Hospitals should prepare for cyberattacks from Iran

Chief Healthcare Executive – Tuesday, March 17, 2026
By Ron Southwick

With the U.S. at war with Iran, the healthcare industry should be prepared for potential cyberattacks, including those aimed at hospitals and health systems, authorities say.

Stryker, a medical technology company, says it is the victim of a cyberattack. An Iranian hacking group, Handala, has claimed it is behind the attack. A Michigan-based company, Stryker produces medical and surgical equipment used by hospitals around the world.

Stryker said on its website Sunday that all of its products “including connected, digital, and life-saving technologies, remain safe to use. This event was contained to Stryker’s internal Microsoft environment, and as a result it did not affect any of our products—connected or otherwise.”

John Riggi, national adviser for cybersecurity and risk for the American Hospital Association, told Chief Healthcare Executive® in an interview Monday that he’s not aware of any direct threats to hospitals from the Stryker attack. But he says he’s concerned, particularly in light of Handala warning of additional strikes against the United States.

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