Why Your Healthcare Emergency Plan Needs Cybersecurity

Healthcare had more cyber threats than any other critical infrastructure industry, according to the 2024 Internet Crime Report published by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  

Health organizations are particularly susceptible to cyber-attacks, including ransomware and data breaches, due to their sensitive and valuable patient information, potentially limited resources, outdated software, and the need to interface with specialized medical technologies.  

Attacks on health care systems have caused major disruptions to patient care, as well as massive financial losses.  

Are you prepared?  

• Is cybersecurity included and properly ranked in your Hazard Vulnerability Analysis (HVA)? A low-priority rating may signal a disconnect between recognition and readiness. 

• Does your EOP expressly cover cyber incidents? If it’s identified in your HVA but missing from your EOP, that’s a major red flag. 

• Do you conduct cybersecurity drills or exercises? Tabletop or full-scale drills test coordination, communication, and decision-making before a real event occurs. 

Cyber threats escalate quickly, can lurk unseen, and often test the interface of IT, clinical operations, and decision-makers at the same time. If your current planning assumes “standard downtime,” or uses a generic all-hazards template without cyber specificity, you may find your plan doesn’t hold up in a real event.  

Healthcare Preparedness Solutions helps organizations prepare for and respond to cyber-attacks, building resilient, operationally ready systems personalized to your organization. To see how prepared your facility truly is, schedule a no-cost 30-minute consultation with one of our experts. We’ll review your HVA, EOP, and exercise program to identify gaps and create a tailored path forward.