With the advent of electronic health records (EHR) and interoperable platforms, healthcare providers and organizations face the tough job of securing large amounts of sensitive data. And with all this information also comes the risk of targeted cyber threats.
A report by Microsoft found that ransomware attacks in healthcare have surged 300% since 2015. With these dangers lurking, it’s more important than ever for healthcare systems to adopt advanced security measures. This article explores:
- The significance of cybersecurity in healthcare
- Why healthcare is a prime target for cyberattacks
- The fallout from data breaches
- Best practices for cyber security and resilience
Understanding Cybersecurity’s Role in Healthcare
Cybersecurity in the healthcare industry is more than just a financial or tech concern—it’s crucial to patient safety. Healthcare providers, from small practices to large hospitals, rely heavily on digital systems and software to manage large swaths of patient information. This dependence and paperless revolution make them prime targets for cyber threats.
Luckily, understanding the role of cybersecurity in healthcare is the first step toward building a solid defense. Still, providers must recognize that cybersecurity isn’t a one-time fix. It’s ongoing. Systems must be monitored and updated regularly to fend off growing threats. The goal?
- To protect healthcare data
- Ensure the seamless operation of health services
- Build patient trust
- Comply with HIPAA regulations
The Rise of Cyberthreats in Healthcare
Cyber threats in healthcare have increased, with over 540 organizations reporting healthcare data breaches to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in 2023 alone, impacting over 112 million individuals.
What’s the main reason behind the uptick? The high value of healthcare data.
This information is considered a lucrative “goldmine” for cybercriminals because it often includes medical, personal, and financial data. Three common cybersecurity threats to watch out for include:
1. Ransomware attacks. These campaigns encrypt vital data, rendering it paralyzed until a ransom is paid. One of the largest healthcare ransomware attacks happened to the company Change Healthcare. Over 100 million individuals were compromised in the attack – almost one-third of the population of the U.S.
2. Phishing. These attacks trick users into giving away sensitive information or infecting their system with malware. According to a survey, the cost of phishing attacks quadrupled from 2015 to 2021.
3. Data breaches. These attacks steal patients and research data. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) recently revealed that 387 data breaches of 500 or more records were reported, representing an 8.4% increase from 2023.
Consequences of Healthcare Cyberattacks
Healthcare data breaches have far-reaching consequences. When patient information is compromised, it can lead to identity theft, money fraud, and unauthorized medical procedures. These breaches harm patients, affecting their well-being and trust in providers.
The fallout from attacks can also be costly for healthcare organizations. Here’s how:
- A cyber security breach in a medical practice can cost around $11 million per incident.
- More than 80% of hospitals cited outage-related cash flow squeezes, with nearly 60% estimating daily revenue losses of $1 million or more.
- Nearly three-quarters (74%) of hospitals report direct patient care setbacks and delays, resulting in costly workarounds.
Beyond the financial costs of breach recovery, organizations can face legal liabilities and regulatory fines in the thousands. Any reputational damage can result in diminished patient trust and a lower bottom line. Recovering from an attack is a long and exhausting process, highlighting the need for tough security measures.
Why Protecting Patient Data Matters
Patient’s protected health information (PHI) is often threatened because these records contain prime data, including social security numbers and addresses. For these reasons and more listed below, patient data protection is vital for maintaining trust and delivering quality care.
- Stolen patient records can be sold on the dark web for profit.
- A breach in patient data erodes their trust in healthcare providers.
- Access to records can lead to severe consequences for patient health and long-term outcomes.
- A lack of solid cybersecurity measures can risk HIPAA non-compliance.
HIPAA Compliance and Risk Management
HIPAA compliance provides a blueprint for protecting patient information. These standards are not a “nice-to-have” addition; they are legal requirements that providers must follow and enforce. Failure to comply with these regulations can land your organization in a heap of trouble — resulting in significant penalties or costly remedial measures.
HIPAA compliance and cybersecurity involve implementing various protective measures, including access controls, encryption, and audit trails. These actions protect PHI from unauthorized access, alteration, and disclosure. Maintaining compliance shows your commitment to patient privacy and data security.
Best Practices for Healthcare Cybersecurity
Implementing effective security methods is a must-have when safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining practice management integrity. Below, we offer cybersecurity best practices that will protect vital patient information and keep your organization safe and resilient in the face of any threat.
Conducting Risk Assessments
Conducting regular risk assessments identifies vulnerabilities and acts as a “first line of defense.” This process is usually accomplished through:
- Usability testing
- User interviews
- Surveys
By understanding where weaknesses exist, providers can prevent them from happening. If gaps are found, consider investing in strong access controls that limit entry to data to authorized users only. For example, multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that access remains protected even if credentials are compromised.
Securing EHRs
Securing electronic health records (EHR) is a top priority for healthcare organizations. Taking actions such as encrypting EHR data is essential for preventing unauthorized entry. Providers also want to make sure their system meets HIPAA requirements.
For example, investing in HIPAA-compliant software that integrates with EHRs is one way to ensure patient data safety. Web-based communication platforms, like Updox, provide HIPAA-compliant messaging apps. What does this mean? The platform offers powerful features to ensure the protection of PHI during SMS texting, including:
- End-to-end encryption
- Secure login methods
- Remote data wiping
- Detailed audit trails
Implementing Cyberattack Response Plans
According to research, over a third of medical practices cannot cite a cybersecurity incident response plan. The findings come at a critical time, as the Health Infrastructure Security and Accountability Act (HISAA) seeks to establish tough minimum cybersecurity standards across the healthcare industry.
This begs the question – What’s your plan in the event of an incident?
When preventing healthcare cyberattacks, creating a plan helps organizations act fast during security breaches, allowing for quick recovery. A solid incident response program should include:
- Policies that outline the roles and responsibilities of staff members, ensuring that everyone understands their part in maintaining data security. Regular policy reviews and updates are also necessary to adjust changes in technology and regulations.
- Strategies that establish perimeter defenses, including firewalls and intrusion detection, to prevent unauthorized access to networks. Providers should invest in technologies to mitigate threats in real time.
Employee Training and Updates
Educating medical staff about cybersecurity dangers empowers them to recognize and respond appropriately. Regularly updated training programs ensure all team members know current threats and best practices for mitigating them.
Preventing healthcare cyber attacks also requires a proactive approach. For example, scheduling system updates and patches to safeguard against threats and performance “bugs” reduces vulnerabilities that jeopardize patient data.
Final Thoughts on Cyber Resilience
The importance of cybersecurity in healthcare extends beyond compliance and financial protection; it’s a promise to patients. It says you care about their safety and privacy and pledge to protect them.
By implementing robust cybersecurity policies, investing in cutting-edge technologies and software, and fostering a culture of security awareness and cyber resilience, you can keep patient data safe and maintain operational integrity for years to come.
To learn more about how your healthcare organization can stay compliant and safe from cybersecurity attacks, click here.
