The State of Cybersecurity in Swiss Hospitals
The digital transformation has revolutionized the healthcare sector but has also introduced significant cybersecurity risks. Swiss hospitals are increasingly becoming targets for cybercriminals, underscoring the need for robust security measures.
Specific Risks in the Healthcare Sector
Hospitals are attractive targets for cyberattacks due to the sensitivity and value of their data. The primary threats include:
• Ransomware Attacks:
Malicious software encrypts data to extort ransom payments. These attacks can severely disrupt hospital operations and compromise patient safety.
• Phishing:
Deceptive emails trick employees into disclosing sensitive information or downloading malware. This can lead to unauthorized access to internal systems.
• Attacks on Networked Medical Devices:
Increasing connectivity expands the attack surface, as vulnerabilities in medical devices can be exploited to gain access to hospital networks.
• Data Breaches:
Unauthorized access to patient data can result in privacy violations with legal and reputational consequences.
Notable Cyberattacks on Swiss Hospitals
In recent years, several Swiss healthcare institutions have fallen victim to cyberattacks:
• Wetzikon Hospital (2019):
The hospital was infected with the “Emotet” trojan through a fake email, which spread through the network and downloaded additional malware. This significantly disrupted operations.
• Psychiatry Baselland (2024):
The institution was targeted by a hacker attack that disrupted operations and highlighted the need for stronger security measures.
• Swiss Hospital Association H+ (2022):
The association’s servers were attacked in a large-scale cyberattack, leading to a server shutdown and the deployment of a crisis team.
Recommendations for Improving Cybersecurity
Given the growing threat landscape, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has published recommendations for the healthcare sector:
• Patch and Lifecycle Management:
Security updates must be applied consistently and promptly to close known vulnerabilities.
• Email Security:
Dangerous email attachments should be blocked, and macro execution in Office documents should be disabled to prevent phishing attacks.
• Securing Remote Access:
Remote access must be protected with strong authentication mechanisms, such as two-factor authentication.
• Offline Backups:
Regular backups should be created and stored offline to enable recovery in the event of an attack.
• Employee Awareness:
Staff training on recognizing cyber threats and using digital tools safely is essential.
Conclusion
The rise in cyberattacks on Swiss hospitals highlights the urgency of integrating cybersecurity as a core component of healthcare operations. By implementing these recommended measures, hospitals can significantly enhance their resilience to cyber threats and safeguard patient safety.
Here are the sources used for the blog post on cybersecurity in Swiss hospitals:
1. Computerworld Switzerland – Cyberattacks on Swiss Hospitals Have Increased Dramatically
2. Zurich Insurance – Cybersecurity in Hospitals
3. Medinside – Cybersecurity in Hospitals: Why Ethical Hackers Are Becoming More Important
4. Inside IT – Hacker Attack on the Swiss Hospital Association H+
5. National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – Recommendations for Cybersecurity in the Healthcare Sector