Healthcare Phishing

More than any other time, and possibly any other industry, healthcare organizations are facing the growing threat of cyberattacks. Among these attacks, phishing stands out as one of the most common and dangerous methods used by cybercriminals.

Specifically, healthcare phishing is a form of social engineering where attackers trick healthcare professionals or employees into revealing sensitive information. Whether it’s login credentials, patient data, or other confidential information, these attacks can have devastating consequences for healthcare organizations.

In this informative and helpful guide, we’re diving into healthcare phishing, including how it works and real-world examples with consequences. You’ll also learn how to recognize phishing attempts  and the steps your organization can take to prevent these attacks.

Understanding Healthcare Phishing

Healthcare phishing refers to fraudulent attempts to acquire sensitive information such as login credentials, financial data, or healthcare records by impersonating a trusted entity within the healthcare system. The attackers often use email, phone calls, or even text messages to deceive recipients into taking actions that will give the attackers access to critical data.

These phishing attacks can have severe consequences for healthcare cybersecurity because health organizations deal with highly sensitive information that is a prime target for cybercriminals. The personal health information (PHI) of patients is often more valuable on the dark web than financial data because it can be used for identity theft, fraud, or even medical scams. Healthcare phishing, therefore, isn’t just a technical issue; it is a matter of patient safety, trust, and privacy.

How Do Phishing Attacks Work in Healthcare?

Phishing attacks in healthcare typically follow one of several forms. The most common is email phishing, where an attacker sends a seemingly legitimate email to an employee of a healthcare organization. These emails often look like they come from reputable sources, such as other healthcare providers, vendors, or internal departments, making it easy for recipients to fall for them.

The email may include a link or attachment that, when clicked, either installs malicious software (malware) or leads to a fraudulent website designed to steal the recipient’s login credentials or other sensitive information. In some cases, attackers might use phone calls, called vishing, or text messages, smishing, to trick recipients into divulging personal data.

Because healthcare employees are often tasked with handling sensitive medical records, billing information, or personal identification numbers, the attackers may specifically target employees with access to critical systems and data. This makes healthcare phishing particularly dangerous, as it can lead to massive breaches of sensitive patient information, making it a prime target for malicious actors.

Real-World Examples of Healthcare Cyberattacks

While phishing attacks have been a threat across all industries, the healthcare sector has been especially hard hit. Here are some real-world examples of how cyberattacks, including healthcare phishing, have led to significant data breaches.

Anthem Inc. Data Breach 

One of the most well-known healthcare data breaches caused by phishing was the Anthem data breach in 2015. In this case, attackers used a phishing email to gain access to an employee’s credentials, which eventually led to unauthorized access to a vast database containing sensitive information about over 78 million individuals. The breach resulted in the theft of names, birthdays, social security numbers, and other personal information. The total cost of the breach was estimated to be over $100 million, including fines, legal fees, and costs associated with identity protection services for the affected individuals.

Brooklyn Hospital Center 

In 2019, Brooklyn Hospital Center fell victim to an attack that compromised the personal health information of more than 26,000 patients. The attackers were able to place malware on a hospital server and compromise sensitive patient data, including medical records, some of which were unrecoverable. This incident highlighted the risks of cyberattacks within healthcare organizations, underscoring the importance of robust email security and staff training to prevent such attacks.

Change Healthcare

In 2024, Change Healthcare, Inc., a leading healthcare technology company, experienced a significant data breach when cybercriminals gained unauthorized access to the company’s network. The breach affected sensitive patient and financial data, including personal health information (PHI), billing details, and insurance data. Change Healthcare promptly detected the attack and initiated a response to secure its systems, but the breach still impacted a substantial number of individuals.

Recognizing a Healthcare Phishing Attempt

Recognizing a phishing attempt is the first line of defense against healthcare phishing. Phishing emails or messages are often well-crafted and can be difficult to distinguish from legitimate communications. But there are several warning signs that can help you identify a phishing attempt before it becomes a data breach.

Suspicious Email Addresses or Domains

Phishing emails often come from email addresses that look similar to legitimate ones but have slight differences. For example, a phishing email might come from “support@healthcareprovider.com” when the actual email address of your organization is “support@healthcareprovider.org”. Look closely at the email sender’s address and any subtle typos or variations in the domain name.

Urgent or Threatening Language

Many phishing emails use urgent or threatening language to pressure recipients into acting quickly. For instance, you might receive an email stating that your account has been compromised and that you must click a link immediately to avoid losing access to important systems or patient data. This sense of urgency is designed to create a sense of panic and increase the likelihood that you will click on a malicious link.

Unexpected Attachments or Links

Phishing emails often contain unexpected attachments or links. If you weren’t expecting a file from the sender, or if the link looks unusual, be cautious. Hover over the link (without clicking) to check if it directs you to a legitimate website. Phishing attempts may lead to a fake website that looks very similar to your healthcare organization’s real site but is designed to steal your credentials.

Spelling and Grammar Mistakes

While not always the case, many phishing emails contain noticeable spelling and grammar mistakes. If you notice any errors in a professional email, it may be a sign that the message is fraudulent. Trust your instincts, and when in doubt, verify the email with the supposed sender via another method.

Steps Healthcare Organizations Can Take to Prevent Phishing Attacks

Preventing healthcare phishing attacks requires a multi-layered approach that involves both technological solutions and employee education. Below are key steps healthcare organizations can take to protect themselves from the risks posed by phishing.

1. Educate Employees About Phishing Risks

Employee education is the most effective way to prevent healthcare phishing. Organizations should regularly train staff members on how to recognize phishing emails, as well as the appropriate steps to take if they suspect an attack. Phishing awareness programs should be a part of onboarding and should be refreshed periodically. Real-life examples and simulated phishing exercises can help employees recognize the telltale signs of a phishing attempt.

2. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Even if a cybercriminal successfully obtains login credentials, multi-factor authentication can help prevent unauthorized access. MFA requires users to provide an additional piece of information — such as a code sent to their phone or a fingerprint scan — before they can access critical systems. This added layer of security makes it much harder for attackers to exploit stolen credentials.

3. Use Email Filtering and Security Tools

Many phishing attacks are launched via email, so healthcare organizations should invest in advanced email security solutions that can filter out suspicious emails before they even reach employees’ inboxes. These solutions can identify potential phishing emails by analyzing factors such as sender reputation, email content, and link behavior. Anti-phishing tools can also flag attachments that may contain malicious code or malware.

4. Monitor Network Traffic for Unusual Activity

Healthcare organizations should constantly monitor their networks for unusual activity. This includes tracking login attempts, especially from unfamiliar locations or devices. If a user’s credentials are compromised, monitoring tools can alert IT staff to suspicious activity, allowing them to respond quickly and prevent further damage.

5. Establish Clear Incident Response Plans

Despite best efforts to prevent phishing attacks, they may still occur. Having a well-established incident response plan in place is crucial for minimizing the damage caused by a breach. This plan should outline steps for containing the breach, notifying affected individuals, and working with legal and regulatory authorities. The quicker an organization can identify and contain a phishing attack, the less harm it will cause.

Keeping Your Data — and Organization — Secure

Healthcare phishing is a growing threat that can have disastrous consequences for both healthcare organizations and their patients. But with the right precautions, it is possible to reduce the risk of falling victim to these types of attacks. By educating employees, implementing strong security measures like multi-factor authentication, using advanced email filters, and having an incident response plan in place, healthcare organizations can significantly reduce their chances of being compromised. In an industry where the security of patient data is paramount, preventing healthcare phishing should be a top priority for every healthcare provider.

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