4. Remote Patient Care
Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, telehealth services and remote patient care have surged. From virtual consultations and remote monitoring to online therapy sessions and beyond, these services make healthcare more accessible to patients and offer greater convenience. With the increased use of digital technology and remote communication, however, comes greater opportunities for cyberattacks.
To safeguard sensitive information, healthcare organizations must secure communication channels with encryption and ensure that all software stays up-to-date. Medical providers and patients should use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication when logging in to their accounts to prevent unauthorized access. Medical businesses should also implement strict access controls on telehealth platforms so employees only have access to the information needed for their roles. Finally, all computers, tablets, and smartphones should have firewalls and security patches to prevent malware infections and data breaches.
If your healthcare organization utilizes telehealth services or remote care, working with a managed service provider may be beneficial. At Prescient, we can assess your current IT environment to identify weaknesses and entry points for cybercrime. From vendor selection and remote monitoring to implementing new security strategies and conducting security audits, we offer a number of services to secure your telehealth platforms and protect private health information.
5. IoT Device Security
Just like telehealth services, wearable medical devices have become more popular in recent years. For example, medical practices may prescribe continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to monitor glucose levels in individuals with diabetes. Wearable ECG devices may be recommended to record the electrical activity of the heart, and digital blood pressure monitors may be used to send blood pressure readings to the patient’s doctor. These wearable devices provide important real-time data that can be used to help treat medical conditions more effectively.
However, because these devices are connected to the internet, they are susceptible to cyber attacks. Online criminals may exploit vulnerabilities in these devices to gain unauthorized access to private patient data. Manipulating or intercepting this data could lead to identity theft, unauthorized changes to treatment plans, or even physical harm to patients. Healthcare organizations will need to implement strong cybersecurity measures to prevent such attacks. These security measures may include data encryption, multi-factor authentication, regular security patches, strong access controls, network segmentation, and other strategies.
Prescient Solutions can assist healthcare organizations with this process. Our team is at the forefront of IoT device security and we can help your business safeguard medical devices from today’s evolving threats. From advanced detection systems, around-the-clock monitoring, regular software updates, and more, we’ve got you covered.
6. Identity and Access Management
Healthcare businesses are brimming with private health information and employ several staff members who access this data. Identity and access management (IAM) policies, technologies, and procedures outline which individuals can access what information and systems. IAM also involves auditing user access, monitoring for suspicious activities, and enforcing security controls to protect sensitive data and prevent insider threats. This approach can help healthcare organizations keep their data secure and ensure that only those with the right permissions can access confidential patient information.
To implement an IAM framework, organizations will need to take stock of all their employees, their roles, and applications needed to perform their duties. Next, businesses must select the right technologies that align with their security requirements and enforce strict access controls, dictate strong password policies, and provide employee training. As cybersecurity is a continuous effort, it's important to monitor your systems and perform regular security checks.
Conclusion
The cybersecurity landscape is becoming more sophisticated and complex every year. Healthcare organizations will need to continuously adapt and strengthen their cybersecurity defenses or risk costly data breaches, regulatory fines, operational downtime, and loss of trust from patients. By following the five trends outlined in this blog, hospitals, medical practices, and healthcare companies can stay ahead of emerging threats and set themselves up for success in 2024.
Prescient solutions can support healthcare organizations in their mission. Securing businesses across the healthcare sector for over 27 years, our team brings exceptional experience and the latest technology to the Chicago and Milwaukee markets. We understand the medical industry's unique regulations and provide tailored solutions to protect private data, drive efficiency, and improve the patient experience.
Ready to get started? Contact our team today for a comprehensive cybersecurity assessment!