Former FBI cyber leader urges felony homicide charges for ransomware attacks on hospitals

Coverage from The Register indicates that a former FBI cyber division chief is urging the U.S. Justice Department to consider felony homicide charges against ransomware actors when their attacks on hospitals result in patient deaths. Cynthia Kaiser, former deputy assistant director of the FBI's cyber division, testified before a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee, advocating for stronger consequences for those who encrypt healthcare networks.

Kaiser implored lawmakers to support federal efforts to pursue ransomware criminals, suggesting that terrorism designations be evaluated for actors who repeatedly target hospitals. She highlighted that felony murder law does not require direct causation of death, only that a dangerous felony results in a fatality.

A University of Minnesota study documented at least 47 deaths linked to hospital ransomware attacks between 2016 and 2021, a number Kaiser believes is now in the hundreds. She also stressed the importance of fully funding and reauthorizing the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, noting that state and local governments are frequently targeted and often lack adequate resources for defense.

Source: The Register