At this point, everyone knows that when it comes to modern businesses, there’s a major need for cybersecurity because hackers want access to personal information, credit card info, passwords, emails, and the list can go on and on. So, there’s a give there, but why medical records?
Technically, this has always been something that needed to be highly protected, even before the first computer existed. While movies portrayed medical records in a filing cabinet, that’s not actually true, and usually, they were put into rooms with multiple locks and authorization (similar to how banks have a safe). But why are these so sought after?
Well, just picture this: you’re sitting in a hospital, stressed about your health, or waiting for test results. The last thing on your mind is someone lurking in the digital shadows, trying to hack into the system to steal your personal details. When it comes to companies like 23andMe, since there was a data breach in 2023, a lot of people are uneasy about what organizations (health insurance included) have this important info. It feels surreal, right? But this is the reality for hospitals and medical centres worldwide.
Well, hackers absolutely love targeting healthcare facilities. Why? Because they hold treasure troves of information. Just think about it, patient records are stuffed with juicy data like your name, address, medical history, social security number, and insurance details. It’s not just valuable, it’s ridiculously valuable. These records are more sought-after than credit card numbers, and it’s easy to see why.
So, what makes medical facilities such a hot target?
Why Patient Records Are Worth More Than Gold
Okay, so just go ahead and think about everything your doctor knows about you. It’s not just about your health. Your medical record is like a cheat sheet for anyone looking to steal your identity. It’s got your date of birth, address, insurance details, and even financial information. For cybercriminals, this is the ultimate jackpot. No, really, it actually is!
Unlike a stolen credit card, which can be cancelled in minutes, your medical information is permanent. Hackers can sell it on the dark web for a hefty price or use it to commit fraud for years. Just think about it; fake insurance claims, prescription drug scams, and even blackmail are just a few of the ways stolen medical data can be exploited. Plus, there’s the fear of health insurance and even life insurance companies getting a hold of this info so premiums can go up.
Well, like what was mentioned earlier, this isn’t new, either. Even before computers, patient records were highly coveted. Thieves would break into clinics to steal files from dusty cabinets. Why? Because those records held financial, legal, and personal power. Today, things are much more sophisticated, but the motives remain the same.
Who’s After These Files?
It’s not just your average hacker tapping away on a laptop. There are plenty of players interested in medical records, each with their own shady reasons. For starters, criminal organisations are the biggest culprits. They steal records and sell them to the highest bidder, often on the dark web. Insurance fraud is a massive moneymaker, and medical records provide everything needed to pull it off.
But then there are ransomware groups. These cyber gangs target hospitals, lock up their systems, and demand payment to restore access. The stakes are high, hospitals need their systems to save lives, so many feel they have no choice but to pay.
But even state-sponsored hackers have been known to target medical facilities (it’s rare so don’t immediately assume this is common). They’re usually after data on high-profile individuals for intelligence purposes (politicians). And yes, as scary as it is to think about, there are also disgruntled employees or contractors who abuse their access for personal gain.
Why Medical Facilities Are Easy Pickings

Hackers know a good opportunity when they see one, and sadly, healthcare facilities often make for easy targets. In fact, many hospitals still rely on outdated systems that are no match for modern cyber threats. So, just go ahead and imagine using a flimsy padlock to secure a treasure chest, it’s bound to get broken into.
But adding to the issue is how healthcare staff are usually stretched thin. Usually, security training often takes a back seat when there are more urgent priorities, like saving lives. It’s not that hospitals don’t care; it’s that they’re juggling so many responsibilities at once.
You’re definitely going to see this is small rural areas where they’re just lacking the resources, unlike their urban counterparts. But believe it or not, telemedicine has also opened new doors for cybercriminals. It’s wild to think since this is still a newer concept, but virtual consultations are incredibly convenient for patients, and they also create more digital entry points for hackers.
So, protecting this data requires advanced tools like EMR software and robust security protocols. Overall, these tools are designed to make patient care seamless while keeping sensitive information out of the wrong hands. Of course hackers can always find other ways, but this is a great solution for now.
The Historic Appeal of Medical Records
So, it was mentioned already, but the obsession with medical records goes back a long way. Before the digital age, thieves would physically break into clinics to swipe patient files (it’s shown in plenty of movies). So, these records were packed with valuable details that could be used for fraud or blackmail.
Fast forward to today, and the demand has only increased. The move to digital systems has made accessing medical records easier than ever—for both authorised users and cyber criminals. But at the same time, this is the best way to protect medical records too if you think about it.
The Cost of a Breach
When a hospital gets hacked, the damage goes beyond just the stolen records. Actually, patients lose trust in the facility, and restoring that trust isn’t easy. There’s also the financial fallout too, usually, hospitals can face hefty fines for not protecting their data, and paying off ransomware demands can cripple their budgets.
This has happened with massive companies and there has been backlash, like 23andMe, just as an example. Overall, it can be stressful on you as the patient/ consumer, right?