Session Title: The Healthcare Cyber Threat Landscape: Risk, Impact and Preparedness (1 CE credit)
Session Description: Cyberattacks against healthcare entities have increased dramatically over the last several years, with nation-state and cybercriminal adversaries targeting healthcare organizations with a record number of hacks. These attacks often involve the theft of massive amounts of patient data and medical research. Most concerning, high impact ransomware attacks have struck large health organizations at an alarming rate, shutting down critical systems, and causing significant disruption and delay of healthcare delivery and creating risks to patient safety. Cyberattacks targeting pharmacies also pose a significant threat, compromising sensitive patient data, disrupting operations, and endangering public health by hindering access to critical medications.
Join American Hospital Association’s John Riggi, National Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk and former FBI cyber executive, as he provides his unique national and international perspectives on the latest cyber threats including those arising from geopolitical tensions, third-party providers, and supply chain disruptions. He will discuss how best to prepare for, respond to, and recover from these disruptive cyberattacks on a local, regional and national level, while also providing his insights on the latest cyber legislative and policy developments. As John always says, “This presentation is designed not to scare, but make aware, so we can prepare.”
Session Objectives:
- Learn about the latest cyber adversaries, their tactics, techniques and procedures.
- Hear about lessons learned based upon assistance provided to victim organizations of ransomware attacks and the “ransomware blast radius.”
- Learn how digital risk translates into patient care risk and best practices on how to prepare for a loss of medical technology for four weeks or longer.
Bio: John Riggi is the first National Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk at the American Hospital Association, representing 5,000+ hospitals in protecting patient care from cyber threats. With extensive experience at the FBI and CIA, he has been a key leader in combating ransomware attacks, securing healthcare infrastructure, and advocating for stronger national policies.
A nationally recognized expert, John has advised hospitals during major cyber incidents, including the 2024 Change Healthcare attack, and has testified before Congress on cyber threats facing healthcare. He played a pivotal role in elevating ransomware as a national security priority and co-led efforts to enhance hospital cyber resiliency.
Before joining AHA, John was the head of cybersecurity and financial crimes practice at BDO, a global leader in multi-industry cybersecurity expertise. Riggi also served in the FBI Cyber Division, where he investigated some of the largest cyberattacks targeting healthcare. He also held leadership roles in counterterrorism, intelligence and financial crime investigations, earning prestigious awards, including the FBI Director’s Award and the CIA’s George H.W. Bush Award for Excellence in Counterterrorism.
A frequent media contributor and speaker, John continues to be a trusted voice in cybersecurity, ensuring healthcare organizations remain resilient against evolving digital threats.