Emerging Cyber Risks & Threats in Healthcare Systems: A Case Study in Resilient Cybersecurity Solutions

The exponential growth of digitalisation in healthcare and the ongoing threat of cybersecurity breaches are significant and cast a shadow over the industry’s progress. As the cost of data breaches reaches unprecedented levels, reaching an average of US$10.93 million in 2023 alone, and the frequency of attacks escalates, evidenced by a staggering 60% increase in phishing incidents between 2022 and 2023 reported by Smarttech247, Healthcare infrastructure is at a critical intersection. In this paper, we address the complex relationship between harnessing the potential of digital systems to improve and combating the escalating risks posed by cyber threats. The cyberattack on the Irish Health Service Executive (HSE) in 2021 is a significant case study, demonstrating the severe consequences and vulnerabilities within healthcare systems by delving into the aftermath of this attack, notably, 82% of attacks primarily targeted hospitals, underscoring the urgency for robust defences. Through a comprehensive examination of cyber resilience and risk management strategies, the research navigates through securing healthcare cloud systems using the CIA model, emphasising confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Proactive monitoring via Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) is advocated for realtime anomaly detection and response. Disaster recovery strategies and vulnerability management further fortify healthcare systems against potential cyber threats. This study serves as a road map for healthcare organisations to mitigate cyber risks and bolster resilience in an increasingly digital healthcare landscape.