The shift to electronic health records, interconnected medical devices, and telehealth services has expanded vulnerability to cyber threats in the healthcare industry. Unlike breaches in other sectors, a cyberattack in healthcare can directly compromise patient safety, potentially disrupting medical services as seen in the Change Healthcare data breach case, and exposing sensitive personal information. As cybercriminals become increasingly sophisticated, healthcare organizations must adopt a proactive and multi-layered approach to digital security.
Implement recent password policies
Move beyond traditional password complexity requirements. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) now recommends prioritizing password length over complex combinations of characters. Instead of requiring users to include uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols, focus on creating longer passphrases of at least 15 characters. These longer passwords are significantly more resistant to brute-force attacks while being easier for users to remember. Additionally, eliminate mandatory periodic password resets unless there's evidence of a security breach, as frequent changes often lead to weaker password practices.
Encrypt sensitive data
Electronic health records (EHRs) contain highly sensitive information including medical history, diagnoses, medications, and genetic data. Implementing encryption protocols for data at rest and in transit can prevent unauthorized access and safeguard protected health information (PHI) from potential identity theft or discrimination based on medical conditions.
Regularly update software and systems
Keep all software, operating systems, and applications up to date with the latest security patches. This helps protect against known vulnerabilities. Many healthcare organizations have legacy systems that are no longer supported by the manufacturer and pose significant security risks.
Conduct regular security audits
Perform regular security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities. This includes reviewing access controls, network configurations, and incident response plans. Risk assessments need to be conducted or reviewed regularly, at least once per year, to manage potential risks effectively.
Educate employees on cybersecurity best practices
Legal experts in health and wellness suggest that organizations should provide ongoing cybersecurity training for all employees. Teach them to recognize phishing attempts, avoid suspicious links, and report any unusual activity. This is essential as phishing is a top threat that can lead to security incidents if users unknowingly click on malicious links or open malicious attachments.
Use secure communication channels
Utilize secure communication channels such as Paubox Email Suite and secure messaging apps for sharing sensitive information. Email security is particularly important because it is a primary means of communication within healthcare organizations.
Restrict access to sensitive data
Implement role-based access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive data. Regularly review and update access permissions. This is part of maintaining HIPAA compliance, which sets forth requirements for safeguarding PHI.
Monitor network activity
Use intrusion detection systems (IDS) and network monitoring tools to detect and respond to suspicious activity in real-time. Regular monitoring helps protect against various threats, including ransomware and other types of malware.
Secure mobile devices
Ensure that all mobile devices used for work purposes are secured with strong passwords, encryption, and remote wipe capabilities in case of loss or theft. Unauthorized physical access to devices can lead to compromises, so physical security measures are also important.
Related: Tips for cybersecurity in healthcare
Develop a comprehensive incident response plan
Have a well-defined incident response plan in place to quickly address and mitigate any security breaches. Regularly test and update the plan to ensure its effectiveness. This is helpful when managing incidents and ensuring a timely response to mitigate potential damages.
Go deeper: What is an incident response plan?
Collaborate with business associates
Work closely with business associates and third-party vendors to ensure they follow the same security standards and protocols. Establish business associate agreements (BAAs) to outline the security measures that must be implemented, as required by HIPAA.
Read more: HIPAA compliant email checklist 2024: What you need to know
Stay informed about emerging threats
Keep up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity threats and trends. Participate in industry forums and subscribe to threat intelligence services. Understanding threats like phishing, ransomware, and other malware is needed to maintain cybersecurity defenses.
FAQs
How to recognize malicious links
To recognize malicious links, hover over the link to check the URL for suspicious characters or misspellings, and verify the sender's email address. Be cautious of urgent messages and use security tools such as antivirus software and browser extensions to help identify and block such links.
What is ransomware
A type of malicious software that encrypts a victim's files. The attacker then demands a ransom from the victim to restore access to the data upon payment. Ransomware can spread through phishing emails, malicious downloads, or vulnerabilities in software.
What is malware?
Malware (short for "malicious software") is any software intentionally designed to cause damage to a computer, server, client, or computer network. Types of malware include viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, spyware, adware, and scareware. Malware can infiltrate systems through phishing attacks, infected websites, or software vulnerabilities.
