Healthcare organisations face cybersecurity challenges when protecting their electronic health records (EHRs). One of the most prevalent worries is the theft of personal data, such as patients’ names, addresses, and medical records. In addition, healthcare organisations are at risk of cyberattacks that could lead to the release of confidential information, the corruption of data, or the theft of patient identities.

To address these challenges, healthcare organisations need a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that includes measures to protect EHRs from unauthorised access, data breaches, and cyberattacks. They should also have the plan to respond to any incident and a system to track and report incidents.

Identifying and Addressing Healthcare Cybersecurity Risks

  • Identifying Potential Risk Sources

As healthcare professionals, it is important to stay up to date on the latest cybersecurity risks and threats. Identifying potential risk sources in the healthcare sector is essential to maintain a secure environment and protect patient data.

Cybersecurity risks come in many forms, from malicious actors targeting systems or networks to malicious software infiltrating your systems. The risk sources can also include human error and negligence, such as employees being unaware of security best practices. As healthcare providers and leaders, it is crucial to stay aware of potential risks and be proactive in protecting patient data and systems.

  • Evaluating Cybersecurity Risk Levels in the Healthcare System

As the number of threats varies, no one-size-fits-all response in any healthcare system will suffice and the solution may vary based on the specificities of that system. However, some general tips for evaluating cybersecurity risk in healthcare systems include assessing the level of cyberattack sophistication and targeting those known to be practised by the adversaries, as well as the overall level of cybersecurity infrastructure and practices in place.

  • Develop a Security Plan to Protect the Healthcare System from Cyber Threats

Your organisation must have a comprehensive plan to thwart cyber-attacks on its systems. The security plan for healthcare should include ways to protect against cyber threats, find them, and deal with them. Healthcare organisations should also have a process for reporting cyber incidents.

A healthcare leadership course can be beneficial to ensure healthcare professionals have the skills to effectively respond to changes and new demands, enabling them to navigate complex problems such as these.

Enhancing End-User Security

  • Cyber Security Training for Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare networks and servers are constantly under attack from cyber criminals. Cyber security training can help protect these professionals from becoming victims of cyber-attacks.

Healthcare leadership can receive a few diverse types of cybersecurity training. The first type is generic cyber security training, which is intended to assist healthcare professionals in protecting themselves from all types of cyberattacks. This type of training is usually offered as an online healthcare leadership course or a series of webinars.

The second type of cyber security training is tailored specifically for healthcare professionals. This type of training can help healthcare professionals protect their patients’ data and their organisation’s data.

  • Establishing User Authentication

Users need to be authenticated to access the system. There are several ways to authenticate a user, but the most common is using a username and password.

Another way to authenticate a user is to use a token. A token is a piece of information unique to a user and can be used to access the system.

Users can also be authenticated using biometric data. Biometric data is unique to a person, like fingerprints or faces. Biometric data can be used to verify a user’s identity, and it is often the best way to do this.

  • Enhancing Physical Security of the digital infrastructure

Physical security of the digital infrastructure is an important part of mitigating cyber threats. The digital infrastructure includes all physical and electronic systems that support business operations. The physical security of the digital infrastructure consists of the following:

    1. Protecting computer systems and data: Protecting computer systems and data from unauthorised access and use is critical to mitigating cyber threats. All systems and data should be protected with strong passwords and other security measures.
    2. Ensuring physical security: Physical security measures, such as locked doors and cameras, should be in place to protect computer systems and data from unauthorised access.
    3. Configuring firewalls and intrusion detection systems: Firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help protect computer systems and data from unauthorised access.
    4. Implementing biometric security: Biometric security, such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, can help protect computer systems and data from unauthorised access.

Utilising Security Tools

  • Utilising Firewalls to stop cyber threats

A firewall can help protect your computer systems from cyber threats by blocking unauthorised access to your computer. This can be done by blocking incoming traffic or allowing authorised traffic through the firewall.

  • Implementing Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems to stop cyber threats

Organisations must implement intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to prevent cyberattacks. IDS/IPS can detect and prevent unauthorised system and data access.

There are many different IDS/IPS systems, but the most common are network-based and host-based. Network-based IDS/IPS systems monitor traffic on a network and detect malicious activity. Host-based IDS/IPS systems monitor the activities of specific hosts on a network.

  • Utilising Encryption and Data Loss Prevention Solutions

Businesses must take precautions to safeguard their data from unauthorised access and theft. Encrypting it while it is being sent or stored is one method. Data loss prevention solutions can also help protect data by identifying and preventing unauthorised access.

Establishing a Cybersecurity Response Plan

  • Establishing a Cybersecurity Incident Response Team

Any healthcare organisation must have a Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (CIRT).

Unfortunately, many healthcare organisations need more resources, knowledge, or personnel to establish an effective CIRT. But with the proper training and support, it is possible to create an efficient and effective CIRT.

One way to gain the training and expertise needed to set up a CIRT is to take a healthcare leadership course. During this course, you will learn about cybersecurity threats, how to respond to them, and how to develop protocols and processes to protect patient information.

  • Developing a Response Plan for any Cyber Threat

Any cyberattack needs a response plan because it will help find and deal with possible threats.

The first step in developing a response plan is identifying potential threats. This can be done through vulnerability scanning, network monitoring, and other means. Once the threats are identified, the plan should include a list of steps to take in the event of a cyberattack. These steps could include turning off systems, calling the police, and getting ready for a possible cyberattack.

A response plan should be regularly updated as new threats emerge and the organisation’s defences change.

  • Training and Testing the Response Plan for any Security Breach of your Digital Infrastructure

As part of your response plan for any security breach of your digital infrastructure, you should train your employees to respond to a security breach. You should also test your response plan to make sure that when security is broken, employees know what to do.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals must proactively protect their networks, systems, and data from cyber threats. By identifying potential risks, evaluating risk levels, developing a security plan, implementing security training and user authentication, utilising security tools, and establishing a response plan, healthcare professionals can effectively address the cybersecurity challenges faced in the healthcare industry.