Today cybersecurity must take the forefront in our minds. This is especially true in the healthcare industry. Here’s what you should know.
While many of us are full of knowledge, it doesn’t mean we always choose to act upon it. For instance, motorcyclists realize that wearing a helmet will dramatically reduce the likelihood of developing head trauma during an accident, yet over 25% of them still choose not to wear a helmet. This is also true in the healthcare industry. Herein many healthcare workers will tell you that by frequently washing their hands they’re able to prevent the spread of infections, but they don’t follow through and wash their hands.
Forbes says you’ll also see that this very same pattern emerges when you broach the subject of cybersecurity in the healthcare industryOpens a new window . While many organizations in this niche will take several straightforward, protective measures, hospitals and healthcare systems quite often don’t follow these protocols. This is why, in recent years, there have been some high-profile organizations who have experienced lapses in their data security.
These have led to the exposure of protected healthcare information (a.k.a. PHI). Of course, this doesn’t mean that this couldn’t happen otherwise because electronic systems aren’t completely impenetrable. However, there are some things that healthcare organizations can and should do to help limit the likelihood that a breach will occur.
1. The Threat is Real
When you stop to think about it, you can probably understand why someone who has nefarious intentions would seek out a bank, credit card company, or retail establishment to illegally access money, social security information, or financial documents from them. However, many people find it difficult to understand why someone would hack into a healthcare organization’s system.
Nevertheless, these entities are quite the target for these criminals today, especially when it comes to ransomware (a type of malicious software that holds a patient’s PHI and financial data hostage until the hackers who deployed the ransomware receive the payment they’re seeking).
In fact, this is such a credible threat today that the FBI has issued some stern warnings to those in the healthcare industry about the risks of ransomware. Today’s healthcare facilities must recognize this threat and put strong security measures into practice. This includes being committed to creating and following a comprehensive cybersecurity program. Otherwise, they’re putting both, themselves and their patients at risk.
2. Revisit Protocols and Update Them
Healthcare organizations also need to have clearly-defined security procedures in place. These must address how their staff access and interact with their facility’s technology. This typically requires staff members to use either a robust pin (one that’s 6 – 8 digits long) or a robust multi-character password (one that includes both, alphanumeric characters and symbols) when they want to unlock any software that houses PHI.
It’s important to mandate that these passwords be updated every 30 – 60 days. Failure to do so should automatically lock a person (regardless of their rank or position within the organization) out of the system. Additionally, whenever possible, it’s important for healthcare facilities to implement two-factor identification. Adding this additional layer of protection will help patients rest assured that their privacy is being taken seriously.
3. Ensure that Your Staff is Up-to-Date
Making sure that your staff is consistent when it comes to following your processes will result in their effectiveness for your organization. This is why it’s so important to provide comprehensive training on all of your organization’s cybersecurity measures and what risks will result when your staff fails to be diligent in their efforts to this regard.
For instance, you’ll want to make sure that your staff is properly trainedOpens a new window so that they can easily recognize any suspicious email communication before they open something that may place your entire organization in danger. It’s also equally important for them to reach out to your IT department when they’re questioning an email’s authenticity.
Not only is this something you’ll want to make sure is taught in new staff orientation, but it’s also important to offer refresher training on a regular basis to make sure that all your employees stay up-to-date about new threats and security measures.
4. Get a Third-Party Audit
Even if you believe your organization is doing everything it can to keep your technology private and secure, you should know that it’s still easy to miss or overlook some issues. This is where a fresh perspective from an outside, non-biased entity is beneficial. Having a third party perform a comprehensive audit, test for any weaknesses, review staff training materials, and recommend ways of improving on everything is the best way to make sure you’re always well protected.
5. Ensure that Your Software has Built-in Comprehensive Security
When you’re in the market to get new software (especially anything that stores or exchanges PHI or financial information) you should make sure that the provider is fully committed to high levels of security. Of course, once you buy this new software, you’ll want to conduct routine audits and penetration testing so you can uncover and resolve any potential weaknesses.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to make sure that all the software’s data is encrypted so if a breach does occur the hacker won’t be able to decipher the information. Buying cloud-based products doesn’t make you exempt from taking these measures. In fact, you must take things a bit further and make sure that the platform is very secure and follows stringent FedRAMP standards.
If it comes with a mobile app, make sure none of your clinical information is stored on a mobile device – it should use flash memory, so the information is only temporarily available in case the device is stolen or lost.
6. Prevention is Better than Down Time
The best way for your healthcare organization to keep its data safe is to engage in cyber threat intelligence. Doing so won’t only help you ward off any attacks, but it’ll also keep your data safeOpens a new window when an attack occurs. These are just some of the most basic steps you can take in this regard.