Calls for Homicide Charges Against Ransomware Actors Targeting Hospitals
Severity: High (Score: 70.2)
Sources: Theregister, Cyberscoop, www.technologyreview.com, securityandtechnology.org, www.sans.org
Summary
During a US House of Representatives hearing on April 21, 2026, former FBI cyber division chief Cynthia Kaiser urged lawmakers to consider felony homicide charges against ransomware actors whose attacks result in patient deaths. Kaiser highlighted that ransomware attacks on hospitals have significantly increased, with incidents doubling from 238 in 2024 to 460 in 2025. She cited a University of Minnesota study indicating at least 47 deaths linked to such attacks from 2016 to 2021, suggesting the number is now likely in the hundreds. Kaiser also called for the designation of ransomware attacks as terrorism and emphasized the need for increased funding for cybersecurity initiatives. Other experts echoed her concerns, advocating for stronger legal frameworks and support for state and local governments. The hearing reflects a growing urgency to address the severe consequences of ransomware in the healthcare sector, which has become a primary target for cybercriminals. Key Points: • Ransomware attacks on hospitals doubled from 238 in 2024 to 460 in 2025. • Cynthia Kaiser urged felony homicide charges for ransomware actors causing patient deaths. • Lawmakers are considering designating ransomware attacks as terrorism.
Key Entities
- Ransomware (attack_type)
- Government (industry)
- Healthcare (industry)
- T1486 - Data Encrypted for Impact (mitre_attack)