A recent string of mailed extortion demands has caught health care organizations off guard, signaling a shift in ransomware tactics. Partner Kristen Rosati was featured in a Healthcare Risk Management article, emphasizing the importance for health care organizations to prepare for these emerging threats.

The paper ransomware letters claimed sensitive data had been stolen and demanded more than $250,000 in Bitcoin within 10 days. Although an increasing number of health care staff now receive training to avoid suspicious links and spot phishing emails, physical letters tend to feel more legitimate and urgent than these digital phishing tactics. This method also bypasses the expensive email filters and security systems set up to catch digital threats, making it even more difficult to detect.

“Snail mail doesn’t leave a digital fingerprint for forensic consultants to follow,” said Kristen. “It’s also such an unusual vector that it is likely to take healthcare executives off guard.”

Considered one of the nation’s leading “Big Data” and HIPAA compliance attorneys, Kristen has deep experience in data breaches, data governance and strategy, and data sharing for research and innovation.  Kristen is a Past President of the American Health Law Association and has received numerous accolades for her work, including a recent recognition by Super Lawyers as one of the top 25 women attorneys in Arizona.

Read the full article and learn more about Kristen Rosati.