The global cost of cybercrime is expected to exceed $8 trillion in 2023, equivalent to more than $250,000 per second worldwide, rising to more than $23.84 trillion by 2027. North America remains the number one target for ransomware attacks, up 50% from 2022. The healthcare sector alone has seen a 45% increase in cyberattacks since 2020.
Every day, hackers target our health and data partners and veterans using phishing and ransomware to steal data and wreak havoc on U.S. health care and other services, often in an attempt to obtain fraudulent benefits or access valuable data.
Veterans’ online data advocates include the VA, veterans, caregivers, and family members. As the nation’s largest health care provider, the VA:
- We use automated tools and cybersecurity expertise to detect and stop malicious cyber activity every day.
- We follow the principle of “zero trust” by assuming that our perimeters and networks are always open and vulnerable to attack, and we use multiple layers and tools to limit access and quickly detect, remediate, and protect against any attacks.
- In 2023, the VA intercepted more than 1 trillion potential security events and blocked nearly 1 billion malicious emails.
- Verified: 96% of VA staff use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to verify identity before logging into VA systems, ensuring that only VA staff who have a need to know (to provide services) have access to Veterans’ data.
As a veteran, caregiver, or family member, please protect your personal data online by:
Protecting veterans’ data online requires multiple defenders working together to safeguard the vast amounts of information our veterans hold. Visit the VA Cybersecurity Spotlight for the resources you need.
As always, if you have any questions, please contact your local county Veterans Services Representative. You can contact your local Veterans Services Representative at 218-631-7617 or email david.anderson@wcmn.us. As always, we hope you have a great week.
