Six Reasons Healthcare Organizations Need Robust Cybersecurity

Medical organizations must implement robust cybersecurity solutions due to the sensitivity of the data they handle and the increasing frequency of cyberattacks. As these organizations rely more heavily on technology for storing and managing patient data in the digital era, their vulnerability to cyber threats, such as ransomware, DDoS attacks, and IP address manipulation, also increases. Here are six compelling reasons why medical organizations should prioritize strong cybersecurity measures to protect against these threats:

Safeguarding Patient Information

Medical records often contain highly sensitive personal information, like social security numbers, medical histories, and insurance information. Cybersecurity tools help prevent unwanted access to this data and implement safeguards like intrusion detection systems, multi-factor authentication, and encryption to protect patient privacy. By enforcing principles of least privilege, these solutions lower the chances of security events and protect the privacy and integrity of medical data.

The Change Healthcare ransomware attack, attributed to the BlackCat/ALPHV, highlighted the vulnerabilities within healthcare IT systems. The malicious actors infiltrated the company’s network, encrypting vital data and demanding they pay a ransom for its release. This incident highlighted the significant risks ransomware poses to healthcare organizations, disrupting operations and compromising sensitive patient information. The breach emphasized the need for robust cybersecurity measures and comprehensive incident response strategies to safeguard against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats targeting the healthcare sector.

Compliance with Regulations

Healthcare institutions must follow tight rules, like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the US. These laws impose harsh penalties for noncompliance and mandate the protection of patient data. Adopting strong cybersecurity safeguards guarantees adherence to these rules.

Failure to adhere to these regulations can land healthcare entities in hot water, as Anthem found to its detriment. The health insurance company had to pay $16 million to the US Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and implement significant corrective measures to resolve potential breaches of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy and Security Rules. This settlement follows a series of cyberattacks that resulted in the largest health data breach in history, compromising the electronic protected health information of nearly 79 million individuals.

Prevention of Financial Loss

Cyberattacks and data breaches can result in large financial losses because of the associated penalties, court costs, and remediation expenses. Additionally, a loss of patient trust can result in fewer patients and lower revenue. Cybersecurity solutions help reduce these risks by preventing breaches.

The 2017 ransomware attack on the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK is a prime example of this. Kaspersky estimated the NHS lost a staggering £92 million after 19,000 appointments were canceled in the aftermath of the attack, and this doesn’t take into account the cost of system outages, cleaning costs, and legal fees.

Safeguarding Medical Devices

Hacking medical devices isn’t a recent phenomenon, but their popularity has surged due to their growing complexity and number of electronic components. Security breaches involving medical devices like Insulin Pumps and Implanted Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) have been documented for years.

This is why it is essential to ensure that these gadgets are secure to prevent unwanted access and possible patient injury. Cybersecurity safeguards keep these gadgets safe from hacking.

To address these risks, a range of standards and regulations have been established to enhance the security of medical devices. Key regulations and standards include EO 14028, FDA Pre-Market Approval Guidelines, IEC 62304, IMDRF Standards, ISO/IEC 27001, and AAMI TIR97. These standards aim to safeguard medical devices from cyber threats and ensure their reliability and security in the healthcare environment.

Maintaining Operational Continuity

Cyberattacks have the potential to seriously impair hospital operations, causing delays in patient care and even fatal circumstances. By implementing cybersecurity solutions, medical organizations can ensure that patient care is not put in jeopardy and that their systems continue to function.

The ransomware attack against Universal Health Services (UHS) in 2020 had a profound impact on the business, causing significant operational delays. The attack, which encrypted critical data and disrupted access to internal systems, forced UHS to revert to manual processes and temporary workarounds. This disruption led to delays in patient care, rescheduling of appointments, and interruptions in medical services. Patient care was delayed and hospital operations were severely disrupted when UHS was forced to shut down its IT systems at 400 locations as a result of the attack.

Protecting Institutional Reputation

A healthcare entity could suffer serious reputational damage from a cyberattack or data breach. Trust is crucial in the healthcare industry, and patients must have faith that the security of their personal data is guaranteed. Effective cybersecurity procedures aid in preserving and safeguarding the company’s reputation.

Robust Cybersecurity

Adopting cybersecurity solutions is essential for medical entities to protect themselves against cyber threats and ensure the security of patient data, maintain compliance with regulations, safeguard their reputation, and prevent financial losses.

Investing in robust cybersecurity measures is a technical necessity and a critical aspect of modern healthcare operations. By taking proactive steps to secure their networks and systems, medical organizations can create a safer and more reliable healthcare environment for patients and staff.