The recent double cyberattack incident against Medgate, one of the leading telemedicine companies in Switzerland, highlights a major concern in the healthcare sector.
The seriousness of this situation lies in two essential aspects. Firstly, Medgate is a crucial player in healthcare delivery in Switzerland, with millions of consultations carried out each year. A cyberattack that disrupts its operation puts the health of many patients at risk, as some insurance models require prior contact with Medgate before consulting a doctor or going to the emergency room. Medgate paralysis can therefore have disastrous consequences for those who need medical attention.
Second, the security of medical infrastructure is a major concern. Healthcare systems need to be heavily digitized to improve services, but recent attacks highlight worrying security flaws. Failure to adequately protect medical data can lead to a loss of trust in digital health systems, which could ultimately hinder their adoption and harm the delivery of care.
It is imperative that technical and human measures are taken to protect health data. Raising awareness and training for those who manage this data is essential. Although progress has been made in the healthcare sector in recent years when it comes to cybersecurity, there is still much to be done to secure medical infrastructure.
Read the full article here.
