The federal agency's co-deputy director warns that rising cyberattacks are disrupting care delivery and straining operations. Cybersecurity has become a defining issue for hospital leaders as attacks on the industry continue to climb. Andrew Bailey, co-deputy director of the FBI, urged providers to elevate cyber risk within leadership priorities. His message, shared at the recent AHA Annual Meeting, aligns with new federal data that places healthcare at the center of criminal targeting. An FBI report found that healthcare and public health ranked as the most targeted sector for cyberthreats in 2025. The research documented 460 ransomware attacks and 182 data breaches, for a combined 642 incidents. Financial services had the second-most events with 447. Bailey described a threat environment shaped by organized cybercrime groups that focus on hospitals because of the urgency tied to care delivery. Disruptions tied to ransomware can delay treatment and strain operations during critical moments. "We’re no longer talking about a data crime,” Bailey said. “We’re talking about physical harm to patients." The growing volume of attacks has forced executives to confront cybersecurity realities. A breach now carries operational consequences that extend into patient care. When systems like electronic health records and medication platforms become unavailable, clinicians face delays that can affect outcomes. Bailey emphasized coordination between hospitals and federal agencies as a key step in addressing threats. Early reporting of suspicious activity allows law enforcement to track patterns and act against criminal networks before additional organizations are compromised. How Hospitals Can Respond For hospital leaders, the inevitably of cyber incidents necessitates that cybersecurity be embedded into enterprise risk strategy. That starts with ensuring board-level oversight and clearer accountability, aligning cyber preparedness with quality and safety initiatives. Resilience against operational disruption requires adequate preparation. Hospitals benefit from clinical continuity plans that include manual workflows, backup systems,