Asymmetric Consequences of Cyber-Vulnerability on Health Services
Subject
Marketing
Publishing details
Social Sciences Research Network
Authors / Editors
Deng Y; Lambrecht A; Tucker C E
Biographies
Publication Year
2020
Abstract
Healthcare IT is crucial to both the healthcare industry and patients. However, at the same time, it leaves health systems vulnerable to cyber attacks. This paper explores the resilience of health services to cyber attacks. Specifically, we look at the effect of the WannaCry cyber attack in May 2017, on the National Health Service England. We document three important empirical facts: First, we find evidence for disruption to all three types of services offered – outpatient treatments, inpatient admissions and accident & emergency – though these disruptions were relatively short-lived. Second, hospitals managed to in general pursue strategies which minimized disruptions to the most ill patients. Third, the disruption affected those with lower incomes and more disadvantaged racial groups more negatively.
Keywords
Cybersecurity; healthcare; information technology; NHS
Series
Social Sciences Research Network
Available on ECCH
No
