By David DiMolfetta
A hotly debated flashpoint in the cybersecurity community is getting renewed attention as healthcare stakeholders work to rebound from a major ransomware attack that’s roiled the US health insurance market over the past month.
The Feb. 21 Change Healthcare ransomware attack carried out by the ALPHV/Blackcat hacking gang has delayed prescription fillings and led to cash crunches at clinics and other facilities. The American Healthcare Association said that 94 per cent of hospitals are signaling financial impact due to the incident, with some providers losing upwards of US$1 billion per day in revenues.
Change Healthcare reportedly made a US$22 million ransom payment to the hackers. Soon after, the cybercrime collective appeared to stage a fake takedown of their own site. But analysts expect the group to reemerge under a new name.
