Cyber-armour for a healthcare industry under attack

May 2024 Information Security, Healthcare (Industry)


Armand Kruger.

In the wake of recent large-scale ransomware attacks targeting the healthcare sector, the vulnerabilities within the industry are starkly evident. Malicious actors have exploited compromised credentials, a clear and present danger when healthcare providers' reliance on remote access software allows adversaries to disguise themselves as legitimate users and gain unauthorised access to critical environments.

A prime example is the breach at UnitedHealth, where compromised credentials were abused to infiltrate Internet-facing remote access services. South African healthcare organisations are not immune and, similarly, need proactive measures to enhance cybersecurity posture and mitigate the risk of ransomware attacks.

Collaborate for greater safety

These escalating cyber-threats necessitate urgent collaborative efforts between government agencies, private organisations, cybersecurity experts, policymakers, and industry leaders. These players must prioritise investments and initiatives aimed at safeguarding patient, provider and insurer data and infrastructure.

Implementing a ruthless privileged access model and engaging competent managed security providers (MSPs) with razor-like precision in removing adversaries' access are critical steps in mitigating these risks. Sharing knowledge and lessons learned from past breaches is also vital for proactive threat anticipation and containment.

Proactive measures for enhancement

There are some critical steps healthcare players can take today to fortify cybersecurity defences. NEC XON employs Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) to monitor customer environments from the adversary's perspective, promptly resetting compromised credentials and removing Internet-facing systems to limit exposure. Our Managed Detection and Response (MDR) team monitors internal anomalies and traces them back to their source, enhancing our ability to counter evolving threats. Here is a specific list of the tactics NEC XON teams employ in protecting customer systems:

• Minimise external exposure: Only expose systems, applications, or services to the Internet if absolutely necessary. Remove any unnecessary Internet-facing elements from your infrastructure to reduce the attack surface.

• Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Ensure that all Internet-facing systems, applications, and services have MFA enabled. This includes requiring MFA for third-party contractors, suppliers, and vendors accessing your network.

• Enforce MFA for internal logins: Implement MFA for all internal application logins to limit the ability of attackers to pivot within the environment. This includes custom applications such as electronic medical record (EMR) systems, network devices, databases, ERP systems, payroll systems, backup systems, ordering systems, and payment processing systems.

• Adopt a strict privileged access model: Reduce privileged access roles to limit lateral movement opportunities for adversaries. Implementing a strict privileged access model helps mitigate the risk of unauthorised access and reduces the blast radius in the event of a breach.

• Deploy Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Solutions: Ensure all servers and workstations have fully functional EDR solutions installed to detect abnormal activities. Modern adversaries are adept at blending in with legitimate IT professionals, making detection challenging. EDR solutions help identify and respond to suspicious behaviour promptly.

• Establish robust backup processes: Implement a robust and isolated backup process that includes key systems such as Active Directory, EMR systems, and other line of business (LOB) solutions. Regularly test backup restoration procedures to ensure data integrity and minimise downtime in the event of a ransomware attack.

• Engage a competent managed security provider (MSP): Partner with a competent MSP that understands and studies modern adversaries, their tactics, techniques, and procedures. An MSP focused on continuous threat detection and removal can enhance your organisation's cybersecurity posture and response capabilities.

Proactive measures, collaboration, and investments in cybersecurity are imperative to safeguard South Africa's healthcare sector against cyber threats. Patient data safety is non-negotiable–direct damage to involved parties is potentially huge, and indirect reputational damage is almost impossible to restore once the genie is out of the proverbial bottle.


Credit(s)




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Managed security solutions for organisations of all sizes
Information Security
Cyberattackers have become significantly more sophisticated and determined, targeting businesses of all sizes. PwC’s Global Digital Trust Insights Survey 2025 Africa and South Africa highlights the urgent need for organisations to implement robust cyber risk mitigation strategies.

Read more...
Multiple IoT devices targeted
Information Security Residential Estate (Industry)
Mirai remains one of the top threats to IoT in 2025 due to widespread exploitation of weak login credentials and unpatched vulnerabilities, enabling large-scale botnets for DDoS attacks, data theft and other malicious activities.

Read more...
Local-first data security is South Africa's new digital fortress
Infrastructure Information Security
With many global conversations taking place about data security and privacy, a distinct and powerful message is emerging from South Africa: the critical importance of a 'local first' approach to data security.

Read more...
Sophos launches advisory services to deliver proactive cybersecurity resilience
Information Security News & Events
Sophos has launched a suite of penetration testing and application security services, designed to identify gaps in organisations’ security programs, which is informed by Sophos X-Ops Threat Intelligence and delivered by world-class experts.

Read more...
Kaspersky highlights biometric and signature risks
Information Security News & Events
AI has elevated phishing into a highly personalised threat. Large language models enable attackers to craft convincing emails, messages and websites that mimic legitimate sources, eliminating grammatical errors that once exposed scams.

Read more...
Software security is a team sport
Information Security Infrastructure
Building and maintaining secure software is not a one-team effort; it requires the collective strength and collaboration of security, engineering, and operations teams.

Read more...
Stronger cloud protection
Kaspersky Information Security Products & Solutions
Kaspersky has announced the release of an enhanced version of its Kaspersky Cloud Workload Security, delivering advanced protection for hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

Read more...
AttackIQ enters South Africa with key appointment
Information Security News & Events
AttackIQ, a provider of continuous security validation and exposure management, has announced its entry into the South African market with the appointment of Luke Cifarelli as its country manager.

Read more...
Managed security solutions for organisations of all sizes
Information Security News & Events
Cyber attackers have become significantly more sophisticated and determined, targeting businesses of all sizes. PwC’s Global Digital Trust Insights Survey 2025 Africa and South Africa highlights the urgent need for organisations to implement robust cyber risk mitigation strategies.

Read more...
Data resilience at VeeamON
Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions Infrastructure Information Security
SMART Security Solutions attended the VeeamON Tour in Johannesburg in August to learn more about data resilience and Veeam’s initiatives to enhance data protection, both on-site and in the cloud.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.