Did you know? Nearly 11.5 attacks are initiated by malicious hackers every minute. This may seem surprising to you; however, it is true!
Cybersecurity has become a major concern for almost all industries. And healthcare is no different. The evolution of modern technologies has undoubtedly transformed the medical sector.
However, the rise in cyber threats leads to disturbances in healthcare and financial losses. Besides, it can also affect the privacy of patients. Hence, enhancing cybersecurity in healthcare is a dire necessity.
In this article, we will explore the importance and methods of medical data protection. So, let’s dive in!
Cybersecurity Issues in the Healthcare Industry
Data Breaches
Data breaches have been on the rise in the medical sector in recent times. Weak passwords and human errors are some of the most prominent reasons for data breaches. As a result, it leads to fraudulent insurance claims, identity theft, and illegal access to different medicinal products.
Ransomware Attack
Ransomware attacks refer to the use of malicious software to prevent the access of data until a ransom is paid. It can result in the shutting down of electronic health records. Moreover, it can cause delays in treatment and risk the lives of patients.
Malware Infiltration
Malware infiltration involves the use of malware like spyware, worms, and viruses to steal information, damage information systems, and gain illegal access to healthcare systems.
Phishing
Attackers often use phishing messages to mislead the medical staff and compel them to disclose sensitive data or login credentials. It can give unauthorized users control over the healthcare data of patients. As a result, it can affect the trust of the patients and damage the reputation of the medical facility in the industry.
The Need for Cybersecurity in the Healthcare Setting
Are you wondering why cybersecurity matters in the healthcare sector? In that case, go through the prominent points listed below.
Prevents identity thefts
The medical records consist of huge volumes of personal data about patients. As a result, they are vulnerable to attack. However, prioritizing cybersecurity can help keep all the computer systems and software of healthcare organizations safe and secure. It prevents identity theft and allows healthcare institutions to win the trust of their patients.
Maintains the privacy of patients
Protecting the privacy of patients is one of the important ethical principles of the healthcare sector. Implementing strong cybersecurity measures can enable patients and their family members to trust the medical facility. Moreover, they can feel safe providing their personal details without any hesitation.
Protects research and development data
Besides patient data, the computer systems of healthcare organizations may also consist of information about the latest research and developments. By launching cyber attacks, your competitors may gain access to such data and stay ahead of the competition. To limit such incidents, leveraging cybersecurity measures is the need of the hour.
Ensures the continuity of medical services
Today, healthcare organizations are highly dependent on the digital systems that maintain the medical records of patients. Cyberattacks can limit healthcare professionals’ access to healthcare data and delay treatments. Moreover, it may even affect the functioning of medical instruments and devices.
Implementation of cybersecurity measures can effectively help medical facilities deal with such situations. By safeguarding healthcare systems and networks, it can prevent cyber attacks and ensure the efficient delivery of medical services.
Maintains compliance with regulations
There are various regulations and legislations like GDPR and HIPAA, governing the medical sector. Violation of any regulation can result in severe legal consequences and penalties. That is where cybersecurity proves to be an ideal solution.
It helps in safeguarding patient data and maintaining the highest level of privacy and security standards. As a result, you do not have to worry about the legal consequences and maintain a positive reputation in the industry.
Read: 7 Tips to Succeed in your Business with Manufacturing ERP Software
Top Methods to Protect Medical Data
Are you wondering how to counter cyberattacks and boost security? Take a look at the top methods of protecting medical data.
Leverage intrusion technologies and firewalls.
Modern intrusion technologies help in monitoring the web traffic of healthcare organizations and provide notification of unusual activities. On the other hand, a firewall serves as a barrier between cyber threats and healthcare networks.
Data encryption
Data encryption refers to the process of encoding data to prevent any kind of unauthorized access. It can provide extra protection for both data in transit and data at rest.
Multi-factor identification
Multi-factor identification measures may include the use of usernames and passwords, fingerprints, and digital cards. It ensures that only authorized users can access the medical information of patients.
Regular security audits
Conducting security audits regularly can help identify potential weaknesses and issues and find ways to address them effectively. As a result, it can improve the security of the healthcare system and secure the sensitive information of patients.
Frequent software updates
As software gets older, it may become an easy target for malicious users. Therefore, updating your software regularly matters a lot. The latest versions come with modern solutions and ensure optimum protection against cyber attacks. Regular updates can effectively fix potential security issues and improve the overall security of the system.
Develop incident response strategies.
To respond to a security incident on an emergency basis, you need to stay well prepared. That is why developing appropriate incident response strategies is crucial. It can minimize the chances of data breaches, allow healthcare organizations to resume activities, and ensure smooth functioning.
Final Words
The cases of cyberattacks in the medical sector are on the rise continuously. Therefore, exploring and implementing cybersecurity measures have become more vital than ever before for the healthcare industry.
By now, you must have a complete idea of the need for medical data protection and effective methods to boost security. It is time to leverage them and witness the benefits. The protection of patient data is of utmost importance, and HIPAA-compliant software development is the key to ensuring its safety. By developing software that adheres to HIPAA regulations, we can guarantee that patient information remains secure and confidential. Leveraging cybersecurity measures will not only protect the sensitive information of patients but also allow healthcare organizations to maintain their reputations in the industry.
Author’s Bio:
Harikrishna Kundariya is the Co-founder, Director, & Marketer of eSparkBiz Technologies – an excellent Software Development Company. Also, a notable IoT, ChatBot & Blockchain-savvy Developer.