According to the latest figures from the Swiss government, cyberattacks are also on the rise in Switzerland. Critical infrastructures such as hospitals, which have become an increasing target for hackers since the Covid-19 pandemic, are particularly affected.
The danger is not only posed by classic hacker attacks or ransomware. Increasingly, the focus is also on identity misuse: by using deep fakes, criminals can attempt to impersonate medical staff in order to disseminate fake instructions or manipulate patient data.
In addition, AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot or chatbots are increasingly finding their way into the daily routine of hospitals, for example when answering patient enquiries or quickly locating internal documents. However, the use of such tools also increases the requirements for data protection, transparency and quality assurance.
For hospitals and other institutions, this means that they must continuously sensitize their employees, strengthen their security infrastructure and carefully examine the use of new technologies.
Through targeted communication strategies and training, hospitals can protect themselves against such threats, raise awareness of cyber security risks and promote preventative measures. Various approaches are possible:
- Awareness-raising campaigns for employees: By raising awareness of potential cyber threats, employees can be specifically trained to recognize suspicious activity early and respond appropriately.
- Development of crisis communication plans: In the event of a cyberattack, rapid and coordinated communication is crucial to minimize damage and maintain public confidence.
- Support with the implementation of security guidelines: Clear and comprehensible security guidelines, based on the GDPR guidelines, facilitate consistent implementation.
We are happy to advise and support you in the next steps of digital transformation in the healthcare sector. It remains crucial to achieve a balance between accepting innovation, ensuring security and personal risk awareness.