Imagine a world where cybercriminals steal medicine secrets or disrupt the production of life-saving drugs.
This scary scenario is why Cybersecurity is becoming more and more important in the Pharma industry.
Why is Pharma a Target?
Pharma companies deal with super sensitive information:
Patient data: This includes private details about people’s health, which can be misused for identity theft.
Drug formulas: These are the secret recipes for medicines, and if stolen, they could be used to make fake drugs.
Research: Pharma companies spend years and millions of dollars developing new drugs. If this research is stolen, it can give competitors an unfair advantage.
Cybersecurity Threats in the Pharma Industry
Here are some of the ways cybercriminals can attack Pharma companies:
Third-party vendors: Pharma companies often rely on other companies for services like research or manufacturing. If a vendor gets hacked, the Pharma company’s data could be at risk too.
Ransomware: This type of attack locks up a company’s computer systems and demands money to unlock them. This can stop medicine production and put patients at risk.
Phishing: Hackers send fake emails that trick people into clicking on malicious links or opening attachments. This can steal passwords and give hackers access to sensitive information.
Employee mistakes: Sometimes, employees accidentally click on the wrong link or share information they shouldn’t. This can also give hackers a way in.
A Few Pharma Cyberattacks in 2023
In 2023, a cyberattack crippled paracetamol maker Granules India, disrupting operations and impacting its IT systems. Also, they suffered revenue loss and delays after the cyberattack disrupted IT systems and compliance efforts.
Alkem Laboratories, a major Pharmaceutical company, experienced a cyber security breach resulting in the potential loss of 52 Crore rupees (approx. $6.5 million USD).
Sun Pharmaceuticals, the world’s fourth-largest manufacturer of generic drugs, got hit by a Ransomware. This attack compromised some of the company’s file systems, leading to the theft of both corporate and personal data.
How can Pharma Companies stay secure?
Pharma companies are taking steps to improve their cybersecurity:
Investing in security: This includes implementing robust security solutions, and training employees to be aware of cyber threats.
Working with vendors: Pharma companies need to choose vendors who also take cybersecurity seriously.
Staying updated: As new threats emerge, Pharma companies need to update their security systems constantly and practices.
Cybersecurity Awareness Trainings: Cyber education helps employees stay vigilant. Cyber awareness training workshops must regularly be conducted to all the employees (IT & Non-IT) by all Pharma companies. It helps in building a strong Human Element for any company.
Wrap Up
By working together, the Pharma industry can keep its data safe and ensure that medicines are developed, manufactured, and delivered securely.
Remember, everyone plays a part in cybersecurity. Be careful about the information that is being shared online and report any suspicious activity.
Collaborate with Secure Network Solutions (SNS) for Cybersecurity Awareness Training workshops and to implement any robust Network Security, Email & Web Security, DLP, Application Security and more.
Drop an email to [email protected] for immediate assistance.
Swathi
Author
Working IT professional and a Cyber Security enthusiast. Passionate to write about Cyber Security topics and Solutions. I share my insights as I study articles and trending topics in the field of Cyber Security.
