Prevention Over Reaction: Shield’s Vision for Cyber Education in Healthcare

In Canada’s digital healthcare ecosystem, cyber threats are no longer hypothetical, they’re happening now, and they’re escalating. From ransomware attacks on hospitals to breaches compromising millions of patient records, the message is clear: reactive cybersecurity is no longer an option. At Amplify Care, we champion a proactive approach.

The Canadian Healthcare Cyber Crisis

Canada’s healthcare system has become a prime target for cybercriminals. Since 2015, at least 14 major cyberattacks have disrupted health services, with recent incidents forcing hospitals to cancel surgeries and shut down online services.¹ Cyberattacks and ransomware are not limited to large healthcare institutions. Primary care is an increasingly popular target. Primary care practices struggle with:

• Unclear provincial and federal standards on cybersecurity
• Unclear cybersecurity roles and responsibilities
• A lack of technical expertise and funding
• Constant and evolving threats

Why is healthcare so vulnerable?

• Outdated IT infrastructure and legacy systems
• Limited cybersecurity education and awareness among clinical staff
• High-value data (Personal Health Information) that attracts threat actors and ransomware groups
• Interconnected networks that produce an increasingly complex attack surface

According to PwC Canada, 54% of healthcare leaders rank cyber threats as their top risk in 2025.² Yet many organizations still lack the tools and training to defend themselves effectively.

Why Cyber Prevention is Critical in Healthcare

In a sector that relies on the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information to ensure timely delivery of patient care, prevention isn’t just a good idea, it’s essential. A proactive cybersecurity strategy in healthcare includes:

• Strong Authentication Mechanisms and Endpoint Monitoring: Enforcement of multi-factor authentication (MFA), deployment of endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools, and least privilege access controls are critical for safeguarding systems.
• Cybersecurity and Privacy Education: With human error contributing to many security breaches, organization must enhance the frequency and depth of cybersecurity training programs for staff at all levels. Including, phishing simulations to test response readiness.
• Vulnerability Management: Routine system patching and comprehensive security evaluations are essential to uncover and mitigate potential vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
• Robust Incident Response Strategies: Creating and routinely testing detailed incident response plans is key to reducing the damage caused by cyberattacks.
• Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: With limited budgets and technical expertise, healthcare organizations must continue to foster collaborative models to bolster cyber defences and readiness.

Shield: Strengthening Cyber Awareness Across Canada’s Healthcare Workforce

Amplify Care’s Shield offering is Canada’s trusted and accredited cybersecurity and privacy education platform, designed to meet the unique needs of healthcare professionals. Shield offers:

• Engaging and Interactive Platform with self-learning modules designed to test knowledge and strengthen cybersecurity practices.
• Comprehensive and Ongoing Training that includes continuous education throughout monthly phishing challenges and clinic resources.
• Proactive Cybersecurity Approach equipping learners with the expertise and skills to prevent and respond to potential cybersecurity incidents.
• Flexible and Tailored Support allowing healthcare organizations to receive support services based on their needs.

Whether you’re a physician, nurse, medical assistant, or allied health professional, Shield helps your organization build a culture of cyber resilience.

Protecting Canadian Healthcare Starts with Prevention

Cybersecurity in healthcare isn’t just about protecting data, it’s about protecting patients, preserving trust, and ensuring continuity of care. By choosing prevention over reaction, Canadian healthcare organizations can stay one step ahead of cyber threats.

Start building a culture of cybersecurity awareness today with Shield as your trusted partner in prevention.

References

1. Harish, V., Ackery, A., Grant, K., Jamieson, T., & Mehta, S. (2023). Cyberattacks on Canadian health information systems. CMAJ, 195(45), E1548-E1554.
2. PricewaterhouseCoopers. (2024). Enhancing health care through cyber resilience. PwC. https://www.pwc.com/ca/en/industries/healthcare/health-care-cybersecurity-insights.html