Why Healthcare Cybersecurity is Critical for Patient Safety and Data Protection
The healthcare industry is increasingly dependent on connected devices to provide patient care and support hospital operations. Devices such as infusion pumps, MRIs, video cameras, HVAC systems, and more require protection from cyberattacks like ransomware. Additionally, these devices often store sensitive information such as Protected Health Information (PHI) and Personally Identifiable Information (PII), which must be secured.
To ensure patient safety and safeguard these critical devices, healthcare organizations must implement a robust cybersecurity strategy. A whole-hospital healthcare cybersecurity plan ensures all connected medical devices and systems containing PHI or PII are protected from cyber threats. However, as connected devices proliferate, creating a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that addresses these diverse systems while protecting sensitive data presents challenges. With the right tools and methodologies, healthcare organizations can navigate these challenges, meet compliance requirements, and exceed minimum data security and privacy standards.
What is Healthcare Cybersecurity?
Healthcare cybersecurity includes the tools and strategies healthcare organizations use to ensure patient safety and protect sensitive healthcare data. It involves securing data to restrict access, ensuring only authorized individuals—such as a patient’s doctor—can view PHI. The goal is to protect healthcare organizations from external threats (e.g., hackers or ransomware) and internal threats (e.g., disgruntled employees or unintentional security breaches).
Healthcare cybersecurity must safeguard diverse systems within hospitals, such as:
Prescribing systems (for managing prescriptions)
Practice management support systems (where patient healthcare information is stored)
Clinical decision support systems (used by doctors to manage patient care)
Radiology information systems (storing medical images and radiology data)
Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices (such as infusion pumps and remote patient monitoring devices)
Operational Technology devices (e.g., HVAC systems, elevators)
IoT devices (smart devices that may collect patient-related data)
These systems and devices are vital to hospital operations, patient safety, and data privacy, requiring protection from cyber threats.
Common Cybersecurity Threats in Healthcare
Healthcare organizations face a variety of cyber threats:
Malware: Malicious software used to gain unauthorized access to systems and steal data.
Ransomware: A type of malware that encrypts data, demanding a ransom for its release.
Phishing: Cybercriminals tricking users into revealing sensitive information, like usernames and passwords.
Data Exposure: Occurs when sensitive information is unintentionally exposed, e.g., via lost laptops or insecure physical systems.
Insider Threats: Employees who intentionally or accidentally misuse their access to sensitive data.
System Vulnerabilities: Unpatched software or outdated systems are easy targets for hackers.
These threats can compromise patient data, delay medical procedures, and disrupt hospital operations.
Best Practices for Healthcare Cybersecurity
While each healthcare organization has unique security needs, several best practices can strengthen any cybersecurity plan:
Achieve Visibility: Maintain comprehensive visibility across the hospital’s entire network, including connected devices, systems, and vulnerabilities.
Perform Risk Assessments: Regularly evaluate cybersecurity risks and document actions taken to prevent breaches.
Implement Security Controls: Use tools like antivirus software, data encryption, network firewalls, and multi-factor authentication to protect systems.
Zero Trust: Adopt a Zero Trust approach by limiting access to sensitive data and systems based on strict access controls.
Educate Staff: Regular cybersecurity awareness training helps staff identify and avoid phishing attempts and other threats.
Comply with Regulations: Ensure compliance with healthcare cybersecurity laws, such as HIPAA, which outlines specific security requirements for handling PHI.
Securing Key Healthcare Systems and Devices
To effectively protect healthcare organizations, cybersecurity strategies must secure all systems and devices, including:
Email: Securing email systems to prevent unauthorized access to patient data and guard against phishing attacks.
Medical Devices: Protecting devices from physical tampering and remote threats.
Connected IoT Devices: Ensuring smart devices like HVAC sensors and elevators are monitored and secured.
Legacy Systems: Older systems without support are vulnerable to attacks but still require protection.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Whole Hospital
The healthcare industry faces a growing number of cyber threats. A comprehensive healthcare cybersecurity strategy, tailored to protect all systems and devices—from IT systems to connected IoT devices and legacy systems—is essential to safeguarding patient data and maintaining operational integrity.
By implementing best practices like regular risk assessments, adopting Zero Trust principles, and educating staff, healthcare organizations can defend against cyberattacks and ensure compliance with strict security regulations. Tools like Ordr can assist healthcare organizations in achieving complete visibility and control over their connected devices, helping them meet cybersecurity requirements, maintain patient safety, and secure sensitive healthcare data.
To learn more about building a robust cybersecurity strategy for your healthcare organization, contactGhuman Consulting for expert AI and BI insights that engineer your unique fingerprint for success.