Here’s How to Stop Health Data Breaches from Ransomware
A recent WXPR article confirms what many healthcare privacy professionals have long suspected: Ransomware is now the number one cause of health data breaches in the U.S. The article details research from Michigan State University, Yale, and Johns Hopkins that investigated health-related privacy breaches across the USA.
With patient information being more valuable on the dark web than credit card data, healthcare remains a prime target—and clinics of all sizes are at risk.
Why This Matters for Privacy Compliance and Clinic Operations
A ransomware breach doesn’t just threaten the patient data under your control. It halts operations, damages your reputation, and triggers HIPAA and state-level breach notification requirements that lead to investigations and public reports.
By replacing email with Brightsquid Secure-Mail, your clinic can:
- Permanently block ransomware from your inbox
- Avoid reportable privacy breaches
- Support your overall privacy compliance program
- Streamline communication and costs
But how does ransomware get in?
Email Is the #1 Entry Point for Ransomware in Healthcare
According to cybersecurity analysts cited in the WXPR article, phishing emails remain the most common delivery method for ransomware. These messages often look like IT alerts, invoices, or legitimate communications but contain malicious links or attachments that—once clicked—lock access to sensitive files and systems.
This method bypasses even the best firewalls when users are tricked into letting the attack in themselves. Tricking people to click where they shouldn’t is a full-time job for cybercriminals.
The Safer Alternative: Brightsquid Secure-Mail
Healthcare providers don’t have to choose between communication and security. Brightsquid Secure-Mail is built specifically to eliminate the risks that email introduces to clinics.
Unlike email, Brightsquid Secure-Mail is a closed communication system—not connected to the open internet or vulnerable to the same phishing attacks. It’s:
- Encrypted end-to-end in transit and at rest for every message
- Ransomware-proof by design—attachments can’t carry malware into your system
- Accessible only to verified healthcare professionals and patients
When you send patient health information using Secure-Mail, you’re not just staying HIPAA compliant—you’re actively protecting your clinic from the leading cause of breaches.
Take Action Against Ransomware
Your clinic already takes care of patient health. Make sure you’re protecting their data with the same level of care.
Switching to Brightsquid Secure-Mail is one of the simplest and most effective ways to block ransomware and reduce privacy risk. Plus, each subscription included critical Privacy Breach Prevention training that teaches clinic teams to recognize and prevent breaches before they impact your ability to practice.
👉 Learn more about preventing ransomware or request a demo at brightsquid.com