Healthcare attacks are not just about money. Stolen health data can be used for intelligence gathering, identity theft, or long-term monitoring of U.S. populations, including military members and government employees. Cyber operations targeting drug research, vaccines, and biotechnology can also slow innovation and weaken trust in public health systems, especially during emergencies or national crises.

Protecting healthcare systems requires treating them as critical infrastructure and managing risk at a national level. The National Risk Assessment and Coordination Model (NRACM) includes healthcare in its assessment of critical infrastructure threats by promoting information sharing, coordination across government agencies, and stronger security standards for healthcare organizations. Improving healthcare cybersecurity helps protect patient safety, ensure continuity of care, and support national security in a competitive global environment.