Ransomware in Biotech: how to protect yourself

The biotechnology sector has been one of the fastest-growing industries in recent years, known for its innovation in drug development, diagnostics, and advanced therapies. However, this progress has also attracted the attention of cybercriminals. In 2023, ransomware became one of the main threats to biotechs, jeopardizing the security of critical data and operational continuity.

Biotechs in the crosshairs of ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts an organization's files and demands a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. In the case of biotechs, attackers aim to hijack highly sensitive data, such as:

• Intellectual property on new drugs and treatments.
• Clinical research results.
• Patient data and genomic studies.
• Production systems and supply chains.

Given the relevance of this information, many companies are tempted to pay the ransom to avoid the loss or leakage of their data. However, this option does not guarantee full recovery and may incentivize further attacks.

Real cases

One of the most significant cyberattacks was undoubtedly the one suffered by the biotechnology company Enzo Biochem in 2023. Due to a ransomware attack, cybercriminals managed to steal clinical trial data from 2.5 million people.

You can read the news here: Enzo Biochem attack

Months later, the biotechnology company 23andMe also suffered a ransomware attack, resulting in the theft of genetic data from millions of people, which ended up being sold on the Dark Web for $10.

Cybersecurity measures to prevent ransomware attacks in the biotech sector

Adopt proactive cybersecurity to anticipate threats before they become real cyberattacks.

Biotechs manage highly sensitive data, such as research and patents, which are constant targets for cybercriminals. Proactive cybersecurity is key to protecting intellectual property, avoiding financial losses, and ensuring uninterrupted innovation. Identifying vulnerabilities before they are exploited and safeguarding your research is crucial for protecting the future of your company and the sector.

Furthermore, proactive cybersecurity helps identify and fix vulnerabilities before they are exploited, preventing the leakage of sensitive data. Measures like access control, continuous monitoring, and staff training reduce the risk of attacks. Protecting information from the start ensures the safety of research, patents, and scientific advances.

Thanks to these measures, you can reduce incident costs by detecting and mitigating threats before they happen. Avoid recovery expenses, sanctions, and reputational damage. Investing in early protection is more efficient and cost-effective than dealing with the consequences of an incident.

On the other hand, it will be essential to:

• Implement a robust cybersecurity strategy: It is critical to have a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that includes: advanced firewalls and intrusion detection systems; Multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect access to critical systems; network segmentation, limiting access to sensitive data to authorized personnel only.
• Conduct regular backups to ensure data integrity and quick recovery. At ESED, we work with the 3-2-1 backup rule: Keep at least 3 copies of your data. Store the copies on 2 different media. Keep 1 offsite backup.
• Staff training and awareness, as well as conducting phishing simulations. 90% of cyberattacks occur due to human error.
• Monitor systems for constant security gaps and vulnerabilities, and implement incident response policies.
• Use anti-phishing solutions.
  

Cybersecurity as a strategic priority in Biotechs

Biotechs play a vital role in the research and development of innovative medical solutions, directly influencing people's well-being and society's evolution. However, the rise in ransomware attacks is jeopardizing not only the continuity and development of their activities but also the personal and sensitive data of their research, patients, clients, collaborators, etc. This is why adopting a proactive cybersecurity strategy is essential to protect their critical information and ensure operations are protected against any attack attempt.

Protecting this information is the responsibility of any company, business, or organization that wants to guarantee its continuity. Therefore, having the right cybersecurity measures in place is fundamental.