Enhanced IT security in the healthcare industry

Nothing affects the reputation of a healthcare provider more than a perceived inability to safeguard confidential patient data. Patients visit healthcare organisations to discuss highly personal and sensitive matters, and a loss of trust in such organisations can be a nightmare.

With healthcare institutions relying on traditional and reactive security measures for many years, they have become easy targets. Ransomware is one of the biggest risks facing healthcare organisations, and as ransomware attacks have increased by 195 per cent in Q1 2019 , healthcare institutions can no longer turn a blind eye.

The time for healthcare organisations to unanimously adapt and evolve their IT security mechanisms is now. Here are 7 best practices that all healthcare organisations must consider implementing.

1. Reliable risk assessment
The best security begins with a risk assessment to ensure that vulnerable assets and entry points get the right protection. Potential risks vary from hacker attempts, DDoS attacks, ransomware infiltration, malware download, human error, data theft and data loss through bugs or failure or improper access controls. Risk assessment is an ongoing process for healthcare organisations to be alert to potential IT security threats.

2. Allotment of IT specialists
Effectively responding to known or unknown security risks requires a dedicated team of IT specialists who can help enforce compliance and safety. Some healthcare organisations hire external specialists, while some qualify in-house personnel and give them the responsibility and authority to drive IT security. Such specialists ensure IT compliance, share knowledge, resolve real-time issues, update systems and educate employees on best practices.

3. Advanced IT security technologies
Designating IT specialists is no use if they are not given the right tools and technologies. Healthcare organisations have become hotbeds of mobile devices, BYOD, cloud computing and remote medicine; so, working with Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions and advanced endpoint security is imperative. The cost of lost data and compromised patient information is much higher.

4. Secure network design
Another critical aspect for IT security specialists and healthcare organisations to focus on is network design from a hardware and software perspective. For instance, servers should be kept inside locked rooms with controlled access and 24x7 surveillance. Servers, workstations and operating systems should have enterprise-grade security and consistent updates. If this process demands an overhaul or network redesign, healthcare organisations should categorically go ahead.

5. Routine IT security training
The role played by simple human errors in the process of IT security for healthcare organisations must not be overlooked. Constant training must, therefore, be provided to educate users about relevant risks. As healthcare specialists play the role of an interface between patients and the organisation, following best security practices can make all the difference. Akin to the routine medical training that they need to provide quality healthcare, they also require IT security training to mitigate security risks.

6. Effective contingency planning
Sometimes, the best-laid security plans can also be in vain. Healthcare organisations must have adequate contingency and backup plans in place. If something does go wrong, and a network breach is detected, getting into lockdown mode should be an option. Backup storage of critical data and an active Disaster Recovery (DR) plan must also be available. Cloud computing has made this process simpler, so long as sufficient resources are granted.

7. Regular security audits
Effective IT security is an ongoing process and not a state of being. Healthcare organisations and security specialists must regularly find and fill gaps from a security perspective. Good data governance only comes with routine evaluations and deployment of updated policies to counteract prevalent risks. Unique scenarios determine the volume of resources and the specific processes, but the underlying principle is that organisations taking care to assess and evolve regularly are the ones that remain secure.

With millions of patients’ confidential information at risk, healthcare organisations can no longer afford to take IT security lightly. It represents one of the most significant challenges facing them today, and the situation demands that they remain abreast with evolving security risks while maintaining transparent communication with patients.

1. Health IT Security - April 2019

Sources
Why data security is the biggest concern of healthcare
Top 5 emerging security technologies in healthcare
Ransomware still a top cybersecurity threat
10 best practices for the small healthcare environment