Healthcare Cyberattacks Hit Harder, Cost More
Ponemon and Proofpoint survey finds U.S. healthcare cyberattacks cost more and increasingly disrupt patient care.
A Ponemon Institute and Proofpoint survey of 705 U.S. healthcare IT practitioners found cyberattacks are more frequent and costly. Ninety-seven percent reported at least one attack in the past year, and 74% said patient care was disrupted. Operational disruption averaged $1.39 million, while the costliest attack averaged $4.2 million, up from $3.9 million in 2025. Sixty percent said they lack controls over sensitive data used in AI systems, with AI vendor supply-chain risk the leading concern.
- Survey of 705 U.S. healthcare IT practitioners conducted in May 2026.
- 97% reported at least one cyberattack in the past year; 74% saw patient-care disruption.
- Average operational disruption cost was $1.39 million; costliest attack averaged $4.2 million.
- 60% lack controls on sensitive data used in AI; supply-chain AI risk was the top concern.
- Fewer organizations are paying extortion, but ransomware still disrupts care.
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From the original article
5 min read at proofpoint.com
Study Warns of Rising Attacks, Care Disruptions, Added Costs and New AI Risks Cyberattacks that disrupt critical IT systems such as electronic health records and hinder patient care are becoming more frequent and costly, said a new study by the Ponemon Institute and Proofpoint.
By @healthinfosec · proofpoint.com
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