How to improve cybersecurity in the healthcare sector

Over the last two years, the healthcare sector has been the number 1 target for hackers who have attempted to attack health centers or even the health department of an entire country. The industry faces threats such as ransomware that blocks the whole healthcare system, deceptive techniques such as phishing, or breaches of sensitive data. 

MSPs and healthcare centers need to be aligned and act proactively in order to protect themselves from these risks. This strategy enables them to achieve endpoint protection and damage control in the event of a cyberattack. 

In this month of cybersecurity awareness, what steps can be taken to strengthen cybersecurity in the healthcare sector? 

1. Employee training and awareness

Healthcare organizations must prioritize ongoing cybersecurity training for all employees. Regular workshops and seminars can help staff recognize phishing attacks, social engineering tactics, and other cyber threats. An informed workforce is the first line of defense against potential breaches.

2. Implement strong access controls

Limit access to sensitive information to only those who need it to perform their job functions. Role-based access controls (RBAC) help ensure that staff can only access data relevant to their roles. Regularly reviewing and updating access permissions can help mitigate risks.

3. Data encryption

Encrypting sensitive patient data, both in transit and at rest, is critical. This ensures that even if data is intercepted or accessed without authorization, it remains unreadable to unauthorized users.

4. Keep all devices up to date, both hardware and software

The use of outdated PCs, as well as operating systems and antivirus without the latest updates installed, represent a major cybersecurity breach that hackers could exploit to attack the database. Using advanced devices and managed service providers in the Cloud would make healthcare centers more resilient to these types of threats. Healthcare centers need to deploy an advanced solution that incorporates a strong layer of prevention, detection, and response to potential advanced threats (EDR). If they lack full protection at the endpoint, all other initiatives may fall short. 

5. Secure medical devices

With the increasing use of connected medical devices, ensuring their security is paramount. Regularly assess and update the security features of these devices, and segment them from the main network to reduce risk.

6. Regular data backups

Frequent backups of critical data can safeguard against ransomware attacks and other data loss incidents. Ensure that backups are stored securely and that restoration processes are tested regularly.

7. Utilize Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access to sensitive systems. This can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

8. Vendor risk management

Evaluate the cybersecurity practices of third-party vendors that have access to sensitive data. Ensure they adhere to stringent security standards and maintain regular communication regarding their security measures.

9. Engage patients in cybersecurity

Educate patients about protecting their personal information, emphasizing the importance of using secure communication channels when sharing sensitive data. Encourage them to be vigilant about their health information.

Conclusion

In the healthcare sector, where the stakes are high, adopting a proactive approach to cybersecurity is non-negotiable. By implementing these best practices, healthcare organizations can protect sensitive patient data, ensure compliance with regulations, and ultimately maintain trust in the services they provide. The ongoing commitment to cybersecurity not only safeguards patients but also strengthens the overall integrity of the healthcare system.