Ransomware in U.S. Healthcare:
Threat Landscape, Impact, and Mitigation Strategies

The U.S. healthcare sector has become one of the most critical targets for ransomware groups, with attacks leading to billions of dollars in losses, widespread service disruptions, and—most importantly—risks to patient safety. From encrypted medical records and delayed surgeries to hospital shutdowns, ransomware has evolved into a systemic threat that directly impacts the quality and continuity of care.

In this in-depth Brandefense report, our Cyber Threat Intelligence team explores:

  • 📊 Attack Trends & Key Statistics – How ransomware campaigns have surged across U.S. healthcare, from major hospital networks to rural facilities.

  • 🦠 Threat Actor Evolution – Profiles of leading ransomware groups such as LockBit, ALPHV/BlackCat, and BianLian, and their shifting tactics.

  • 💰 Financial & Operational Impact – The staggering costs of downtime (up to $1.9M per day), ransom demands, and systemic domino effects on regional healthcare systems.

  • ⚠️ Critical Vulnerabilities – How outdated systems, IoT devices, and unpatched medical equipment expand the attack surface.

  • 🛡️ Defense Roadmap – Strategic recommendations, from backup strategies and network segmentation to tailored solutions for resource-constrained rural hospitals.

The report also highlights real-world case studies (Change Healthcare, Ascension, Scripps Health, and more) and provides a forward-looking roadmap for building cyber resilience in the healthcare ecosystem.

With Brandefense’s expertise in Dark Web monitoring, threat intelligence, and attack surface management, healthcare providers can gain early visibility into ransomware threats and take timely action before operations—and lives—are put at risk.

Why Security Teams Choose Brandefense

Our Reputation, in Their Words – Read Our Customer Reviews

Main Page Website v2 Brandefense

Customer support is really succesful for this service, they reply my messages quickly and help with the problems when i stuck with something.

Cyber Security Consultant IT Services Industry

Very Good CTI And Brand Monitoring Source. Brandefense acts as the backbone of our Cyber Threat Intelligence and brand monitoring activities.

Sr. Information Security Engineer Software Company

Brandefence is highly useful. We can see what happens on cyber crime world, all about our sector, and our company.

Director, IT Security and Risk Management Government

I think, Brandefense TI services better than others. The product providing easy of deployment, administration, maintenance and fast detection, notification

Cyber Security Engineer Retail Industry

Brandefense Is All You Need To See What Internet Has About Your Organization.

Comparing to other alike services, Brandefense is the best service that combines every feature that you may need for your environment.

Senior Red Team Expert Software Company

It is a very succesfull and dynamic application. It works for us at many points and provides solutions. We use it to track current and unknown vulnerabilities in the field of cyber threat intelligence and to review reports.

Sr. Information Security Specialist Insurance (Except Health)