In the fast-paced environment of healthcare, where every second counts, it’s easy to overlook the silent cyber threat lurking in the digital shadows. As the HSE continues to embrace digital transformation, the importance of cybersecurity awareness and data security cannot be overstated.
Regarding data security
The protection of individuals’ privacy rights in relation to the use of personal data is known as data protection. Personal data about service users, employees, suppliers, and others must be used lawfully and fairly by all employees in the six HSE Departments of Public Health. All staff working in the HSE Departments of Public Health are legally required under EU GDPR and Irish legislation to ensure the security and confidentiality of all personal data they collect and use on behalf of service users and employees. Data Protection rights apply whether the personal data is held in electronic format or in a manual or paper-based form. Staff breaches of data protection regulation may result in disciplinary action.
Seven Risk Factors Associated With Healthcare Data Security
1. Use of outdated/legacy systems
Outdated systems often have security vulnerabilities that can’t be patched. This is because the manufacturer may have stopped supporting the system and, therefore, discontinued its security updates.
2. Email scams with malware
Because healthcare organizations often have many employees, attackers send malware through email, hoping at least one person installs it on their computer. Malware can then be spread throughout the rest of the network.
3. Internal employees, contractors, vendors, etc.
Healthcare organizations often have a very diverse mix of people that work for them. Employees, contractors, and vendors are often given access to the healthcare company’s network. For example, if a hacker gets their malware onto someone’s device, every time they access the network, the network is exposed to the attacker’s malware.
4. Unsecure or poor wireless network
Many healthcare organizations, such as hospitals and clinics, may provide access to wireless networks for patients and visitors. Because these access points may not have adequate security, they are often attractive targets for hackers.
5. Lack of strong passwords
In many organizations, employees may use weak passwords, such as those that they use for other accounts. This makes it easy for hackers to guess employee credentials and then use them to penetrate the network.
6. Lack of training in data security practices
When a healthcare organization has hundreds or thousands of employees, it can be hard to make sure they all understand data security best practices. Also, because turnover at some healthcare organizations can be relatively high, it’s very difficult to make sure everyone exercises proper cyber hygiene.
7. Failure to always keep data secure
Often, healthcare companies need to send data across campuses, between doctors, and to insurance companies. While they transmit this information, they may not always use secure transmission technology, such as data encryption.
Challenges Of Healthcare Data Security
1. Health information exchanges
Health information exchanges need to send and receive data to and from doctors, patients, and insurance companies. Securing these transmissions and making sure those sending information use the proper digital channels can be difficult.
2. User error in technology adoption
Sometimes, healthcare professionals are so busy that they don’t have time to learn how technology works properly. Others may simply not be computer savvy. Regardless of the reason, it’s easy for users to make mistakes as they learn new technologies.
3. The rise of “Hacktivism” and hackers
Hackers often target healthcare organizations because they’re after either the company’s money or the sensitive data flowing through its networks. Also, those involved in hacktivism may choose to hack a healthcare organization just to drive home a point. For instance, attackers may hack a hospital because they disagreed with a decision the hospital made about how to treat a patient.
4. Adoption of cloud and mobile technology
Even though cloud and mobile technology can make it more convenient to manage healthcare IT systems, they can also present security risks. For example, if a hacker were to steal a doctor’s password or mobile device, they may gain access to a vast payload of sensitive information.
5. Outdated technology
Many older technologies have already been breached by hackers. Some hospitals, for example, are full of outdated technology that’s simply too expensive to replace. Because older technology may have vulnerabilities that haven’t been patched by the most recent security upgrades, outdated tech can be easier for an attacker to penetrate.