Cybersecurity in 2022: What to Watch For

Published in Women's Health on May 27, 2022

Jay BrackenBy Jay Bracken, CISSP, Information Security Officer, VGM Group, Inc.

The landscape of cybersecurity is always evolving as new technologies come along and attackers become savvier. Going forward, we will continue to see some common cybersecurity trends from the last few years. However, there are some new threats on the horizon as well that we all need to be prepared for. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the biggest trends in cybersecurity for 2022.

Ransomware: Quantity and Severity Increase

Anyone who follows the news will have heard reports of large ransomware attacks on all types of businesses. When it come to the healthcare industry, these attacks can really hit home. We’ve seen whole hospitals shut down for days, even weeks, with no ability to access vital patient records. Obviously, that can lead to severe impacts to patient outcomes.

In 2021, there was a 150% rise in ransomware, and we can expect a similar rise in 2022. The big trend in ransomware is an increase in carefully targeted attacks. Hackers learn about your business through publicly available resources like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, even your own website—then weaponize this knowledge to trick users into clicking phishing emails or downloading malicious applications.

150 percent increase in ransomware

This doesn’t just apply to large, global companies—the FBI observed some threat actors directing their ransomware attacks at small to medium business over the course of 2021, as these companies often have fewer resources devoted to security. Use of next-generation antivirus and endpoint protection software, along with thorough user training on security awareness are needed to fend off these cunning attacks.

Supply Chain Attacks

With all that has happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the largest impacts has been on the global supply chain. We’ve all had our eyes opened to just how fragile supply chains can be, from chip shortages and increased prices to shipping delays. Even with the increased attention to the supply chain, there are still many blind spots out there.

Attackers have noticed this too and are now attacking the supply chain to disrupt business even further. Attacks to the supply chain provide a lot of bang-for-the-buck to threat actors, as one attack can impact hundreds or even thousands of companies. Careful planning to eliminate single points of failure among your suppliers is needed to mitigate this vulnerability and ensure your business has the resiliency it needs.

Nation-State Threats

Remote Work Attacks

Keeping Data Safe

Continue Reading

VGM Playbook Growing Your Business With Data and TechnologyThis article was originally featured in the VGM Playbook: Growing Your Business With Data and Technology. To read the full article and more like this, download your copy of the playbook today


TAGS

  1. cybersecurity
  2. data
  3. playbook
  4. vgm

From Our Experts

Protecting Your Business With Viable and Sustainable Payer Contracts thumbnail Protecting Your Business With Viable and Sustainable Payer Contracts Read how to protect your durable medical equipment, prosthetic, orthotic, and supplies (DMEPOS) business by ensuring that you have payer contracts that have long-term viability, as this is one of the most important factors in determining whether your company ultimately succeeds or fails. Locking the Digital Door to Risk: Proactive IT and Website Security Strategies to Protect Your Business thumbnail Locking the Digital Door to Risk: Proactive IT and Website Security Strategies to Protect Your Business With the increasing number of cyber threats and data breaches, it's important to take the necessary steps to protect your business from these risks. The PHE Is Over: What's Next? thumbnail The PHE Is Over: What's Next? In today's episode of Industry Matters, Mandi Joyner, Senior Director of Marketing at VGM & Associates, talks with three of VGM's payer, billing, and reimbursement experts Ronda Buhrmester, Dan Fedor, and Craig Douglas about the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) and what that means for members. How to Navigate Supply Chain Issues thumbnail How to Navigate Supply Chain Issues The DMEPOS supply chain was significantly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the industry is gradually making its way back to a more typical state. Nevertheless, certain procedures that were developed out of necessity during the pandemic's onset and peak have evolved into effective best practices. One of the most crucial lessons learned is the importance of close collaboration between providers and their trusted vendors, manufacturers, or distributors to ensure success. The State of DMEPOS: Where Does Our Industry Stand Now, and Where Are We Heading? thumbnail The State of DMEPOS: Where Does Our Industry Stand Now, and Where Are We Heading? Jeremy Stolz, President, VGM & Associates and VGM Fulfillment, outlines several areas of the DMEPOS industry to consider as part of your business' action plan for 2023. VGM & Associates Releases Latest Playbook on Safeguarding Your Future in DMEPOS thumbnail VGM & Associates Releases Latest Playbook on Safeguarding Your Future in DMEPOS VGM & Associates has released the second playbook of 2023, “VGM Playbook: Safeguarding Your Future in DMEPOS.” Essentially Women Announces Website Redesign thumbnail Essentially Women Announces Website Redesign Essentially Women (EW), a division of VGM & Associates, is excited to unveil their newly redesigned website, essentiallywomen.com. Overcoming Staffing Changes One Piece at a Time thumbnail Overcoming Staffing Changes One Piece at a Time VGM member Jim Lehan, Business Operations Director, Lehan Drugs Inc., describes how his business improved their staffing challenges through hiring and retention, automation, and outsourcing.