In 2025, the healthcare sector is grappling with an alarming increase in IT system downtimes, with data breaches rising by 20% compared to the previous year. According to Becker’s Hospital Review, this surge underscores the critical need for healthcare organizations to enhance their cybersecurity measures and ensure the resilience of their IT infrastructures.
Understanding the Report
According to a July 16 report from the Identity Theft Resource Center, the healthcare sector reported 283 data breaches in the first half of 2025, up from 236 during the same period in 2024. These breaches affected over 16.6 million individuals, making healthcare the second-most compromised sector after financial services. The report also highlighted that nearly 70% of all breach notices did not disclose the cause of the incident, indicating a need for greater transparency and accountability in breach reporting.
Factors Contributing to Increased Downtime and Breaches
Several factors contribute to the rising instances of IT downtime and data breaches in healthcare:
- Complex IT Ecosystems: According to Compucom, healthcare IT technology has become more complex. Healthcare organizations often operate a complex array of IT systems, including electronic health records (EHRs), billing systems, and patient portals, which can be vulnerable to cyberattacks if not properly secured.
- Third-Party Vendor Risks: Many breaches originate from third-party vendors with access to healthcare data. For instance, the 2024 Change Healthcare breach, which affected over 100 million individuals, was traced back to a third-party vendor.
- Ransomware Attacks: Cybercriminals increasingly target healthcare organizations with ransomware attacks, encrypting critical data and demanding payment for its release. These attacks can lead to prolonged downtimes and significant operational disruptions.
- Insufficient Cybersecurity Measures: Many healthcare organizations lack robust cybersecurity frameworks, leaving them susceptible to attacks. Implementing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies is essential to mitigate these risks.
Key Findings from the Report
The report from the Identity Theft Resource Center revealed several concerning statistics:
- Increase in Data Breaches: The healthcare sector reported 283 data breaches in the first half of 2025, a 20% increase from the same period in 2024.
- High Number of Affected Individuals: These breaches affected over 16.6 million individuals, highlighting the widespread impact of cyberattacks on healthcare data.
- Prevalence of Cyberattacks: Cyberattacks remained the leading cause of data breaches, accounting for a significant portion of the incidents reported.
- Lack of Transparency in Reporting: Nearly 70% of breach notices did not disclose the cause of the incident, indicating a need for improved transparency in breach reporting.
How dbtech Can Help
dbtech offers comprehensive IT solutions designed to minimize downtime and enhance cybersecurity in healthcare organizations. Our services include:
- Managed Services: Provides reliable access to essential patient data and supports clinical operations during EHR or network outages, ensuring continuity of care.
- Cybersecurity Solutions: Implementation of robust cybersecurity frameworks to protect against data breaches and cyberattacks.
- Disaster Recovery Planning: Development of disaster recovery plans to ensure quick restoration of services in the event of an incident.
- Compliance Assistance: Guidance on meeting regulatory requirements, including HIPAA, to avoid penalties and ensure patient data protection.
Implement a Downtime Solution with dbtech
The rise in downtime and data breaches in the healthcare sector underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures and resilient infrastructures. By partnering with dbtech, healthcare organizations can enhance their cybersecurity posture, minimize downtime, and ensure the continuity of care for their patients.
For more information on how dbtech can assist your organization, visit our website or contact our team for a downtime assessment.