Initiatives like the National Digital Health Initiative are ushering
in electronic medical records (EMRs), interconnected health
information systems, and IoT-enabled medical devices. These
technologies promise better care and wider access, but they also
introduce serious cybersecurity risks.
2024 marked a turning
point in global cybersecurity. According to Deloitte, there was a
surge in cyber threats across all sectors, from ransomware to
insider attacks. Nigerian businesses were not spared, and critical
infrastructure including healthcare was directly targeted.
Predictions show that ransomware actors will continue focusing on
critical sectors like healthcare and government organizations in
Nigeria.
The message is clear: the rate of cybercrime is
rising, and healthcare institutions have become a juicy target.
Why Healthcare Is a Prime Target
- 1. Highly Valuable Sensitive Personal Data Medical records contain a rich blend of sensitive personal, medical, and sometimes financial data. On the dark web, health records are worth more than credit cards, making them a top target for cybercriminals.
- 2. Pressure to Stay Online Hospitals operate in life-critical environments. Hackers exploit this urgency, knowing that many facilities will pay ransoms to avoid disruptions to care.
- 3. Lack of Planning with security in mind. Most hospitals in Nigeria are recently transitioning to EMR systems and rely on systems not designed with securityin mind.
These systems often lack basic protections and are now being linked
with newer technologies and even accessible over the open internet;
a combination that introduces an untold number of security
vulnerabilities. To protect patient data, ensure continuous care,
and maintain trust, Nigerian healthcare providers must prioritize
security now.
Clarensec’s mission is to help healthcare institutions build
cyber resilience, safeguard patients, and keep services running;
even in the face of rising threats. Cyberattacks on healthcare
aren’t just about stolen data; they directly endanger lives. In May
2024, a major ransomware attack in the U.S. crippled a hospital
network’s EMRs for two weeks. Ambulances were rerouted, and
hospitals had to return to Paper charts, causing patients to face
dangerous delays.
Cybercriminals treat hospitals like a body
to be destroyed degrading care without any concern for patients.
Tampered or missing records can lead to misdiagnosis, wrong
medications, or treatment delays. Securing health IT systems is
literally a matter of life and death.
Challenges in Nigerian Healthcare Security
- Most Nigerian hospitals operate with tight IT budgets and minimal to no cybersecurity funding; even as 24/7 uptime is demanded.
- There is a severe shortage of trained cybersecurity professionals in the healthcare space. Also, Human error remains a major risk, from phishing attacks to security misconfigurations.
- Nigeria’s health data laws are still developing. Many providers lack clear policies or enforcement structures around patient data protection.
- Clarensec partners with hospitals, clinics, and health organizations to proactively defend against cyber threats.
- We simulate real-world attacks on your network, applications, and devices, revealing vulnerabilities before criminals find them.
- Our team acts like a persistent attacker, testing your defenses across multiple layers. This gives leadership clear visibility into how an attacker might breach their systems. “Red teamers help an organization see itself from an attacker’s lens.” — Trustwave, 2024
- We conduct comprehensive risk reviews, evaluating your policies, systems, and configurations to identify and prioritize security improvements.
- Clarensec provides targeted training: anti-phishing, incident response drills, and security best practices, empowering staff to become part of the defense.
Limited Resources
Skills Gaps
Weak Regulations
How ClarenSec Can Help
Penetration Testing
Red Team Assessments
Cybersecurity Assessments
Staff Training and Support
What You Can Do Today!
Start with a basic self-check:✅ Apply critical patches to servers, workstations, and medical devices
✅ Back up data regularly, and store backups offline or offsite
✅ Restrict access by applying least-privilege principles and strong authentication
✅ Train staff to recognize phishing emails and protect sensitive data
✅ Test your response plan with a simple tabletop drill. These actions can expose immediate risks and reduce your attack surface significantly.
Partner With ClarenSec! Don’t wait for a crisis before you act. Cyber threats won’t wait till you are ready! The sooner you act, the safer your patients will be. Schedule a consultation today!
