Information Security in Healthcare

Many of the world’s most valuable assets are intangible, but information security in healthcare is a crucial asset for patients, providers and organizations. Hospitals and other medical facilities have complex, specialized information systems and equipment that need protection from hackers, as well as the unintentional loss or corruption of data through human error.

Healthcare is one of the most highly regulated industries, and cyberthreats are constantly evolving. As a result, the need for robust cybersecurity protections in hospitals is more critical than ever.

While no industry is immune to cyberattacks, healthcare is at a higher risk for threats because of the vast amounts of personal information it possesses. It’s also a target because of its continual connectivity to outside sources to access patient records, receive real-time patient feedback and deliver treatment in an efficient manner. Maintaining connectivity while ensuring sensitive data is only available to those with authorized access and protected from unauthorized access requires a balancing act that’s best left to experienced cybersecurity professionals.

With cyberattacks on the rise, and ransomware attacks in particular becoming more commonplace, hospitals must put strong cybersecurity measures in place. These safeguards protect patient records, which are vital to the delivery of quality care and keeping them safe from attacks that could compromise or even ruin a person’s health and finances.

The Importance of Information Security in Healthcare

Having proper protections in place not only keeps data protected, but it also helps ensure HIPAA compliance and other regulatory standards are met. These regulations help keep data secure and provide staff with training on the policies to follow to protect patient privacy and medical information.

As new technologies continue to advance the healthcare industry’s ability to treat its patients, the need for increased connectivity and cybersecurity measures is essential. Using the latest tools allows physicians to map patients’ bodies for surgical visualization; use robotic hands for less invasive, more precise surgeries; and monitor blood sugar levels of diabetics in remote locations. While these advanced technologies can improve outcomes, they present additional risks to the hospital network and need to be properly secured. Fortunately, healthcare security experts know how to incorporate these tools into the information security architecture while protecting against the most serious threats.

It’s also critical for hospital C-suite executives and other management to view cybersecurity as more than just a technical problem falling solely into the realm of IT departments. Instead, they should consider the importance of information security and incorporate it into the organization’s existing enterprise risk and governance frameworks to prevent patient safety and business continuity risks.

From the patients to the staff, everyone has a vested interest in the strongest, most robust information security that is possible. Cyberattacks on the health industry are becoming increasingly common and, as a result, the cost of breaches has skyrocketed. According to the 2019 Healthcare Data Breach Report, these incidents are up 37.4% year-over-year, and the most devastating attacks often take the form of ransomware. These attacks are designed to hold a facility hostage by encrypting data until a ransom is paid, and they are the fastest-growing form of attack.