The health sector and cybercrime have a close entwined relationship. While almost all industries suffer from the effects of cyberattacks, the Healthcare industry is of particular concern as they directly threaten not only the security of systems and information but also the health and safety of patients. Because hospitals store an incredible amount of valuable data, cybercriminals are always making advances as the return of investment for some of this hardware and software can sell for quite the pretty penny.
“Some of the most notable cyberattacks of the last decade were against healthcare institutions”
Though the Healthcare industry is aware of their popularity amongst the cybercrime community, modern cybercriminals utilize a staggering number of sophisticated hacking techniques and are constantly adapting new methods of attack. It is difficult to defend yourself against everchanging advances, especially if your facility is flooding with critical infrastructure and data stores. Cybercriminals intelligently recognize these opportunities and capitalize on their vulnerabilities.
The nature of these cyber-attacks is to destroy, access, or alter sensitive patient information for monetary gain. Through healthcare facilities, this access opens the door to a pool of lucrative data such as patient records including names, birthdates, addresses and social security numbers. With this possession, one can seize prescription drugs, Medicare and other healthcare that otherwise might be too expensive to attain. Therefore, with medical devices often lacking adequate security controls, and with financial incentives of selling private patient information being insurmountable, the Healthcare sector remains to be in a precarious position when it comes to Cybercrime.
To increase healthcare cybersecurity resilience and minimize cyber threat, medical professionals across departments should be familiar with, and receive recurring education on how to be better prepared for the cyber risks they are likely to confront (n.a. 2021). However, with competing priorities and time limitations, it is quite challenging for these workers to take the time necessary to learn and understand what cyber threats are, what they look like and how to defend yourself against them. Because of this, implementing security solutions that are effective yet unintrusive is indispensable.
Some innocuous solutions we recommend are:
- Authentication Hardware
- Identity access management
- Single sign on and
- Blockchain
Health systems, their interconnected relationships, and their diverse workforce, collect, store, and transfer an abundant amount of personal data. This information presents a vulnerable target for cybercriminals who can use, sell, and abuse this knowledge for monetary gain. It is therefore undoubtedly important for this industry to get in touch with modern security technologies. As we continue to ramp up our data collection the cybercrime industry will become more seasoned and more odious.
Power your protection with the help and guidance of New Value Solutions’ expert security consultants. With decades of experience and contemporary knowledge, our consultants will orchestrate a security plan that will improve your postures in an unintrusive way.
Source
“Eight Reasons Why Healthcare is the Prime Target for Cyber Attacks”. N.a. (2021). (2021).
Eight Reasons Why Healthcare is the Prime Target for Cyber Attacks (asimily.com)
