Preventing cyberattacks in your organization

Although the healthcare sector is a prime target for cyber attacks, robust cybersecurity measures, staff training, and advanced technology can significantly reduce the risk of a breach. Proactive steps taken today can protect patient data, ensure compliance with regulations, and maintain the trust of the communities they serve. 

The threat landscape

Healthcare organizations are targeted by malicious actors using various methods. Understanding these threats is the first step toward building a robust defense.

Common cyber threats

• Phishing attacks: One of the most prevalent threats, with 88% of healthcare workers having opened phishing emails. Phishing involves cybercriminals sending deceptive emails that appear legitimate to trick employees into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links.
• Ransomware: This attack encrypts an organization's data, rendering it inaccessible until a ransom is paid. Healthcare organizations are particularly vulnerable due to the critical nature of their operations.
• Insider threats: Whether intentional or accidental, employees can pose a risk to data security. Insiders may misuse their access to steal information or inadvertently cause a breach through negligence.
• Advanced persistent threats (APTs): APTs are sophisticated, long-term cyberattacks where attackers gain access to a network and remain undetected for an extended period, often to steal information. 

Go deeper: Types of cyber threats

Recent incidents

• Change Healthcare: Change Healthcare, a US health insurance billing firm, was targeted by a ransomware attack by the BlackCat/AlphV group in March 2024, causing disruptions in payments, billing, and prescriptions.
• MCNA Dental: In 2023, MCNA Dental was targeted by LockBit, who infiltrated their systems for 10 days, stealing 700 GB of data, including PHI of 8.9 million clients, and resulting in 11 lawsuits.
• Cerebral: Cerebral, a telehealth organization, experienced a data breach in 2023, exposing 3.1 million patients' personal health information to third parties without their consent, resulting in privacy breaches.

Go deeper: Biggest healthcare industry cyberattacks

In the news: New report reveals increasing cyber threats in healthcare

Best practices for cybersecurity in healthcare

To prevent cyberattacks, healthcare organizations must adopt a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. Below are best practices to safeguard sensitive data and maintain patient trust.

Implement strong access controls

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more verification factors to access a system, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
• Role-based access control (RBAC): By limiting access to data and systems based on an employee's role, healthcare organizations can ensure that necessary individuals have access.

Employee training and awareness

• Regular cybersecurity training: Employees are often the first line of defense against cyberattacks. Regular training sessions can help staff recognize and respond appropriately to phishing attempts, social engineering tactics, and other common threats.
• Simulated phishing exercises: Conducting simulated phishing attacks can help reinforce training and identify employees needing additional guidance.

Regular security assessments

• Vulnerability scanning: Regularly scan networks and systems for exploitable vulnerabilities. Address any weaknesses promptly to reduce the risk of a breach.
• Penetration testing: Test effectiveness and improve defenses by simulating cyberattacks.
• Security audits: Regularly audit security policies, procedures, and technologies to ensure they are up-to-date and effective.

See also: How to perform a risk assessment

Data encryption

• Encrypt data at rest and in transit: Encryption ensures that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable without the proper decryption key.
• Encryption for communications: Secure communication channels, such as email and messaging systems, with encryption to prevent unauthorized access.

Secure backup practices

• Regular backups: Ensure that all critical data is backed up regularly. If a ransomware attack occurs, having recent backups can help you restore operations quickly.
• Offline and offsite backups: Store backups in secure locations not connected to the main network to prevent them from being compromised if the primary system is attacked.

Learn more: How to develop a backup and recovery plan

Network segmentation

• Isolate sensitive systems: By segmenting networks, healthcare organizations can prevent attackers from moving laterally across the network. Sensitive systems should be isolated from less secure areas.
• Implement firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS): Firewalls can control traffic between network segments, while IDS can monitor suspicious activity and alert administrators to potential threats.

Incident response planning

• Develop and test an incident response plan: Having a well-defined incident response plan helps quickly address and mitigate the impact of a cyberattack. Regular testing can ensure effectiveness and help staff know their roles in an emergency.
• Tabletop exercises: Conduct tabletop exercises to simulate cyber incidents and practice your response. Analyze the results to identify gaps in your plan and improve overall preparedness.

See also: Tips for cybersecurity in healthcare

Compliance and regulations

Healthcare organizations must also navigate a complex landscape of regulations designed to protect patient data. Understanding and adhering to these regulations is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding penalties.

• Understanding regulations: Regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) set strict standards for data protection. Compliance with these regulations is a legal obligation and can improve an organization’s cybersecurity posture.
• Regular compliance audits: Conduct regular audits to ensure your organization meets all relevant legal requirements and industry standards. Review data handling practices, security controls, and incident response procedures.

See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide

Leveraging technology solutions

Advanced technology can play a significant role in enhancing cybersecurity defenses. Healthcare organizations should consider investing in solutions that provide real-time threat detection and response capabilities.

• Advanced threat detection systems: AI and machine learning-based systems can detect and respond to anomalies in real-time, helping to prevent breaches before they occur. 
• Zero trust architecture: Adopting a Zero Trust model means assuming that threats may already be present within your network. This approach requires verification for every request, whether it comes from inside or outside the network, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access.

Partnering with cybersecurity experts

Given the complexity of the threat landscape, many healthcare organizations may benefit from partnering with cybersecurity experts. Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) can offer continuous monitoring and protection, allowing healthcare organizations to focus on their core mission—patient care.

• Outsourcing security operations: Consider outsourcing security operations to an MSSP specializing in healthcare cybersecurity. These providers can offer 24/7 monitoring, threat detection, and incident response services.
• Collaboration with law enforcement: Establish relationships with local law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity organizations. In the event of a cyberattack, these partnerships can be invaluable in responding quickly and effectively.

FAQs

Why are healthcare organizations frequent targets of cyberattacks?

Healthcare organizations hold vast amounts of sensitive data, including patient records, financial information, and proprietary research. This data is valuable to cybercriminals for identity theft, fraud, and ransomware attacks. Additionally, the critical nature of healthcare services means that organizations may be more likely to pay a ransom to restore operations.

How can organizations ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA and GDPR?

• Conduct regular audits: Regularly review and update policies and procedures to ensure compliance.
• Appoint a compliance officer: Designate a staff member or team to oversee compliance efforts and stay updated on regulatory changes.
• Implement access controls and encryption: These are often mandatory requirements under regulations like HIPAA and GDPR.

Related: What is the key to HIPAA compliance?

What should healthcare organizations do if they experience a cyberattack?

• Activate the incident response plan: Immediately follow the procedures outlined in the plan.
• Contain the breach: Take steps to isolate affected systems and prevent the attack from spreading.
• Notify stakeholders: Inform relevant parties, including patients, partners, and regulatory authorities, as required by law.
• Analyze and recover: Investigate the attack to understand its impact and how it occurred, then work to restore systems and improve defenses to prevent future incidents.