Mature But Vulnerable: Pharmaceutical Sector's Cyber Reality

In a digital world where every click can open a door for attackers, the pharmaceutical industry stands as both a fortress-and a high-value target. Despite typically boasting more mature cybersecurity programs than many others in the healthcare sector, pharmaceutical companies face a web of unique and evolving threats. These companies are safeguarding not just sensitive patient data, but also the intellectual property behind life-saving drugs, intricate manufacturing systems, and sprawling global supply chains. "Pharma is facing such a large attack surface that they need to protect, and their adversaries only have to be right once, while they have to get it right 100% of the time," warns Joshua Mullen , vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton and leader of the firm’s health and life sciences commercial business. The Fragile Web of Global Pharma The pharmaceutical supply chain is far from simple. It’s a dynamic, interconnected system that crosses borders, regulatory zones, and d...