Urgent Alert: Health-ISAC Highlights Growing Cyber Threats in Healthcare – Safeguard Your Defenses Now!

The latest report from Health-ISAC on cyber threats in the health sector shows an alarming rise in risks. This quarter, organizations are urged to step up their defenses as cyber threats evolve quickly. Knowledge is key, and the recent session shared valuable updates and insights for healthcare entities to stay a step ahead.

Notable current trends include the Shai-Hulud worm, which is spreading through harmful NPM packages. It embeds itself in other software, stealing data and posting it on public GitHub. Another worrisome trend is phishing attacks using QR codes. These can mask dangerous links in images, tricking users into clicking. Additionally, attackers are using “typosquatting” with the dot-med domain to mimic genuine websites, increasing the need for vigilant domain monitoring.

There’s also a significant rise in fake job postings. Fraudsters from North Korea are targeting remote IT roles to siphon off money and sensitive data from applicants. These schemes are damaging both to individuals and the reputations of organizations.

Health-ISAC plays a crucial role in protecting the healthcare sector by sending out real-time alerts and promoting collaboration. They help organizations strengthen their security systems against cyber threats.

Recent alerts have highlighted vulnerabilities in Citrix and Cisco devices, prompting immediate action among health organizations. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently noted that over 100 alerts were sent due to the risks posed by these devices.

On the regulatory front, the FDA has updated its cybersecurity guidelines for medical devices. These new guidelines clarify compliance requirements, including the need for a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM). Such measures are essential for ensuring robust cybersecurity across medical equipment.

Health-ISAC also reviewed geopolitical issues affecting cybersecurity. For example, tensions in the Asia Pacific, such as China’s claim over the Scarborough Shoal, create an uncertain environment. In Europe, there are concerns about drone activity from Russia and increased organized cybercrime from Africa.

In the U.S., the expiration of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) at the end of September raises pressing issues. It had provided vital frameworks for information sharing about cyber threats. With its lapse, organizations may struggle to share information effectively, increasing their vulnerability.

To address these challenges, Health-ISAC suggests organizations review their internal policies to mitigate risks. They also encourage open discussions with partners regarding how the loss of CISA protection might impact security measures.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Health-ISAC continues to strengthen its community. Their Medical Device Security Council fosters collaboration between healthcare organizations and device manufacturers, tackling security challenges head-on. As threats become more complex, the need for teamwork in security efforts has never been clearer.

As Denise Anderson, Health-ISAC’s CEO, stated, “Collaboration is key in this battle against evolving threats. We’re committed to securing the health sector and enhancing patient safety.” The organization’s plans for the future include expanding intelligence-sharing capabilities and promoting cybersecurity awareness further.

For more insights into the report, check out the full document [here](https://health-isac.org/wp-content/uploads/Health-ISAC-2025-Quarterly-Insights-Q3.pdf).

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