The sequencing machines hummed quietly in the laboratory. Terabytes of genetic data flowed through servers, fuelling breakthroughs that could transform medicine.
Then, one morning, the systems froze. Research stalled, results were locked, and scientists were left staring at blank screens. The machines had been encrypted by ransomware. What was once the cutting edge of discovery had become the frontline of cybercrime.
Pharma & Biotech
Genomic sequencing machines, laboratory equipment, and biotech OT systems were designed for precision, not defence. They generate vast amounts of sensitive data, often connected to cloud platforms and partner networks. Attackers have realised the value.
Why steal intellectual property when you can lock it, ransom it, or corrupt it? For executives, the risk is billions in delayed research and damaged reputations. For technical staff, the challenge is defending complex systems never intended to withstand cyberattacks.
Machines engineered for accuracy, not security.
Massive volumes of irreplaceable research stored in central systems.
Collaborations across universities, hospitals, and partners widen the attack surface.
A breach undermines compliance with patient privacy and research integrity.
The threat is not only downtime
Pharma and Biotech are industries where time is everything. Delays in research are not only financial losses. They are setbacks for patients, partners, and entire markets.
Boards cannot explain to investors that discovery has halted because a sequencing machine was hacked. Researchers cannot continue trials when they cannot trust their results. The threat is not only downtime, it is the corruption of the very science that underpins credibility.
At Alexsta, we protect science at its source. We combine technical precision with strategic resilience, ensuring that research continues and trust in results remains intact.
Forensic reviews of sequencing systems and laboratory IT.
Mapping of vulnerabilities in connected research networks.
Risk assessments of third party partners and collaborations.
Segmentation of research environments to isolate critical machines.
Continuous monitoring tuned to detect anomalies in scientific systems.
Deployment of integrity tools that validate data authenticity.
Training programmes for laboratory staff to recognise warning signs.
Incident playbooks for ransomware in research environments.
Forensic reporting that demonstrates compliance with regulators.
Rapid recovery strategies to minimise downtime and protect data integrity.
The next ransomware headline may not target hospitals or banks. It may target the laboratories where tomorrow’s cures are being built.
Investors will not accept delays in billion dollar trials. Regulators will not excuse compromised data integrity. Patients will not trust science held hostage by attackers.
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