Imagine entrusting your health information to a doctor, only to learn they’ve been hacked. A recent national survey paints a concerning picture: 83% of 1,300 physician practices surveyed have already experienced a cyberattack, exposing sensitive patient data and jeopardizing the very trust at the core of patient-doctor relationships. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to better support medical practices in defending against the ever-evolving threat of cyberattacks, particularly with 48% of these attacks stemming from viruses and malware.
The consequences of a cyberattack can be devastating for both patients and practices:
- Patients: Compromised data can lead to identity theft, medical fraud, and emotional distress.
- Practices: Breaches can result in hefty fines, reputational damage, operational disruptions, and even lawsuits.