When a ransomware attack hit Lawrence General Hospital in 2020, it was more than a disruption; it was a wake-up call. The attack, part of the global SolarWinds breach, forced the hospital to confront the reality that cybersecurity in healthcare is not just about protecting data, but also patients. With patient care on the line, the hospital needed a cybersecurity partner that understood the stakes of healthcare cyber threats. That is when they turned to Fortified Health Security.

Unlike general cybersecurity firms, Fortified focuses exclusively on healthcare. That expertise made an immediate difference, transforming Lawrence General’s security approach from reactive to proactive. In the years since, the hospital has not only strengthened its defenses but also improved operational efficiency and even reduced cyber insurance costs, all by choosing a partner that speaks the language of healthcare security.

Why Healthcare Cyber Threats are Different

The risks in battling healthcare cyber threats extend far beyond traditional data breaches. Electronic health records (HER), network-connected medical devices, and real-time patient monitoring systems depend on security and uptime. A cyberattack that takes down critical systems can prevent doctors from accessing life-saving information or disrupt emergency procedures.

James Edgell, Senior Information Security Engineer at Lawrence General, explains why healthcare demands a specialized approach.

“It’s absolutely critical because when you’re looking at the healthcare industry, it’s really unique. The major factor is you have people’s lives at risk. Patient safety is number one, and Fortified gets that.”

Unlike other IT security firms, Fortified Health Security offers customized solutions tailored to the unique regulatory and operational needs of hospitals and other healthcare organizations.

The Value of a Healthcare-Specific Cybersecurity Partner

Since partnering with Fortified, Lawrence General Hospital has built a cybersecurity program tailored to the healthcare environment.

“In 2020, we established our program with Fortified conducting an assessment to address the SolarWinds ransomware attack and help with remediation,” says Mourikas. “They implemented hardening controls, and from there, the program really took off.”

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to battling healthcare cyber threats, Fortified helped Lawrence General address immediate vulnerabilities while developing a long-term cybersecurity strategy, which included:

  • Incident Response and Preparedness – Fortified assisted the hospital in structuring a robust incident response plan, ensuring they are ready for potential cyber threats.
  • Security Maturity Growth – The hospital’s security posture has significantly improved over time through continuous assessments and updates.
  • Regulatory Compliance Support – Navigating compliance with healthcare regulations such as HIPAA and HITECH requires deep industry knowledge, which Fortified provides.
  • Ongoing Monitoring and Threat Detection – With a 24/7 Security Operations Center, Lawrence General now has real-time detection and response capabilities.

Mourikas emphasizes how crucial this relationship has been. “The maturity of our program has grown immensely, and our security posture has increased greatly since partnering with Fortified.”

A True Cybersecurity Partnership, Not Just a Vendor Relationship

One of the most significant differences between Fortified, a healthcare-specific MSSP, and an enterprise cybersecurity provider is the collaborative nature of the relationship.

“Fortified is part of Lawrence General Hospital,” says Edgell. “It’s not just, ‘Hey, we just want to sell you these products, and if you don’t go with this product in this area, good luck to you.’ It’s a relationship that says, ‘If you can’t afford to get something at a certain time, what controls can we put in place to help strengthen that area as much as we can?’”

This partnership model ensures that the hospital is not just purchasing security tools to take on healthcare cyber threats but also receiving strategic guidance tailored to their needs.

Mourikas highlights this difference, saying, “Fortified is not just outsourcing. It’s an actual collaboration where we grow and strengthen together. The key to a successful partnership is having that consistent touchpoint of communication, and that’s why this has been so successful.”

Strengthening Security While Reducing Costs

Beyond improving the hospital’s security posture, working with a dedicated healthcare cybersecurity provider has also provided financial benefits.

“For example, during our most recent cyber insurance renewal, we achieved a premium reduction of about 15 percent, which is considerable,” says Edgell. “This reduction is directly tied to the proactive investments we made upfront, resulting in a strong return on investment on the backend. Comparing where we started in 2020 to now, we’ve been driving costs down yearly since 2021, aligning with our security posture improvements.”

This cost reduction is a direct result of Fortified’s strategic approach to cybersecurity, prioritizing proactive investment rather than reactive spending after an incident occurs.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency with Central Command

One of the standout tools Lawrence General has adopted through Fortified is Central Command, which streamlines security management and response.

“What I like the most is Central Command. It has made things so much easier for me. Everything is all in one place, and I have it on my phone. So even if I’m not close to a computer, I can quickly use my phone to get a response,” says Daniel Colon, Information Security Engineer.

He continues, “The best thing is the fast response back in the chat. If I have any questions, I can engage in the chat within five to ten minutes, and then I reply. That really impressed me a lot. To me, the biggest benefit of Central Command is being able to react in the moment by having it on my phone or anywhere I go.”

This flexibility is invaluable for a hospital IT team that needs to respond to healthcare cyber threats at any time, regardless of location.

The Impact of Specialized Cybersecurity on Healthcare Cyber Threats

Lawrence General Hospital’s experience demonstrates the importance of industry-specific expertise in healthcare cybersecurity. The partnership with Fortified has significantly improved security posture, financial savings, and operational efficiency.

As Mourikas puts it, “Every day, we see news of new breaches, but thanks to Fortified,  we’ve strengthened our defenses to navigate these challenges better.”

The message is clear for hospitals and healthcare organizations looking to improve security against healthcare cyber threats. Choosing a partner who understands the complexities of the healthcare industry is not just an advantage. It is a necessity.

Contact us today to learn more about how Fortified Health Security can help your team.