Cognitive Hacking and Social Engineering in Healthcare: Exploiting Human Behaviour

Abstract

Hacking medical facilities proves to be a profitable venture. An entire individual record, containing name, insurance number, address, and social services identifier, can fetch hundreds of dollars on the dark web. Researchers have demonstrated how data breaches affect health information technology investment and its impact on the broader economy. Due to the vast number of individuals accessing personal data and inadequate security measures, healthcare facilities are vulnerable targets for cyberattacks. However, that healthcare facilities are vulnerable targets for cyber-attacks is not completely accurate. When it comes to cyber security, this sector has significantly advanced compared to others. However, despite significant funds being allocated to antivirus software, enhanced network security, and improved cyber security measures, breaches continue to occur. Human error is only partially responsible for this. Cognitive hacking uses false information, psychological influence, and misinformation to shape opinions and decisions, which can result in harmful health effects and distrust in verification. Social engineering uses strategies like phishing, pretexting, and impersonation to manipulate people and obtain unauthorised entry to systems, medical records, or critical infrastructure. Cognitive hacking and social engineering take advantage of healthcare professionals' characteristics like trust, empathy, and obedience to authority in addition to demanding work conditions to circumvent standard cybersecurity protections. This study explores the tactics and outcomes of these people-focused attacks in healthcare, emphasising the mental influences that leave the industry vulnerable. It also investigates actual steps to take, such as educating employees, using multi-factor authentication, preparing for incidents, and implementing controlled access rules, which are crucial for strengthening healthcare facilities against these intricate risks. Healthcare organisations can enhance protection of patient data, uphold operational stability, and foster trusted patient-provider relationships by recognising and dealing with the human factor. It will also analyse how different implementation techniques influence incident reduction rates, behavioural changes, and security awareness. By adopting this approach, this body of work will provide practical solutions that enhance the resilience of healthcare infrastructure while safeguarding patients’ personal information.