Enhancing Cybersecurity in the Healthcare Industry

With recent growth in technological capabilities for healthcare including telehealth visits, remote monitoring, digital health, and other innovative practices utilizing the internet and cloud-based services, the risk for cybercrime has increased significantly. The medical industry's electronic vulnerability has grown, making cybersecurity for healthcare a greater priority than ever before.

Why Is Cybersecurity Important in Healthcare?

Organizations in the medical sector are targeted frequently by cybercriminals due to the large amount of sensitive and valuable data that it holds. This includes protected patient health information, personally identifying information, financial information, and intellectual property. Not only is theft of this data potentially damaging to patients, but it is also extremely expensive for the company; the cost of remediating a cyber breach is nearly three times higher for the healthcare industry than for other industries. Cybersecurity in healthcare organizations is extremely important to help with the following issues.

Meet Compliance Obligations

Cybersecurity is critical in the healthcare industry due to the duty that healthcare providers and other organizations have to comply with industry regulations. These regulations include the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and requirements for pharmaceutical quality and safety (GxP).

HIPAA is a crucial regulation that prioritizes patient privacy and the confidentiality of health records. With the increasing digitization of healthcare records and processes, data integrity in compliance becomes even more essential. Healthcare providers must ensure that patient information is securely stored and transmitted to protect their privacy and maintain their trust.

The GDPR, on the other hand, is a regulation that applies to organizations handling the personal data of individuals in the European Union. It requires healthcare organizations to implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect the personal information of patients, ensuring their rights and privacy are respected.

Additionally, compliance with GxP requirements is vital for pharmaceutical companies to ensure the quality and safety of their products. Cybersecurity plays a significant role in maintaining the integrity of digital records and systems that track and monitor the manufacturing, storage, and distribution of pharmaceuticals. By implementing effective cybersecurity measures, healthcare organizations can prevent unauthorized access or modifications to critical data, ensuring the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products.

As the healthcare industry continues to embrace digital transformation, data integrity in compliance becomes increasingly important. Healthcare providers and organizations must stay up to date with evolving regulations and invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive patient information, maintain regulatory compliance, and safeguard the quality and safety of healthcare services and products.

Protect Expanded Attack Surface

The digital revolution in the life sciences industries has greatly expanded the opportunities for cyber-attacks. With the growing demand for connected medicine and the shift towards digital services, there is an increased risk of breaches. Additionally, the widespread use of cloud technology has created a gap in product capability and organizational knowledge, leaving organizations vulnerable to cyber threats. The proliferation of connected devices further amplifies the potential for attacks, while the rise in telework in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and healthcare sectors adds another layer of vulnerability. It is crucial for organizations in these industries to prioritize cybersecurity to mitigate these risks and protect sensitive data.

Mitigate Damage From Breaches and Hacks

Recent news stories are full of horror stories resulting from cyberattacks in the healthcare industry. A hacked computer system in a Des Moines hospital disengaged the digital monitor that calculated medication dosage, causing a 3-year-old boy to overdose after a routine tonsillectomy. A cyber incident impacting the nation's second-largest hospital chain resulted in ambulance diversions and the shutdown of integral systems. A ransomware attempt in Louisiana resulted in compromised data for 270,000 patients. These issues illustrate the importance of cybersecurity in healthcare.

How Does iuvo Help to Implement Healthcare Cybersecurity?

iuvo has a team of expert life science IT consultants with knowledge and experience in the areas of:

Cloud tools
Bioinformatics

This team can assist in securing corporate data and protecting against cyber-attacks to provide financial security, data protection, and peace of mind.

Defense in Depth Tech Strategy

iuvo utilizes a Defense in Depth technology strategy, which leverages a variety of security procedures to establish a robust system of cyber protection. This comprehensive approach combines advanced security measures to safeguard applications, data, endpoints, and corporate networks.

Recurring Staff Training

While sophisticated technology enables hackers to find their way into computer systems in innovative ways, human error still accounts for more than 80% of all incidents. Cybersecurity for healthcare must include significant ongoing training to ensure all staff members are aware of the risks and how to avoid falling victim to phishing scams and other cyberattacks. iuvo cybersecurity training focuses on the following cybersecurity measures involving human resources:

Human firewalls: train a team of individuals to serve as the first line of defense against cyber-attacks.
Cybersecurity policies: define and delineate the organization's approaches to preventing, managing, and mitigating cybersecurity threats as part of the overall corporate strategy.

iuvo can assist your organization with robust and effective cybersecurity. Contact our expert consulting team today for more information.