The digitisation of Australian healthcare has improved efficiency and patient care, from electronic prescriptions to telehealth. However, this increased connectivity also brings new risks.
The healthcare sector is now a prime target for cyberattacks. In the 2024–25 financial year, malicious actors succeeded in 95% of healthcare-related incidents, compared to 52% across other sectors, according to government data.
This isn’t to alarm but to stress a reality: medical practices are high-value targets. Whether you’re running a GP, specialist clinic, or private hospital, understanding these risks and how to defend against them is now as crucial as clinical governance.
Why are cybercriminals targeting patient data?
You might wonder why a criminal would target a local medical clinic rather than a bank. The answer lies in the value of the data you hold.
Financial data has a short shelf life – a credit card can be cancelled in minutes. However, medical records contain unchangeable, permanent data – names, dates of birth, Medicare numbers, and sensitive health histories.
This information is incredibly valuable on the dark web because it enables high-level identity theft and fraud. We saw the scale of this threat in July 2024, when malicious actors exfiltrated approximately 6.5TB of data from an e-prescription service, impacting roughly 12.9 million Australian customers.
When patient data is compromised, it is not just an IT issue – it is a patient safety issue. Cyberattacks can delay procedures, complicate care delivery, and erode the trust that is foundational to the doctor-patient relationship.
Is the threat to local practices increasing?
The short answer is yes. The frequency of cybercrime incidents against the Australian healthcare sector is rising. Specifically, the number of ransomware incidents against the healthcare sector doubled in the last financial year compared to the one prior.
This is not a problem exclusive to large metropolitan hospitals. Recent reports have highlighted that two Queensland clinics were named in alleged ransomware listings. Groups like SafePay and Rhysida are actively scanning for vulnerabilities in practices of all sizes.
These incidents serve as a reminder that cybercriminals are opportunistic – they look for the easiest point of entry, regardless of the size of the business.
What is the shared responsibility model?
Many practice managers assume that because their software is ‘in the cloud’ or hosted by a third party, their security is entirely taken care of. This is a common misconception. Most IT environments operate under a shared responsibility model.
While your software vendor is responsible for the security of the cloud (the infrastructure, the hardware, the software code), you are responsible for security in the cloud. This includes:
- Managing who has access to your data.
- Ensuring staff use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Protecting the devices (laptops, desktops, tablets) used to access the software.
- Training staff to spot phishing emails.
If a staff member clicks a malicious link and hands over their credentials, the most secure cloud software in the world cannot stop a breach. Understanding this division of responsibility is the first step toward a robust defence.
How can you strengthen your practice’s defences?
Securing your practice does not require you to become an IT expert, but it does require implementing specific controls.
- Are your backups reliable?
Ransomware works by encrypting your files and demanding payment to release them. The ultimate defence against this is having robust backups and disaster recovery plans. If you can restore your systems quickly from a clean backup, the criminals lose their leverage. - Is MFA enabled?
Identity fraud and credential theft are the most common entry points for attackers. Enabling MFA on all remote access and email accounts adds a critical layer of security. It ensures that even if a password is stolen, the attacker cannot access the system without the second factor (like a code on a phone). - Is your team trained?
Your staff are your first line of defence. Regular training on how to identify suspicious emails, verify invoices, and handle patient data securely is one of the most cost-effective security measures you can implement.
How can Ozdoc Solutions help?
Navigating medical IT doesn’t have to be overwhelming. As Australia’s leading medical IT provider, we deliver tailored IT solutions for medical practices. From system monitoring and emergency support to network security, we handle the tech so you can focus on patient care.
With 30+ years of experience and support for over 200 sites – including General Practice, Dental, and Radiology – we understand healthcare’s unique challenges.
Prioritising cyber resilience
The statistics regarding cyberattacks in healthcare are sobering, but they are also a call to action. By acknowledging the risks and taking proactive steps to secure your network, endpoints, and human processes, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability.
Cybersecurity is no longer just about protecting computers – it is about protecting your patients and your reputation. Ensure your practice is prepared for the digital future.
Get in touch with the Ozdoc Solutions team today to talk about auditing your security and ensuring your practice is future-ready.
