The healthcare industry must protect against cyber threats as it has a massive volume of sensitive data. Robust cybersecurity strategies are needed to protect against sophisticated attacks. A breach can negatively impact patient trust and safety, so healthcare organizations must prioritize cybersecurity.
The Threat Landscape
Many people don’t realize their healthcare records are at great risk. They assume their providers use healthcare document solutions to safeguard this personal information. While the providers may be doing so, cybercriminals continue to find new ways to access sensitive data.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services reports that one attack in 2024 exposed over 110 million healthcare records. Cybercriminals know they can sell this information on the dark web and make a nice profit. Sadly, many healthcare organizations have outdated medical equipment, putting them at risk of a breach. Criminals will demand ransoms, knowing these organizations must get their systems up and running again quickly. Access control is a challenge in this industry, but it must be prioritized to reduce the risk of attacks.
Cybersecurity Challenges in Healthcare
Healthcare providers face many challenges regarding cybersecurity. They often have legacy systems and outdated technology because they prioritize improving patient care over IT infrastructure. The Internet of Medical Things benefits patients but puts their information at higher risk of unauthorized access. Many workers in the industry are now remote, leading to an expanded attack surface.
Common Cyberthreats
Cyber threats come in many forms. Healthcare organizations must be protected against ransomware, phishing, social engineering, and insider threats. Attacks may be big or small, but all lead to reduced patient trust and potentially costly fines.
How a Cybersecurity Breach Impacts Healthcare Operations and Patient Safety
Cyberattacks may lead to delayed procedures and tests, resulting in poor patient outcomes. Hospital stays may be longer following a cyberattack, and device integrity becomes a concern. Healthcare organizations must reduce these risks to ensure the highest level of care.
Healthcare organizations often spend millions of dollars recovering from a data breach. The average cost of recovering from a breach in 2024 was $9.77 million, more than twice the cost of the average breach across all sectors. It takes a long time to detect and stop an attack, and any violation of industry regulations means the organization is subject to fines and penalties. The loss of reputation is also costly, and the company must bear the costs associated with investigating and mitigating the breach.
Regulatory Frameworks
Healthcare organizations must comply with regulatory frameworks regarding cybersecurity. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is one framework most people are familiar with. However, organizations must also comply with HITECH Act Subtitle D, HHS healthcare cybersecurity performance goals, GDPR, and other international regulations. Doing so can be confusing and costly.
Strengthening Cybersecurity in Healthcare
Healthcare organizations must conduct regular risk assessments to identify security issues and plan for recovery from incidents. All employees must be trained to detect cyberattacks and alert the proper individuals within the organization. Cyber hygiene must be prioritized, and organizations must secure their medical equipment and IoMT devices.
The healthcare industry faces real cybersecurity challenges. Every organization must prioritize cybersecurity for patient safety and optimal care. Protecting sensitive data and complying with regulatory frameworks are the first steps. Every person within the organization must be committed to doing so. Patient information will be safeguarded when they are, and the organization will benefit.