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However , this transformation has also generated a growing concern : cybersecurity . As healthcare systems become more dependent on technology , the risks of cyberattacks that can severely affect patient safety and the integrity of medical data also increase .

The challenges of making the sector more secure are numerous , including the lack of formal cybersecurity training among healthcare professionals . Doctors , nurses , radiology technicians and other specialists are trained to care for patients , not to protect IT systems .

However , the current reality demands that they play an active role in defending against cyberthreats . For example , they should take steps to make it harder for cybercriminals to enter the systems by not sharing their passwords with others and being alert to the slightest sign of a possible attack .

This does not refer only to protecting routers and computers . Medical equipment , such as anesthesia machines , infusion pumps , point-of-care systems and MRI machines , are also vulnerable to cyberattacks . A successful attack on these devices can put patients ’ lives at risk . Therefore , it is imperative that healthcare professionals are aware of the risks and are trained to take preventive measures .

In Brazil , several cases of invasions have been reported , causing systemic instability and complete digital environment disruption in healthcare companies due to attacks and data hijacking . The attacks were mostly ransomware , with hackers entering peripherals and then critical systems and confidential data .

In June this year , a hospital in Idaho ( United States ) suffered a cyberattack that forced ambulances to divert to other health centers for over 24 hours . The Idaho Falls Community Hospital , with 88 beds , had its computers compromised , leading doctors and nurses to use manual methods , such as pen and paper , to keep patient records .

Although the hospital was still treating the sick , employees were struggling to fully restore the affected systems . This incident highlights the challenges healthcare companies face worldwide and the damage invasions can cause .

Any breach in systems can result in severe consequences , from compromising patient privacy to the actual risk of injury or death . Healthcare systems store highly sensitive information , such as medical records , insurance details , personal data and even details of surgical procedures .

The recommendation is to be aware of the following risks and dangers related to online data and systems :

Data leakage : The leakage of health information can lead to fraud , identity theft and even blackmail . Medical data is valuable on the market .

Ransomware : Hospitals and clinics can be targets of ransomware attacks , where critical systems are

Guilherme Araújo , Services Director , Blockbit

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