As an information-rich industry, biopharma faces a growing threat to the integrity of the data it holds on patients, products and research. The threat stems from a disruptive new wave of tech-inspired cyberattacks originating from unfriendly governments; organized crime syndicates; opportunistic, networked groups and individuals, sometimes from within the company itself; and anti-business “hacktivists” with political or policy grievances. Last month’s WannaCry ransomed malware attack on major businesses and public institutions in 150 countries – including the UK National Health Service – demonstrates the growing technological sophistication and geographic reach of this emerging, still murky community of cyber rogues. (Also see "WannaCry Cybersecurity Alert Shows Medtech Software Must Look Beyond Quick Fixes" - In Vivo, 18 May, 2017.)
WannaCry and other, less publicized breaches of industry data defenses have focused attention on a relatively new member of the...
