Managed IT Services Tip – Cyberattacks on the rise

Posted by admin On November 3rd, 2015

Managed IT Services Tip: Cyberattacks on the Rise in Hampton Roads

Healthcare Providers Face Growing Cybersecurity Threats

Cybercriminals are becoming smarter, faster, and more organized- putting healthcare providers and small businesses at higher risk than ever before. From phishing emails to ransomware, attacks targeting medical practices in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk continue to rise in frequency and cost.

At Computer Networks, Inc., our Managed IT Services protect healthcare organizations and small businesses from these threats. We identify vulnerabilities before attackers do, implement robust cybersecurity protocols, and ensure your systems meet HIPAA compliance standards.

If you want to uncover hidden risks within your network, call our office at (757) 333-3200 ext. 200 to schedule a Free Cybersecurity Audit. Our expert team will perform a complete evaluation and provide a customized “Report of Findings” to help you strengthen your defenses.

Cyberattacks on Healthcare Systems Continue to Increase

A report from the HIPAA Journal, based on an Accenture study, predicted that cyberattacks on healthcare organizations will cost the U.S. healthcare system over $300 billion in the next five years and affect nearly 25 million patients. The study also estimated that 1 in every 13 patients could have their medical identities stolen and used for fraud.

Unlike stolen credit card data, victims of medical identity theft often face limited options for recovery and may end up paying the costs themselves. Stolen patient data is highly valuable, as criminals can use it to file fraudulent insurance claims, obtain prescription drugs, or create false medical records.

According to Accenture’s findings:

  • Approximately 1.6 million patients were affected by healthcare data breaches in 2014.

  • Over the next five years, 6 million patients are expected to experience medical identity theft.

  • 16% of breach victims may face out-of-pocket costs totaling $56 billion.

Kaveh Safavi, M.D., J.D., Managing Director of Accenture’s Global Healthcare Business, emphasized that providers who fail to protect patient data not only risk significant financial losses but also the trust of their patients.

Protecting Your Practice with Managed IT Services

Healthcare providers must take proactive measures to safeguard their systems against these threats. A professional Managed IT Services provider can help by:

  • Implementing HIPAA-compliant cybersecurity frameworks

  • Providing regular system updates and security patching

  • Monitoring networks 24/7 for unusual activity

  • Backing up data offsite for rapid disaster recovery

  • Training staff on phishing and data-handling best practices

The reality is that cybercriminals aren’t slowing down. Every practice, no matter the size, must take cybersecurity seriously. Partnering with a trusted IT firm like Computer Networks, Inc. ensures your systems are protected, compliant, and prepared for the unexpected.

About Computer Networks, Inc.

Founded in 2004 by Rick Boyles, Computer Networks, Inc. provides Managed IT Services and IT support for small businesses and medical practices throughout Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Hampton Roads. Our clients typically have 10 to 150 workstations and depend on us for cybersecurity, HIPAA compliance, disaster recovery, and network management. We help businesses protect their data and avoid the costs of hiring a full-time IT department.