Fortified Health Security, a leading managed security services provider specializing in healthcare cybersecurity, recently unveiled the 2025 Horizon Report. This semiannual publication offers valuable insights, trends, guidance, and solutions for healthcare organizations to enhance their cybersecurity measures.
Since 2017, the Horizon Report has been a trusted resource for healthcare professionals, leveraging data from the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The 2025 edition features contributions from experts like Paul Connelly, a renowned cybersecurity specialist. These insights address critical issues such as budget constraints, talent shortages, the impact of AI in healthcare settings, the evolving nature of cyber threats, and the importance of managing third-party risks.
Dan Dodson, the CEO of Fortified, emphasized the challenges that lie ahead for the healthcare sector in 2025. He highlighted the increasing frequency of cyberattacks, regulatory mandates, the continued integration of AI, and financial constraints as key hurdles to overcome. Dodson emphasized the necessity of collaboration to effectively mitigate cybersecurity risks, stressing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to these complex challenges.
The 2025 Horizon Report also sheds light on significant data breach statistics, building upon findings from Fortified’s previous mid-year report. Key takeaways include:
– A 9% increase in the total number of patient records exposed in 2024, reaching 183 million.
– While Business Associates accounted for a smaller share of cyberattacks in 2024, they were responsible for 67% of the total patient records exposed.
– Healthcare Clearing Houses experienced a staggering 2,000% surge in cyberattacks, underscoring the vulnerabilities faced by entities managing vast amounts of patient data.
– Network servers remained the primary target for breaches, with phishing attacks increasing by 18% in 2024.
Dodson acknowledged that 2024 was a particularly challenging year for cybersecurity in healthcare, pointing to high-profile breaches like the one affecting Change Healthcare as a wake-up call for the industry. The Horizon Report aims to provide a roadmap for healthcare organizations by offering expert insights and best practices to bolster cyber resilience in the face of evolving threats.
Healthcare professionals can access the full report for detailed insights and recommendations to enhance their cybersecurity strategies. Fortified continues to be at the forefront of healthcare cybersecurity, guiding organizations to protect patient data and mitigate risk effectively. With a team of industry-recognized experts, Fortified offers tailored cybersecurity programs that leverage existing security investments while implementing innovative solutions to enhance overall security posture.
As Healthcare’s Cybersecurity Partner®, Fortified remains committed to reducing cyber risk and safeguarding patient data across the healthcare ecosystem. By delivering personalized, high-touch engagements and tailored security solutions, Fortified empowers healthcare organizations to proactively address cybersecurity challenges and diminish the likelihood of cyber incidents. To learn more about Fortified Health Security and its comprehensive cybersecurity services, visit www.fortifiedhealthsecurity.com.