How to identify vulnerable cybersecurity systems in healthcare

In healthcare, vulnerabilities are commonly identified through regular assessments, penetration testing, and monitoring for suspicious activity. The proactive steps allow healthcare organizations to address weaknesses before attackers exploit them.

Understanding cybersecurity systems 

A cybersecurity system is like a digital shield, protecting networks, devices, and data from threats like hackers or malware. The system should constantly monitor for suspicious activity and ensure that only the right people can access sensitive information. These systems are required in every industry, but they become even more necessary in healthcare, where the stakes are incredibly high.

Healthcare cybersecurity requires both strength and agility. Medical professionals must access patient data at a moment's notice, especially during emergencies. So, cybersecurity measures must be secure enough to defend against threats but efficient enough to keep systems and processes running quickly. 

A recent Science Direct journal article stated that the healthcare sector has faced a digital transformation, increasing the industry’s susceptibility to cyberattacks.  

Healthcare systems also have cybersecurity needs beyond blocking hackers. Protecting electronic health records (EHRs) is a top priority because these records contain detailed patient information that must remain confidential and secure. Medical devices like pacemakers or insulin pumps also need protection, as tampering could potentially put lives at risk. 

The components of an effective cybersecurity system

1. Firewalls: Firewalls are the gatekeepers of a network. They monitor incoming and outgoing traffic, preventing access based on predetermined security rules. Firewalls act as a first line of defense, blocking unauthorized access while allowing legitimate communication to pass through.
2. Antivirus and anti-malware software: These software continuously scan systems for known threats, such as viruses, worms, or ransomware. If they find something suspicious, they either neutralize the threat or alert the cybersecurity team to take action.
3. Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS): While firewalls and antivirus software protect against known threats, IDPS detect unusual activity that could indicate a new or sophisticated attack. They monitor the network for suspicious behavior and can take automatic actions to prevent or minimize damage.
4. Encryption: Encryption involves converting data into a coded format that can only be read by someone with the correct decryption key. 
5. Access control: Access control mechanisms determine access within a system. By setting permissions and restrictions, access control ensures only authorized users can view or modify sensitive data.
6. Security information and event management (SIEM): SIEM systems collect and analyze data from various components of a cybersecurity system in real-time, helping organizations respond to security incidents more effectively.
7. Backup and recovery: In case of a security breach or data loss, having a backup and recovery plan is necessary; it ensures that data and systems can be restored to their original state. 
8. User training and awareness: Finally, no cybersecurity system is complete without education. User training and awareness programs help employees recognize potential threats like phishing attacks and understand best practices for maintaining cybersecurity.

Common vulnerabilities

Vulnerabilities in cybersecurity systems often lead to exposure to cyberattacks. Based on a study from the International Journal of Advanced and Applied Sciences, many healthcare services are dependent on technology and thus “They are vulnerable to cyber attacks that are intentionally or unintentionally executed for various purposes, either for the purpose of profit, controlling, or tampering with the system.”

Vulnerabilities that can lead to attack include: 

1. Outdated software and hardware: Many healthcare facilities rely on older systems no longer supported by security updates.
2. Weak access controls: Healthcare systems often lack strict protocols for controlling who can access sensitive information.
3. Vulnerable medical devices: Connected medical devices, often designed with functionality in mind rather than security, can be hacked.
4. Improper data handling: Healthcare workers may inadvertently expose patient information through phishing scams or unsecured networks.
5. Phishing attacks: Phishing remains a common and effective method for cybercriminals to infiltrate healthcare systems, as busy healthcare professionals may mistakenly click on malicious links or provide sensitive information.
6. Insufficient data encryption: Lack of adequate encryption for data during storage and transmission can lead to breaches.
7. Lack of regular security training: Insufficient training for healthcare staff on the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices increases the likelihood of errors that could lead to security breaches. 

How to identify vulnerable cybersecurity systems 

1. Conduct a vulnerability assessment:

• Use automated tools to scan the network, systems, and applications for known vulnerabilities. Tools like Nessus, OpenVAS, or Qualys, can identify outdated software, unpatched systems, weak passwords, and misconfigurations that could be exploited.
• While automated tools are effective, they can miss complex vulnerabilities that require human judgment. Manual testing by cybersecurity experts helps identify vulnerabilities in custom applications or configurations that automated tools might overlook.

1. Perform penetration testing

• Penetration testing involves simulating real-world cyber attacks on your systems to identify how well they withstand active threats. Ethical hackers, or penetration testers, attempt to exploit vulnerabilities to help organizations better prepare for threats. 
• Penetration testing also assesses how well cybersecurity defenses respond to an attack. It includes testing incident response plans, monitoring capabilities, and the effectiveness of security controls.

1. Review security configurations

• Check who has access to systems and data. Ensure that permissions are granted based on the principle of least privilege, where users only have access to the information necessary for their roles.
• Review firewall rules, network segmentation, and other configurations to ensure they are set up correctly to prevent unauthorized access. Misconfigurations in these areas can create vulnerabilities.
• Ensure that data is encrypted both at rest and in transit. Weak or outdated encryption methods can allow attackers to intercept or access sensitive information.

1. Analyze system logs and monitor networks

• Regularly review system and network logs to detect unusual activity that might indicate a vulnerability or ongoing attack. It includes monitoring for failed login attempts, unauthorized access, or file changes. 

1. Evaluate software and hardware

• Regularly update all software and hardware with the latest security patches. Vulnerabilities can arise from unpatched systems, which can be exploited by attackers to gain access or cause damage.
• Identify any outdated or unsupported software and hardware that might be in use. Legacy systems often lack modern security features and can be vulnerable if not properly managed or replaced.

See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide

FAQs

What are SIEMs?

Security Information and Event Management systems collect and analyze security data from various sources to detect and respond to threats in real time.

What is PHI? 

Protected Health Information is any information in a healthcare context that can identify a patient, including medical records, billing information, and other personal details.

What is the most common type of cyberattack?

The most common type of cyberattack is phishing, where attackers trick individuals into revealing sensitive information through deceptive emails or messages.