“The U.S. healthcare’s digital transformation yields enhanced care, efficient data management, and streamlined operations,” as evidenced in a research article on Mitigating Cybersecurity Risks in the U.S. Healthcare Sector.

The researchers examined the cybersecurity challenges healthcare organizations have to overcome and the strategies they can use to reduce these risks. More specifically, they found that organizations that have built resilient defense systems showcase “a proactive stance in protecting sensitive patient data and advanced digital infrastructure.”

 

Why cybercriminals target healthcare organizations

The research paper notes that healthcare organizations store personal health information, financial records, and other sensitive data that can be exploited for financial gain or malicious purposes. The increasing digitization and interconnectedness of healthcare systems also create additional vulnerabilities.

According to the researchers, stolen personal health information can potentially be used for identity theft and fraud. This could result in major financial losses for the organization. In addition, cyberattacks can interfere with patient care when attackers access or manipulate critical medical information, which could disrupt clinical operations and patient care.

 

Healthcare faces multiple cybersecurity threats

Healthcare organizations struggle with many cybersecurity problems that can target systems, employees, devices, and communication channels. The research identifies data breaches, phishing, and ransomware among the major cybersecurity threats affecting healthcare organizations. These attacks can compromise the confidentiality and availability of healthcare data and systems.

 

Phishing puts employees in the crosshairs

Phishing is particularly relevant because it frequently exploits human behavior. “Phishing attacks involve using deceptive emails, websites, or messages to trick individuals into providing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details,” the study clarifies. Attackers may impersonate supervisors or other trusted sources to make their requests appear legitimate.

Paubox's 2026 analysis of 2025 healthcare email breaches shows that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recorded 170 email-related healthcare breaches affecting more than 2.5 million individuals in 2025. Of these, phishing-driven mailbox takeovers accounted for approximately 17% of email breaches and affected more than 630,000 individuals.

As a result, email security cannot be neglected in a healthcare organization’s cybersecurity plan. Employees use email to communicate with colleagues, patients, insurers, laboratories, specialists, and other organizations. If sensitive information is sent through an insecure channel, an otherwise strong cybersecurity program can still be vulnerable.

 

Ransomware can disrupt more than data

The paper describes ransomware as malware that can encrypt files or prevent users from accessing their systems until a ransom is paid. In healthcare, the consequences can extend to financial losses and patient care.

The researchers specifically point to the WannaCry attack in 2017 as an example of how ransomware can disrupt healthcare organizations. The attack affected healthcare organizations globally, including parts of the U.K. National Health Service, causing disruption to operations and patient care.

 

Human behavior is part of security

“In the U.S., employees are often the weakest link in cybersecurity, as they can unknowingly fall victim to phishing attacks or inadvertently disclose sensitive information. Therefore, healthcare start-ups need to provide comprehensive training programs that educate employees about common cybersecurity risks and best practices for safeguarding sensitive data,” the study explains.

Healthcare employees interact with patients’ protected health information (PHI) when they open emails, download attachments, click links, access cloud systems, use mobile devices, and communicate with patients and colleagues.

This puts healthcare organizations and their emailing platforms at risk of insider threats. The research paper describes insider threats as “cybersecurity risks that originate from within an organization, typically involving employees or trusted individuals with access to sensitive information.”

However, these threats do not necessarily involve malicious behavior. Employees can also create security risks through unintentional mistakes or negligence. To prevent these possible risks, the paper recommends comprehensive employee training that teaches healthcare staff about common cybersecurity risks and appropriate data-protection practices. The authors also suggest that training should be reinforced regularly.

Security technology can reduce the consequences of an error, but employees still need to recognize suspicious messages and understand how sensitive information should be handled. Training should include email security and awareness, so employees aren’t unknowingly convinced to make an unsafe decision.

Moreover, organizations can combine multiple safeguards, including firewalls, antivirus software, intrusion detection systems, access controls, employee training, security audits, and vulnerability assessments.

That way, if one control fails, another can help limit the attack's reach or reduce its impact. The researchers specifically identify encryption as one of the technological safeguards healthcare organizations should consider alongside firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

 

How HIPAA compliant emails can help

Healthcare organizations often use email to exchange information that may contain sensitive patient details. Each of these interactions creates a potential pathway for sensitive information to leave an organization's controlled environment.

However, according to HIPAA regulations, healthcare organizations must use a HIPAA compliant emailing platform that incorporates encryption. Paubox email uses advanced encryption methods to secure PHI during transmission and at rest, reducing the risk that sensitive information can be accessed by unauthorized parties.

However, encryption should not be viewed as a replacement for other cybersecurity measures. The research makes clear that healthcare organizations need multiple layers of protection, like technical safeguards, employee education, access controls, vulnerability assessments, and incident response planning.

The research paper also upholds HIPAA Rules that require the appropriate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards designed to support the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of PHI. The paper also notes that HIPAA demands risk assessments, employee training, and contingency planning as part of reducing cybersecurity risks.

 

Building a culture of cybersecurity

The authors state that “compliance with regulations does not guarantee genuine security.” As a result, healthcare organizations need employees, managers, and IT teams to understand that cybersecurity is part of everyone's responsibility. The researchers argue that healthcare institutions should verify that every member of an organization is equipped to recognize and respond to cyber threats.

Employees should understand when patient information can be communicated electronically, how to recognize phishing attempts, how to handle unexpected requests for information, and why sensitive data should be transmitted through approved secure platforms.

The researchers explain, “Effective leadership plays a crucial role in mitigating the risks associated with cybersecurity threats in healthcare start-ups. Leadership styles that prioritize proactive security measures and create a culture of cybersecurity awareness are essential for safeguarding sensitive data and minimizing cyber-attacks’ impact on the organization.”

“It’s a commitment to a culture of security where every individual, from top-level management to frontline staff, recognizes their role in safeguarding sensitive information and systems,” the study adds.

At the same time, organizations should make the secure choice the easy choice. For example, when navigating a complicated patient portal every time they need to send protected information, staff may be more likely to find workarounds. A secure email solution, like Paubox, can help organizations integrate protection directly into their emails rather than relying entirely on employees to remember additional technical steps.

 

Cybersecurity requires continuous investment

The paper calls for ongoing research, training, and investment in healthcare cybersecurity. It argues that static defenses can become outdated as attackers develop new techniques. “The dynamic nature of cyber threats dictates that our understanding and defenses must perpetually evolve. Static defenses will inevitably become obsolete, outsmarted by new and emerging threats,” the paper adds.

 

Preserving patient trust

Data breaches can lead to a loss in patient trust, as “Patients may lose trust in the institution’s ability to protect their data, leading to a decline in patient satisfaction and potential loss of business.” “As guardians of health and well-being, healthcare institutions must also become the stewards of digital safety and trust,” the research paper explains.

HIPAA compliant emails are proven to improve patient trust, promoting a trusting patient-provider relationship. Therefore, providers must use a reputable HIPAA compliant platform, like Paubox, to increase patient satisfaction and uphold federal regulations.

Go deeper: How HIPAA compliant email can improve patient satisfaction

 

FAQs

What are HIPAA compliant emails?

HIPAA compliant emails are secure electronic communications that protect patients' protected health information (PHI) through encryption, access controls, auditing, and other security measures.

 

What is PHI?

PHI stands for protected health information, which includes any information that can identify a patient and is related to their health status, provision of healthcare, or payment for healthcare.

 

Is it safe to include links to external websites in HIPAA compliant emails?

Yes, as long as those websites also comply with HIPAA regulations for protecting PHI.

Go deeper: HIPAA compliant use of hyperlinks in email