthcare a goldmine for hackers. Unlike other industries, healthcare’s critical role in saving lives means disruptions can have immediate, life-threatening consequences. Reports like the Health-ISAC 2025 Health Sector Cyber Threat Landscape and Verizon’s 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report highlight a surge in sophisticated attacks, driven by ransomware, phishing, and vulnerabilities in connected medical devices. These threats exploit the sector’s reliance on technology, from electronic health records (EHRs) to Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices like pacemakers and infusion pumps.

[](https://www.rubrik.com/insights/healthcare-cybersecurity-challenges-threats-2025)[](https://industrialcyber.co/reports/health-isacs-2025-health-sector-cyber-threat-landscape-report-warns-of-rising-ransomware-espionage-iomt-vulnerabilities/)

Key Threats Identified in 2025 Reports

Let’s break down the major cyber threats targeting healthcare in 2025, as outlined in recent reports:

• Ransomware Attacks: Ransomware, where hackers lock systems or data and demand payment to restore access, remains the top threat. In 2024, over 460 U.S. healthcare organizations were hit by groups like LockBit and ALPHV, causing delays in care and forcing some hospitals to revert to paper records. The Health-ISAC notes ransomware’s sophistication is increasing, with attackers targeting critical infrastructure for maximum disruption.
• [](https://www.rubrik.com/insights/healthcare-cybersecurity-challenges-threats-2025)[](https://industrialcyber.co/reports/health-isacs-2025-health-sector-cyber-threat-landscape-report-warns-of-rising-ransomware-espionage-iomt-vulnerabilities/)
• Phishing and Social Engineering: Phishing emails trick employees into revealing login credentials or clicking malicious links. The 2024 HIMSS Cybersecurity Survey reported 79 healthcare providers targeted by phishing, affecting up to 464,159 patients in a single incident. AI-driven phishing makes these emails harder to spot, as they mimic legitimate communication.
• [](https://www.rubrik.com/insights/healthcare-cybersecurity-challenges-threats-2025)[](https://healthtechmagazine.net/article/2025/01/healthcare-cybersecurity-threats-2025-perfcon)
• Third-Party Vendor Breaches: Vendors handling sensitive data are a weak link. A single vendor breach, like the 2024 Change Healthcare attack, exposed data of 190 million people. Lack of visibility into vendors’ security practices amplifies risks.
• [](https://www.nccgroup.com/us/the-top-5-cyber-security-concerns-for-the-healthcare-industry-in-2025-part-1/)[](https://www.aha.org/news/aha-cyber-intel/2025-04-03-3-must-know-cyber-and-risk-realities-whats-ahead-health-care-2025)
• IoMT Vulnerabilities: Connected medical devices, such as insulin pumps, are often built without robust security. A 2023 pacemaker hack showed how attackers can manipulate devices remotely, endangering lives. Over 68% of IoMT devices may remain unpatched by 2025.
• [](https://www.lepide.com/blog/rising-cybersecurity-threats-in-healthcare-for-2025/)
• Supply Chain Attacks: Attackers target suppliers to infiltrate healthcare networks. The 2024 blood supply ransomware attack disrupted label printing, affecting hospital operations.
• [](https://www.aha.org/news/aha-cyber-intel/2025-04-03-3-must-know-cyber-and-risk-realities-whats-ahead-health-care-2025)

Impact of Cyberattacks on Healthcare Systems

Cyberattacks don’t just steal data—they disrupt lives. Here’s how they affect healthcare:

[](https://www.techtarget.com/healthtechsecurity/news/366619250/Healthcare-cyberattacks-continue-to-escalate-in-2025) [](https://www.upguard.com/blog/biggest-data-breaches-in-healthcare) [](https://www.aha.org/news/aha-cyber-intel/2025-04-03-3-must-know-cyber-and-risk-realities-whats-ahead-health-care-2025) [](https://www.techtarget.com/healthtechsecurity/news/366619250/Healthcare-cyberattacks-continue-to-escalate-in-2025) [](https://www.upguard.com/blog/biggest-data-breaches-in-healthcare)

Common Vulnerabilities in Healthcare

Why is healthcare so vulnerable? Several factors create a perfect storm for cyberattacks:

• Legacy Systems: Many hospitals use outdated software or hardware, like systems over 15 years old, which lack modern security features. A 2023 U.K. hospital attack exploited such a system.
• [](https://www.lepide.com/blog/rising-cybersecurity-threats-in-healthcare-for-2025/)
• Underfunded IT Departments: 62% of healthcare IT staff report being unprepared for rising threats due to limited budgets and training.
• [](https://www.lepide.com/blog/rising-cybersecurity-threats-in-healthcare-for-2025/)
• Human Error: High-pressure environments make staff susceptible to phishing. Only 66% of organizations train employees regularly.
• [](https://www.huntress.com/blog/cybersecurity-threats-in-healthcare)
• Third-Party Risks: Vendors often have excessive access to systems, and breaches like OneTouchPoint’s show the ripple effects.
• [](https://www.upguard.com/blog/biggest-data-breaches-in-healthcare)
• IoMT Weaknesses: Medical devices often lack encryption or timely patches, creating easy entry points for hackers.
• [](https://cybelangel.com/healthcare-industry-guide-cyber/)

Mitigation Strategies for Healthcare Organizations

Healthcare organizations can fight back with practical, proactive measures:

• Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA requires multiple forms of verification, making it harder for hackers to use stolen credentials.
• [](https://www.huntress.com/blog/cybersecurity-threats-in-healthcare)
• Regular Cybersecurity Training: Educate staff on spotting phishing emails and safe browsing habits. Training every six months is ideal.
• [](https://www.huntress.com/blog/cybersecurity-threats-in-healthcare)
• Use Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): EDR tools monitor devices for suspicious activity, catching threats early.
• [](https://cybelangel.com/healthcare-industry-guide-cyber/)
• Patch Systems Regularly: Keep software and devices updated to close vulnerabilities.
• [](https://www.huntress.com/blog/cybersecurity-threats-in-healthcare)
• Adopt Zero-Trust Architecture: Verify every user and device, limiting access to only what’s needed.
• [](https://cybelangel.com/healthcare-industry-guide-cyber/)
• Vendor Risk Management: Include cybersecurity clauses in vendor contracts and monitor their systems continuously.
• [](https://www.nccgroup.com/us/the-top-5-cyber-security-concerns-for-the-healthcare-industry-in-2025-part-1/)
• Incident Response Plans: Develop and test plans to isolate breaches and restore systems quickly.
• [](https://www.nccgroup.com/us/the-top-5-cyber-security-concerns-for-the-healthcare-industry-in-2025-part-1/)
• Data Encryption: Encrypt all sensitive data to protect it, even if stolen.
• [](https://www.upguard.com/blog/biggest-data-breaches-in-healthcare)

Future Outlook for Healthcare Cybersecurity

The threat landscape will only grow more complex in 2025. AI-driven attacks, like advanced phishing, are a rising concern, with 87% of security professionals reporting AI-enhanced attacks in 2024. Supply chain and zero-day exploits—attacks on previously unknown vulnerabilities—are also expected to increase. On the positive side, healthcare is adopting AI to detect threats faster and sharing cyberthreat intelligence with government and private sectors, as seen in the “whole of nation” approach post-9/11. Proposed legislation, like the Healthcare Cybersecurity Improvement Act, could mandate stronger standards and provide grants to smaller hospitals. Staying ahead requires investment in modern systems, staff training, and collaboration across the sector.

[](https://www.aha.org/news/aha-cyber-intel/2025-04-03-3-must-know-cyber-and-risk-realities-whats-ahead-health-care-2025)[](https://www.forbes.com/sites/chuckbrooks/2025/04/05/key-cybersecurity-challenges-in-2025-trends-and-observations/)[](https://www.healthlawadvisor.com/recent-developments-in-health-care-cybersecurity-and-oversight-2024-wrap-up-and-2025-outlook)

Conclusion

The 2025 cybersecurity reports make it clear: healthcare is a top target for cybercriminals, with ransomware, phishing, and third-party breaches leading the charge. These attacks disrupt patient care, cost millions, and erode trust. Vulnerabilities like legacy systems, underfunded IT, and unsecured medical devices make the sector an easy mark, but solutions exist. By adopting MFA, regular training, EDR tools, and zero-trust principles, healthcare organizations can build stronger defenses. Looking ahead, embracing AI for threat detection and collaborating across industries will be key to staying resilient. Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a patient safety issue. Now is the time for healthcare leaders to act, ensuring systems and lives are protected in an increasingly digital world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a ransomware attack?

A ransomware attack locks a system or data, demanding payment to restore access. It’s a major threat to healthcare, disrupting critical operations.

Why is healthcare targeted by cybercriminals?

Healthcare holds valuable patient data, like medical histories and insurance details, which are lucrative on the black market.

What is phishing in cybersecurity?

Phishing involves fake emails or messages tricking users into sharing credentials or clicking malicious links, often targeting healthcare staff.

How do third-party vendors pose risks?

Vendors with access to healthcare systems can be breached, exposing patient data or allowing attackers into hospital networks.

What are IoMT devices?

Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices, like pacemakers or infusion pumps, connect to networks but often lack strong security.

How do cyberattacks affect patient care?

They can disable electronic health records, delay treatments, or divert ambulances, putting patients at risk.

What is a legacy system?

A legacy system is outdated software or hardware still in use, often lacking modern security and vulnerable to attacks.

How much do cyberattacks cost healthcare?

The average cost of a major attack in 2024 was $4.7 million, including ransom payments, recovery, and fines.

What is multi-factor authentication (MFA)?

MFA requires multiple verification methods, like a password and a phone code, to secure accounts.

Why are medical devices vulnerable?

Many lack encryption or timely updates, making them easy targets for hackers to manipulate or access networks.

What is a zero-trust architecture?

Zero-trust assumes no user or device is automatically trusted, requiring verification for all access to systems.

How can training help prevent cyberattacks?

Regular training teaches staff to spot phishing, manage passwords, and report suspicious activity, reducing human error.

What is endpoint detection and response (EDR)?

EDR tools monitor devices for threats, detecting and responding to suspicious activity to limit damage.

Why are supply chain attacks a concern?

Attackers target suppliers to infiltrate healthcare networks, as seen in the 2024 blood supply ransomware attack.

How does AI impact cybersecurity?

AI enhances phishing attacks but also helps detect threats faster when used by healthcare organizations.

What is the Healthcare Cybersecurity Improvement Act?

It’s a proposed bill to set cybersecurity standards for hospitals and offer grants to improve defenses.

How can encryption protect healthcare data?

Encryption scrambles data, making it unreadable to hackers even if stolen, ensuring patient privacy.

What is a data breach?

A data breach occurs when unauthorized individuals access or steal sensitive information, like patient records.

How do HIPAA violations relate to cyberattacks?

Breaches due to poor security can violate HIPAA, leading to fines, as seen with Advocate Health Care’s $5.55 million penalty.

What can patients do to protect their data?

Patients should monitor accounts, use strong passwords, and report suspicious activity to their healthcare provider.