In 2026, pharmacies stand at the crossroads of digital transformation. Their essential role in the healthcare chain (dispensing medicines, managing inventories, collecting and transmitting patient data) makes them prime targets for cybercriminals. Unlike in other industries, the consequences of a cyberattack are not limited to financial or reputational damage: they can also directly endanger patients’ health and safety.

Recent cyberattacks on pharmacies, wholesalers, and pharmaceutical groups have highlighted the scale of these threats. In this context, understanding the risks, complying with regulations, and relying on trusted cybersecurity partners such as Systelium has become vital for pharmacies’ survival and resilience.

1. Pharmacies: A Prime Target for Cyberattacks

A. An Industry on the Frontline

Healthcare is now one of the most targeted sectors in France: 11% of all cyberattacks in 2023 hit healthcare organizations, including pharmacies and laboratories (Netexplorer). Between 2019 and 2021, cyberattacks on the pharmaceutical supply chain quadrupled (Perenne IT).

Pharmacies are particularly exposed because they handle sensitive patient data, play a critical role in the drug supply chain, and are often less protected than hospitals or large healthcare networks.

B. Why Cybercriminals Target Pharmacies

Attackers are motivated by multiple objectives:

• Financial gain through ransomware, demanding ransoms worth millions.

• Fraud, such as hijacking professional accounts (Amelipro, e-CPS) to generate fake certificates.

• Industrial espionage, stealing patents, formulas, or drug research data.

• Sabotage, disrupting supply chains and causing shortages in essential medicines.

In short, pharmacies have become strategic entry points into the wider healthcare ecosystem.

2. Sensitive Data and the Importance of IT Resilience

A. What Data Is at Risk?

Every day, pharmacies manage critical data flows, including:

• Patient records: prescriptions, treatment histories, social security numbers, and personal details.

• Professional credentials: Amelipro accounts, e-CPS identifiers, and access to specialized software.

• Partner data: exchanges with doctors, insurers, and wholesalers.

• Logistics flows: drug inventories, supply chains, and ordering systems.

Such information is highly valuable on the dark web. In 2023–2024, more than 25 million patients were affected by healthcare data leaks (Alcimed).

B. The Consequences of System Downtime

A successful cyberattack can trigger a total shutdown of pharmacy operations. The Simone Veil Hospital in Cannes in 2024, for instance, had to revert to paper-based dispensing when its IT systems were encrypted by ransomware.

For community pharmacies, the consequences may include:

• Inability to dispense medicines.

• Regulatory sanctions if fiscal and social data flows are interrupted.

• Substantial financial losses, sometimes in the tens of thousands of euros.

• Loss of patient trust and reputational damage.
  
  

3. Strict Cybersecurity Regulations

A. European and National Requirements

Pharmacies must comply with several key regulations:

• NIS2 Directive (effective in France since October 2024): introduces board-level accountability, third-party risk management, and fines of up to €10 million or 2% of annual turnover (Guardey).

• GDPR: data breaches can result in fines of up to 4% of global annual revenue.

• Cyberscore Law: requires annual cybersecurity audits and the public disclosure of a “security score” for digital systems (GT Expertise).
  
  

B. Key Technical Standards

Pharmacies also need to align with technical frameworks, including:

• ISO/IEC 27001: the international reference for information security management systems.

• Healthcare-specific standards: requirements for certified software, mandatory encryption, and strong authentication.

• Best practices from the French Order of Pharmacists: cybersecurity action plans, staff training, and documented procedures (Ordre des Pharmaciens).

Non-compliance may result in severe financial penalties, loss of contracts, and long-term reputational damage.

4. Real-World Examples of Cyberattacks in the Pharmacy Sector

A. Large-Scale Supply Chain Attacks

• CERP Bretagne Atlantique (2024): This wholesaler, serving thousands of pharmacies in western France, was paralyzed by a cyberattack that disrupted ordering systems and risked regional drug shortages (Infos IT).

• Pierre Fabre Group (2021): A ransomware attack forced the partial shutdown of drug production and distribution centers, impacting essential medicines (Le Monde).
  
  
  

B. Direct Attacks on Pharmacies and Healthcare Units

• Amelipro Account Breaches (2022): Hackers compromised 15 French pharmacies’ accounts, generating fake vaccination QR codes and test certificates (Le Quotidien du Pharmacien).

• Versailles & Sud Francilien Hospitals (2022): Ransomware crippled hospital pharmacies, halting chemotherapy preparations and forcing manual drug dispensing (CERT-FR).

• Pharmacie Orléans, Saumur (2024): A breach exposed over 50,000 patient records, requiring notification to CNIL and reinforced data security measures (Jedha).

These cases illustrate the diversity of threats (ransomware, credential theft, data leaks) and the severe consequences for pharmacies, partners, and patients alike.

5. Systelium: A Strategic Partner for Pharmacies

A. Comprehensive and Tailored Cybersecurity Services

Systelium provides an outsourced CISO Office specifically designed for pharmacies. Our services include:

• Security audits of pharmacy systems (off-the-shelf software, Amelipro portals, internal IT).

• Regulatory compliance support (GDPR, NIS2, ISO 27001).

• 24/7 monitoring and incident detection.

• Staff training and awareness campaigns against phishing and social engineering.
  
  

B. An Efficient and Cost-Effective Model

With its nearshore delivery model, Systelium offers certified French & English speaking experts available on-demand, at costs 3 to 4 times lower than onshore consulting. Starting at just €200/day per profile, pharmacies can strengthen resilience, protect sensitive patient data, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Protect your data & your activity

Pharmacies have become prime cyber targets due to the sensitivity of the data they handle, their crucial role in the healthcare supply chain, and persistent gaps in IT protection. Cyberattacks are not just technical incidents, they disrupt drug distribution, expose confidential patient data, and can even threaten lives.

In this environment, robust cybersecurity is no longer optional. With its specialized and affordable services, Systelium positions itself as a trusted partner to help pharmacies achieve compliance, resilience, and peace of mind. Contact us for more details.