Lawmakers debated tougher penalties for ransomware attacks on hospitals, including treating such attacks as terrorism or pursuing homicide charges when deaths occur. The proposals, raised at a House Homeland Security hearing by former FBI cyber official Cynthia Kaiser, come as healthcare sector attacks doubled from 238 in 2024 to 460 in 2025. #Hospitals #FBI
Keypoints
- Congressional members proposed labeling some hospital ransomware attacks as terrorism to increase penalties.
- One idea is to pursue homicide charges when an attack on a hospital results in patient death.
- Cynthia Kaiser recommended terrorism designations and clearer DOJ guidance to expand enforcement options.
- The healthcare sector was the top targeted area, with incidents rising from 238 in 2024 to 460 in 2025.
- Studies and past incidents, including a University of Minnesota study and a German investigation, highlight lethal consequences and prosecutorial challenges.