The healthcare industry is at a heightened risk of cyberattacks. With the increased digitization of medical records, hospitals have been using more and more technology to streamline their processes. In recent years, there has been a lot of focus on improving patient care as well as minimizing wait times for appointments.
Plus, doctors and nurses are now able to access patient records from home or on the go, which saves time and helps them provide better care. However, these also mean that hospitals are opening themselves up to cybersecurity risks.
In 2022, hackers will be compromising hospital systems or stealing sensitive information without leaving any trace of intrusion. As such, it’s important for healthcare providers to make sure they have a plan in place to protect all their sensitive data.
Healthcare digital transformation and cybersecurity risks
It’s understandable that hospitals would continue to digitize their records, but did you know that the risks of digitization are very high? Hospitals are at a heightened risk of cyberattacks and should be cautious in how they digitize their records, where they save their data, and whether the data is secure. It is crucial to put security measures in place so your organization’s data remains safe and uncompromised.
Here are some ways hackers can compromise healthcare security in 2022:
1. Hackers Will Exploit Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
Healthcare institutions rely on third-party vendors to deliver seamless services. But did you know that a loophole in one of your vendor’s security, products, or services can open the door for hackers to enter your organization?
Malicious actors are excessively introduced into hospital networks via third parties. For one, hospitals are one of the most lucrative targets for cyber attackers. This is because of the amount of sensitive information that can be accessed on hospital systems, including Social Security Numbers (SSN) and credit card numbers.
2. Remote access work model and cyber threats
Hospitals are digitizing medical records in order to speed up their processes and provide better care for patients. This allows for medical professionals and experts to access patient data remotely and provide remote consultations. However, remote data access opens the door to different cybersecurity risks. A VPN is not sufficient to protect your organization in 2022. You need a next-gen zero-trust network access solution to conduct remote operations securely.
3. Mobile technology is making it easier for hackers to launch attacks
Mobile technology has made it easier than ever before for hackers to commit cybersecurity crimes against hospitals or other healthcare providers. Cybercriminals now have more opportunities than ever before with the wide variety of mobile devices now available on the market today, which allow them to remotely access medical records and sensitive data stored on hospital networks.
4. Ransomware will see a surge
Cybercriminals use ransomware to steal your data or hold it hostage and lock you out of your systems. They demand money in exchange for giving back your data or allowing you to access your systems. The continued digitization of medical records means that this type of cyberattack will only become more common.
Consider Security Measures And Policies
When building your hospital’s cybersecurity program, it’s important to think about the different types of cybersecurity risks you are most vulnerable to, including the ones explained above. You should also look at recent data breaches and what they can teach us about what to expect in the future.
Once you have a better idea of the potential risks, you can start planning for the future. With that information, you can figure out which policies will be most effective for protecting your sensitive data.
For example, if you know that ransomware is one of your main cybersecurity risks, then it would be wise to invest in an always-on backup solution. This type of protection allows hospitals to recover from ransomware attacks more quickly without losing sensitive information or being forced to pay the ransom.
Build a cybersecurity culture
It’s not enough to simply protect data and systems. Healthcare providers also need to promote a strong cybersecurity culture within their organization. It’s important for each individual member of the team to feel invested in the security of the company, as well as be proficient in cybersecurity best practices.
Get Help From The Experts
The best way to protect yourself and your patient’s sensitive data is by working with a cybersecurity company. You don’t want to take any chances with your patient’s privacy, so it’s important you hire someone who knows what they are doing. But remember that not all cybersecurity companies are created equal.
Based in Silicon Valley, Infoguard Cybersecurity is a leading provider of cybersecurity services for healthcare organizations as well as financial institutions, government agencies, and enterprises. We’re on a mission to make the next-gen cybersecurity solutions available to every organization without having our clients break the bank.
Contact us for more information!
