Article Is Your Healthcare Data Secure?
Data growth is transforming the healthcare industry — but it’s also become one of the biggest targets for cybercrime.
By Valerie Rivera / 22 Nov 2022 / Topics: Devices Cybersecurity Software
Healthcare organizations have undergone a massive shift in recent years — including a rise in big data, adopting new technologies and entering an era of virtual care. And, while this digital transformation has improved the patient experience and created unique opportunities for the industry, it's also given cybercriminals more opportunities to attempt their next attack.
Falling victim to a malicious attack puts immense strain on a workforce already under pressure to keep pace with drastic industry shifts. But, since healthcare continues to be a top target for cybercriminals, having a solid cybersecurity stack is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
You can protect your patients and providers and keep sensitive information from getting into the wrong hands by deploying robust, scalable security tools that safeguard your organization from unprecedented cyberattacks and help build a future-proof environment.
Staying ahead of an evolving threatscape
Healthcare data is one of the most valuable types on the black market, making it the target of relentless attack. As the value of patient data has skyrocketed, so have the number of data breaches affecting the industry.
In fact, cybersecurity breaches hit an all-time high in 2021, exposing a record amount of patients' Protected Health Information (PHI), which impacted 45 million individuals — up from 34 million in 2020.
With so much confidential data at stake, these types of breaches are not just costly. They can also jeopardize:
- Patient privacy
- Safety
- Clinical outcomes
- Financial resources
Battling data breaches and defending your information ecosystem requires the right technology. Adopting state-of-the-art healthcare cybersecurity tools will help you navigate an evolving threatscape, keep persistent threats at bay, identify and detect potential risks, and enable effective recovery.
The role of security in telehealth
Telehealth services have quickly become a desired option for countless patients thanks to their accessibility, convenience and low cost. However, telemedicine also presents new risks, making cybersecurity vital to delivering safe care from anywhere.
Embracing secure telehealth and virtual medicine options can help your organization:
- Lower costs
- Meet and exceed changing patient expectations
- Improve patient-provider relationships
- Increase patient engagement
By applying effective security technologies across your telehealth systems and networks, you'll realize these benefits and enhance protection for your growing patient data.
A multilayered approach to connected care
Multilayered security is a proactive approach that employs several unique components, each serving a particular function to safeguard operations, IT infrastructure and services.
You’ll protect your organization from attacks with multilayered security technology such as:
Endpoint security: Modern endpoint protection evolves and expands to meet the growing number of devices across your networks.
Identity & access management: Administer user roles, track access activity, and enforce permissions and policies across your systems.
Network security: With features like firewalls and virtual private networks, you’ll more effectively limit intrusions into your most vital data.
Data protection and recovery: Tools for encryption, access, tokenization and more will help keep your critical information protected, compliant and uncorrupted.
Physical surveillance: Surveillance tools provide visibility and insight across your locations, protecting your patients, staff and providers.
Employee training: When staff is informed of the latest security trends and guidelines, they become crucial in protecting your organization from a security breach.
While no single tool can guarantee security, you can strengthen your posture by adopting a multilayered approach to protect your connected care environment.
Healthcare experts on your side
Insight can help you thrive in a drastically changed healthcare ecosystem. We’ll implement technology that enhances in-person and remote diagnoses, collaboration and patient care without putting essential data at risk.
We’re here to serve as your technology partner — offering targeted tools and expert guidance to help your healthcare organization secure your entire IT environment so you can achieve better patient outcomes.
