In the era of information technology, healthcare organizations are facing multiple security threats. Hackers can access confidential patient data, including social security numbers and credit card information. They can also disrupt hospital operations by wreaking havoc on computer systems.
According to the 2013 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, healthcare organizations were among the top five most-breached industries in 2012. Most attacks breached security for financial gain – either through patient data or disrupting hospital operations.
The rise of EHRs has made healthcare systems more vulnerable than ever before. Electronic health records (EHRs) store confidential patient information like Social Security numbers and credit card details. This makes healthcare systems lucrative targets for hackers. In this article, we will discuss the most common security threats in healthcare IT and how to mitigate them.
The following are some common security threats in healthcare systems:
1) Hackers Can Steal EHRs
When hackers breach networks, they typically target data that are highly valued in the underground market. For example, they can sell credit card details to make money online. Social Security numbers are even more valuable; bad actors can combine these records with other information (i.e., names and addresses) to create fake identities for illegal activities like opening bank accounts, filing tax returns, and purchasing items on eBay or Craigslist.
2) Lost & Stolen Medical Devices
It is not only regular computers with internet access that make hospital systems vulnerable; hackers can also target medical devices like ultrasound machines, radio frequency identification (RFID) scanners, and printers used by physicians during procedures. If hackers compromise these critical devices, they can print false patient data or disrupt the display of vital information.
3) Disrupt Hospital Operations
Hackers can even affect hospital operations by sabotaging computerized devices. For instance, they have the potential to sabotage insulin pumps used by diabetic patients. This could cause dangerously low blood sugar levels, which can result in permanent damage if not addressed immediately.
4) Steal Protected Health Information (PHI)
The rise of electronic health records makes healthcare systems susceptible to the theft of personal identifiers like names and Social Security numbers. Hackers then sell the stolen identities on the illegal market; combined with other information (i.e., credit history), criminals can assume the victim’s identity. Even worse, this activity is often undetectable until years later when the victim cannot get credit, insurance, or jobs because anyone can now access personal information using an assumed identity.
How Can Healthcare Organizations Protect Patient Data?
Securing patient data requires a multi-layered approach that addresses both technological vulnerabilities as well as user behavior. For instance, IT departments can use encrypted databases to secure patient records and other personal information. This ensures no one can access critical data unless an authorized user with proper credentials grants permission. The following are some of the best practices used to protect against security threats in healthcare organizations:
1) Encrypting Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
Hackers have been known to exploit weak passwords or mishandle encryption keys; this enables them to gain unauthorized access to electronic health records (EHRs). Encrypting patient data ensures that unauthorized users cannot access EHRs. When implemented properly, the only way to read encrypted files is through a user with the proper decryption key and password.
2) Maintaining Current Security Software
Much like computers in the home or office, healthcare organizations need regular security updates for their systems and applications. These include all operating systems and software used in medical facilities; updating these periodically helps protect against vulnerabilities hackers might exploit.
3) Using Stronger Usernames and Passwords
Many healthcare providers use easy-to-guess usernames and passwords to protect sensitive patient data. While these passwords might be easy for employees to remember, they are also easy for hackers to guess as well.
4) Limiting Access Only When Necessary
Hospitals need systems administrators who can appropriately monitor activity on the network, staff members with proper credentials who have access to certain EHRs and software programs – not just anyone who asks for permission. This ensures that only authorized personnel can access digital patient records, and those who do have legitimate reasons only.
5) Educating Employees on Best Security Practices
The latest security threats to healthcare systems can be as simple as a phishing email that contains malware or as complex as ransomware that encrypts files until the victim pays a ransom. One of the best ways to protect against such attacks is to educate employees about the risks associated with opening emails from unknown senders; these unsolicited messages often contain hidden malware designed to infiltrate hospital computer systems and networks.
6) Using Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Technologies like two-factor authentication (2FA) ensure that hackers cannot access sensitive patient data even if they guess user credentials correctly. These technologies require users to enter both a password and a unique code sent to their mobile device before gaining access. This ensures only the actual user has complete access.
7) Creating an Incident Response Plan
Hackers are skilled at finding new ways to break through firewalls and other security barriers. When they happen upon some unknown vulnerability, they often exploit it quickly to make as much money as possible. Healthcare providers need first responders who can immediately respond to any security threats that might arise on hospital networks or EHRs; this incident response plan should detail procedures for identifying the problem, notifying IT personnel, mitigating risks, and retrieving data if necessary – all with minimal disruption of services provided to patients.
Conclusion:
As you can see, there is a lot of information to take in and address. This article has provided some excellent insight into the most common security threats facing healthcare organizations today and how they can address them. We are always ready and willing to help & protect their sensitive data from cyberattacks by providing them with high-quality managed IT services for healthcare that keep all digital assets safe from harm. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at any time!
