Every time I open my web browser, I am reading about more and more ransomware attacks. Yesterday, it was reported this week that 2 more hospitals were hacked. Of course, IT systems were frozen, and the hospital was forced to quickly fight off the attack.
Here’s the thing…after the attack at the Hollywood hospital in LA, and most likely even before, IT departments all over the country are saying “we need to make sure this doesn’t happen to us”. The problem is…this is VERY hard to defend. You need to be able to control the key strokes of your users, and let’s face it, that is one impossible task.
What can you do?
Well, that is the million dollar question. First off, the very second you see you have been hit, shut down your network to keep it from spreading. Second, make sure you have good backups and a disaster recovery plan in place. The quicker you act, the more successful you will be in fighting this virus. And lastly, educate your users. In your orientation, or HIPAA training, etc., add a section for “responsible use of the computer”, meaning that it may just be a 2 minute conversation about clicking on pop ups, or opening attachments. Explain “phishing” schemes and how they are designed to fool you. A little education can go a long way.
Unfortunately, this is the cyber world we live in. Do your best, and be prepared. I always say to not think “if” it happens, but “when” it happens. What would you do it you were hit today? How would you react? Don’t think about it after it happens, think about it before.
2 more hospitals were hacked
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