Elsevier

Advances in Radiation Oncology

Volume 6, Issue 6, November–December 2021, 100796
Advances in Radiation Oncology

Evolving Threats in Cybersecurity and Radiation Oncology
Emerging Cybersecurity Threats in Radiation Oncology

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adro.2021.100796Get rights and content
Under a Creative Commons license
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Abstract

Purpose

Modern image guided radiation therapy is dependent on information technology and data storage applications that, like any other digital technology, are at risk from cyberattacks. Owing to a recent escalation in cyberattacks affecting radiation therapy treatments, the American Society for Radiation Oncology's Advances in Radiation Oncology is inaugurating a new special manuscript category devoted to cybersecurity issues.

Methods and Materials

We conducted a review of emerging cybersecurity threats and a literature review of cyberattacks that affected radiation oncology practices.

Results

In the last 10 years, numerous attacks have led to an interruption of radiation therapy for thousands of patients, and some of these catastrophic incidents have been described as being worse than the coronavirus disease of 2019 impact on centers in New Zealand.

Conclusions

Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, making combatting these attacks more difficult for health care organizations and requiring a change in strategies, tactics, and culture around cyber security in health and radiation oncology. We recommend an assume breach mentality (threat-informed defense posture) and adopting a cloud-first and zero-trust security strategy. A reliance on computer-driven technology makes radiation oncology practices more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Health care providers should increase their resilience and cyber security maturity. The increase in the diversity of these attacks demands improved preparedness and collaboration between oncologic treatment centers both nationwide and internationally to protect patients.

Cited by (0)

Sources of support: None.

Disclosures: Dr Miller reports funding from the American Society for Radiation Oncology. There are no other conflicts of interest.

Research are available at public Internet sites as referenced.