Click to Ransom: The Silent Crisis of Ransomware in Healthcare
The digital era has brought about remarkable advancements in healthcare, from electronic health records to AI-driven diagnostics. However, with innovation comes vulnerability, and the healthcare sector is increasingly under siege by one of the most alarming cyber threats of our time—ransomware. The CNA documentary Click to Ransom shines a stark spotlight on this issue through the gripping true story of a rural Japanese hospital grappling with a ransomware attack that threatens the very foundation of its operations.

The digital era has brought about remarkable advancements in healthcare, from electronic health records to AI-driven diagnostics. However, with innovation comes vulnerability, and the healthcare sector is increasingly under siege by one of the most alarming cyber threats of our time—ransomware. The CNA documentary Click to Ransom shines a stark spotlight on this issue through the gripping true story of a rural Japanese hospital grappling with a ransomware attack that threatens the very foundation of its operations.
As a cybersecurity professional and contributor to this impactful documentary, I was deeply involved in unpacking the multilayered complexities of ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure. The story is not just about a single hospital; it’s a microcosm of a growing global crisis that affects lives, businesses, and entire communities.
The Anatomy of a Ransomware Attack
The story begins quietly, with a nurse on night duty noticing unusual activity: office printers churning out page after page of cryptic ransom notes. Within moments, the hospital staff discovers that their patient records, surgery schedules, and other critical data have been encrypted by hackers. The ransom demand? A hefty payment in cryptocurrency, with the threat of permanently destroying the data if the demand isn’t met.
The attack cripples the hospital. Unable to access patient records, doctors and nurses are forced to turn away emergency cases, postpone life-saving surgeries, and revert to a cumbersome paper-based system. The disruption doesn’t just impact operations; it endangers lives. For a hospital located 670 kilometers from Tokyo, where access to alternative facilities is limited, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The Growing Threat of Ransomware
The situation depicted in Click to Ransom is not an isolated incident. Between 2021 and 2022, global ransomware attacks surged by a staggering 168%. Healthcare institutions, in particular, are prime targets due to their reliance on real-time data and their vulnerability to downtime. The attackers exploit this dependency, knowing that the cost of disruption often outweighs the ransom demand.
Ransomware has evolved beyond simple encryption. Modern attacks are highly sophisticated, often involving “double extortion” tactics where hackers not only encrypt data but also threaten to release sensitive information publicly. For healthcare organizations, this means patient privacy is at risk, adding another layer of urgency to an already dire situation.
Why Healthcare Is a Prime Target
Hospitals and healthcare facilities are uniquely vulnerable to ransomware attacks for several reasons:
Outdated Systems: Many healthcare institutions rely on legacy systems that are not equipped to withstand modern cyber threats.
High Stakes: The critical nature of medical data makes it difficult for hospitals to delay recovery efforts, pushing them toward paying ransoms.
Lack of Resources: Smaller, rural hospitals, like the one featured in Click to Ransom, often lack the cybersecurity infrastructure and expertise needed to defend against sophisticated attacks.
Value of Data: Patient records are highly valuable on the black market, fetching higher prices than credit card information due to their detailed personal and medical information.
The Human Cost of Ransomware
The most poignant aspect of Click to Ransom is its focus on the human impact of the attack. It’s not just about encrypted files or ransom demands; it’s about the lives put at risk when critical healthcare services are disrupted. Patients in need of urgent care are turned away, surgeries are postponed, and medical professionals are left scrambling to deliver care under impossible conditions.
During the documentary, I highlighted that ransomware is not just a technological issue—it’s a human one. The ripple effects extend far beyond the targeted organization, affecting patients, families, and entire communities.
The Ethical Dilemma: To Pay or Not to Pay?
One of the most compelling questions raised in the documentary is whether the hospital should pay the ransom. On one hand, paying could restore systems quickly, potentially saving lives. On the other, it perpetuates the cycle of cybercrime, funding criminal enterprises and encouraging future attacks.
This ethical dilemma is at the heart of ransomware incidents. Governments and cybersecurity experts generally advise against paying ransoms, as there is no guarantee the attackers will honor their promises. However, in the high-pressure environment of a hospital, where lives are on the line, the decision becomes far more complex.
Lessons from Click to Ransom
The story of the Japanese hospital serves as a wake-up call for healthcare institutions worldwide. The lessons are clear:
Invest in Cybersecurity: Healthcare organizations must prioritize cybersecurity, allocating resources to upgrade systems, implement robust defenses, and train staff.
Incident Response Planning: A well-prepared incident response plan can significantly mitigate the impact of an attack. Hospitals need clear protocols for identifying, containing, and recovering from ransomware incidents.
Backup Systems: Regularly updated, secure backups are essential for recovering data without paying ransoms.
Collaboration is Key: Governments, private organizations, and healthcare institutions must work together to address the ransomware epidemic.
A Global Crisis with Personal Stakes
What makes Click to Ransom so powerful is its ability to bring a global issue down to a human scale. Watching the hospital staff struggle with the fallout of the attack is a stark reminder that cybersecurity is not just about protecting data—it’s about protecting people.
For those of us working in cybersecurity, the documentary underscores the importance of our mission. It’s not enough to develop advanced technologies or implement security protocols; we must also educate and empower individuals and organizations to navigate the complex and ever-evolving threat landscape.
Looking Ahead
As ransomware attacks continue to escalate, the healthcare sector must adapt. This means not only investing in technology but also fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and resilience. The story told in Click to Ransom is a cautionary tale, but it’s also a call to action. By learning from these incidents and taking proactive measures, we can prevent future tragedies and build a more secure digital future.
Dr. Magda Lilia Chelly is a cybersecurity expert, keynote speaker, and advocate for digital resilience. She is passionate about helping organizations protect themselves from cyber threats and creating a safer internet for all.