In the past few years reported healthcare data breaches have done far more than simply go up—data breaches and other healthcare cybersecurity risks have risen exponentially. There are simultaneously more connected devices and more methods of attack than ever. It becomes increasingly more difficult to stay on top of security, often leaving small and large healthcare organizations alike constantly on the defensive.
Cybersecurity Risks: What They Are & Why They’re a Growing Problem
Cybersecurity risks come from a variety of sources, but nearly all strive for the same goal: data breaches that place protected health information (PHI) in the hands of thieves. There are also cybersecurity threats that come in the form of DDoS (distributed denial of service) attacks, which are for the most part simply a form of malicious, obnoxious vandalism and internet bullying.
Why are these risks such an ever-rising challenge for the healthcare industry? Two major reasons. One, because health information is valuable. And two, because as the use of IT grows—connected devices, social media, new programs—the healthcare industry has become well-known for not keeping up with this growth by bolstering cybersecurity. In short, healthcare is often an easy and valuable target.
Finding Solutions for Managing Healthcare Cybersecurity
Nearly all viable solutions for shoring up healthcare cybersecurity lie in proactive response. Simply reacting to a problem after it arises is insufficient. In a reactionary state, your business still must accept losses and legal issues, in addition to a network riddled with vulnerabilities.
Proactive solutions are, thankfully, not as difficult as you might first think.
- Updating your technical competence – Staying abreast of current healthcare technology is vital. Not all programs and devices are created equally, and many are known for being an easy target for online miscreants.
- Employee training – Employees need not only to understand the risks and ramifications of healthcare cybersecurity, but also to be trained properly. Password creation and consistent rotation, proper use of personal devices while attached to the network, and basic knowledge of scams and common security risks should be absolutely baseline.
- Carefully selecting IT leaders – The focus of the healthcare industry, understandably, does not lie in extensive IT expertise. For the best means of setting up your healthcare cybersecurity competently, it is ideal to connect with experienced, knowledgeable, and reputable IT and managed service professionals.
Superior, HIPAA-Compliant Managed Services in MD & VA
Keeping your medical facility ahead of the curve in terms of cybersecurity is becoming increasingly difficult. You need a team that understands the risks and provides optimized custom IT solutions that will keep you, your patients, and your data safe. Maryland Computer Service has been providing healthcare IT support and services for over 10 years, and we thoroughly understand what it takes to manage data effectively.
Contact us online at any time to learn more, or connect with us by calling 301-202-6521.
