World Health Day 2025 – A strategic view on securing critical infrastructure

In healthcare, every minute of downtime matters. It can disrupt treatments, delay diagnostics, and—most critically—put lives at risk. Yet the systems supporting these life-saving services are increasingly exposed to sophisticated, persistent cyber threats.

The digital transformation of healthcare has delivered breakthroughs in efficiency and care delivery. But it has also expanded the attack surface in ways that traditional defences alone can no longer cover. In this environment, the real differentiator is no longer preventing every attack—but minimising impact and ensuring uninterrupted care.

On World Health Day, the message is clear: cyber resilience is no longer optional—it is a structural, strategic imperative. According to ENISA, the healthcare sector now accounts for over 4% of all reported cyber incidents in Europe, placing it among the most heavily targeted industries.

Operational disruption is the real risk—more than data theft

Clinical data is undoubtedly valuable—worth far more than financial data on the black market. But attackers are looking for more than information. They seek leverage.

A healthcare system unable to operate due to a ransomware attack is under immense pressure to recover. Not to protect its image—but to keep critical services running. This is what makes healthcare such a high-value target. And it’s why the focus must shift: from prevention to continuity.

Evolving threats: ransomware, brute-force, and beyond

While ransomware remains the dominant threat, it’s part of a broader ecosystem of attacks:

1. Brute-force attempts on endpoints
2. API vulnerability exploitation
3. Phishing campaigns targeting staff credentials

And the risk doesn’t stop at IT. Operational Technology (OT)—from surgical automation to smart HVAC and supply systems—is deeply integrated into healthcare infrastructure. When left unprotected or siloed from IT security strategies, these systems become potential entry points that can directly affect patient care.

Cyber resilience: building healthcare systems that endure

True resilience isn’t about avoiding incidents. It’s about being prepared to detect, respond, and recover with speed and precision. That means:

1. Real-time detection of anomalies with advanced EDR technologies
2. Continuous 24/7 monitoring through a well-equipped SO
3. End-to-end vulnerability management, across IT and OT layers
4. Clear, tested recovery plans with accessible, secure backups
5. Consistent training and awareness for all healthcare staff

A recent example in Spain underscored the importance of that last point: medical staff in Granada were reported using WhatsApp to share clinical data—highlighting the need for a stronger security-first culture across every layer of the organisation.

What’s next: NIS2, supply chain risk and Zero Trust adoption

2025 marks a pivotal year. With the implementation of NIS2, healthcare organisations must strengthen their governance, improve third-party oversight, and gain full visibility over digital assets.

We can expect a sharp increase in supply chain attacks, pushing organisations to reassess not just their internal security, but how they manage and secure external dependencies.

In response, Zero Trust architectures will gain ground, alongside better segmentation strategies and increased use of automation in incident response. But these steps must be taken proactively—before regulation or crisis demands it.

NEVERHACK: Your cyber performance partner

Securing healthcare systems is no longer just about blocking threats. It’s about designing systems that can adapt, absorb impact, and continue delivering care—no matter the scenario.

At NEVERHACK, we support healthcare organisations in building that resilience—combining visibility, protection and rapid recovery to ensure their operations are prepared for the challenges ahead.

If you want to learn more about our solutions, contact us!