Top cyber threats for companies in the Biotech sector

Biotech companies are a prime target for cybercriminals due to the sensitive nature of their data, which includes confidential information about research and development, intellectual property, patient data, and collaborations with other organizations.

Below, we’ll list the most common types of cyber threats used by cybercriminals to access this information.

Most common cyber threats in the Biotech sector

Intellectual property theft

This refers to the illegal or unauthorized appropriation of scientific research, drug formulas, or innovative technologies, which can result in economic, reputational, and legal consequences.

There are different types of intellectual property theft:

• Brand Counterfeiting: The illegal use of a registered trademark to create counterfeit products.
• Patent theft: The manufacturing or selling of a patented invention without permission.
• Industrial espionage: The acquisition and misuse of trade secrets, such as formulas, processes, or business strategies.

Ransomware attacks

Ransomware is a type of malware that blocks access to your information and threatens to make your files inaccessible unless you pay the demanded ransom.

This malware works by encrypting the victim’s documents and information, effectively locking them and preventing the user from accessing their files until a financial compensation is paid for their release.

Cyber espionage

Cyber espionage, also known as cyber spying, is the practice of using digital means to obtain confidential, sensitive, or classified information from individuals, organizations, or governments without their consent. This activity is carried out using technological tools such as malicious software, bot networks, or social engineering techniques, with the goal of infiltrating computer systems, networks, and electronic devices.

Data breaches and theft of personal and patient data

Data breaches can occur as a result of cyberattacks, human errors, or failures in a company’s security systems. Regardless of the source, any type of data breach can severely and permanently damage the company’s reputation.

• Loss of trust from customers, distributors, partners, and investors
• Negative publicity
• Legal and regulatory penalties
• Difficulty attracting talent and partners
• Long-term financial impact

Suply chain attacks

Cybercriminals use the supply chain to infect and access a system or IT infrastructure. They use techniques such as:

• Malware attacks
• Social engineering-based attacks
• Spoofing attacks
• Data interception attacks
• Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks
• Physical infiltration attacks

These threats can lead to disruptions in research and manufacturing, as well as the spread of malware.

Phishing and spear phishing

The goal of phishing is to obtain confidential or sensitive information that could compromise the company, typically with the aim of intercepting communications and making financial gains (such as changing an invoice account number) or infecting user devices to gain access to resources or plant malware (such as ransomware).

Phishing emails are designed to blend in with commercial or informational emails so that users are more likely to fall for the scam.

The main difference between phishing and spear phishing is that while phishing attacks are mass and random, spear phishing targets specific companies and organizations to gather specific information. Typically, this involves financial, military, or intellectual property data.

These types of attacks compromise privileged accounts and facilitate lateral movement within the corporate network.

Advanced malware and trojans

Malware is malicious software or programs with harmful code designed to damage or perform unauthorized actions against computer systems.

Trojans, specifically, are a type of malware that disguises itself as legitimate programs but contains malicious code that allows cybercriminals to gain access to the affected organization’s system.

One of the most notorious trojans is Emotet, which spreads through spam emails. The infection occurs via malicious script files, documents with macros enabled, or harmful links.

Data manipulation or sabotage

The goal is to modify or corrupt critical data related to clinical trials, genetic analysis, or research results in order to damage the credibility and trust in the company’s products.

Attacks on IoT and OT Devices

Most biotech companies use IoT (Internet of Things) and OT (Operational Technology) devices in labs or production facilities. This can lead to disruptions in critical processes and potential sabotage of automated systems.