HealthcareInfoSecurity Turns to Jason G. Weiss for Insight on Healthcare Ransomware Attacks

Based on a report from security firm Mandiant, HealthcareInfoSecurity reported that a threat actor group called FIN12 has been behind “prolific ransomware attacks” dating back to at least Oct. 2018. Privacy, cybersecurity and data strategy counsel Jason G. Weiss discusses the impact on the healthcare industry and other attack trends.

Healthcare facilities are still a top target of ransomware attacks since they provide lifesaving services to their patients, “which means they can’t afford to have their facilities go offline due to a cyberattack and may be more amenable to paying a ransom quickly to ensure the safety of human life,” said Weiss.

Weiss further explained that ransomware-as-a-service is a dangerous trend in the ransomware wars and is likely to cause an increase in the frequency and number of ransomware attacks. “We have also seen an explosion of ransomware attacks against entities outside of healthcare, such as government websites, schools, universities and even local municipalities,” he noted.

In conclusion, Weiss stated, “In short, the ransomware wars are entering a new and dangerous expansion that will only continue so long as these cyberthreat actors continue to make significant ransoms.”