Several healthcare organizations are dealing with ransomware incidents today.
On Tuesday, March 12, Databreaches.net reported on multiple cases. One of the incidents involves Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth (DGS), which provides mental health services.
According to databreaches.net, the mental health provider recently, “had become the victim of a ransomware attack that had locked up the patient records. Those records contained personal information, such as name, address, birth date, social security number, and medical information.”
In a letter, DGS said that it had paid a ransom to get access restored to its files but did not disclose how much it paid.
“I understand why an organization would feel the need to pay a ransom but doing so increases the likelihood of more ransomware attacks. A good backup strategy for important files and rapid response to the infection can eliminate the need to pay,” says Mike Simon, Chief Technology Officer at Critical Insight.
Critical Insight created a cyber security solution designed for healthcare environments called authentic Managed Detection and Response (MDR).
There is nothing that will stop ransomware from getting into a system, but MDR can manage the risk and limit damage.
When ransomware gets into a network, several things happen. It establishes communication with a command and control server, and it begins to read and re-write important files. Critical Insight analysts can see that communication happening quickly and will begin working with your team to stop the ransomware. Quick detection and response can stop the ransomware from becoming more entrenched in a network.
If you’re interested in learning more about how authentic MDR can help fight ransomware attacks, send us an email.