The healthcare industry is an integral part of society but it certainly faces many challenges and difficulties within its internal operations. An extremely large industry with various facets, from patient care to the development of medical devices means that with such a wide and complex industry exists a huge reliance upon internal systems and software. These are used to hold, maintain and update data that is imperative for the delivery of quality patient care services and the development and growth of the industry.
However, this means that the healthcare industry holds data that is incredibly sensitive and valuable. From patient identification, to details of medical professionals and the research and development information of medical equipment and devices, putting the industry at a huge risk of cyber attacks, with experienced and well-versed cyber criminals hoping to access such precious data for their own financial gain. In this article we will assess the challenges faced by the industry, focusing on the cyber security of care providers such as hospitals and detailing the reasons why the healthcare industry is such a popular target for cyber crime.
Why the healthcare industry is at risk of cyber attack
Sensitivity of Data – Healthcare organisations store vast amounts of sensitive and valuable data, including patients’ medical records, personal information, and payment details. This makes them attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking to steal data for financial gain or identity theft.
Complexity of Systems & Healthcare Software – Healthcare systems are often complex and interconnected, involving various devices, software platforms, and networks. This complexity can create numerous entry points for cyber attacks, including vulnerabilities in outdated software or insecure network configurations. Often end-of-life software continues to be used across the industry, particularly in areas where funding is limited, putting the sensitive data and security of the system at a greater risk.
Ransomware Targets: Ransomware attacks, where hackers encrypt data and demand payment for its release, have become increasingly prevalent in the healthcare sector. The critical nature of healthcare operations makes organisations more likely to pay ransoms to regain access to essential systems and patient data. This makes such service providers and healthcare organisations more attractive targets for ransomware operators. One prime example here is the WannaCry ransomware in 2017 which dramatically disrupted 80 plus hospital trusts and 8% of GP practices.
Limited Cybersecurity Resources: Patient care, as expected, is the number one priority for healthcare facilities but many are facing strain due to limited resources overall, causing a domino effect. Resources for cybersecurity are no different and many healthcare organisations face resource and funding constraints when it comes to security. They may lack dedicated IT staff with cybersecurity expertise, sufficient funding for robust security measures, or up-to-date systems and software. This makes them more susceptible to attacks compared to organisations in other industries with stronger cybersecurity defences.
Human Error: Like most industries, healthcare employees may inadvertently contribute to security breaches through actions like falling victim to phishing emails, using weak passwords, or mishandling sensitive data. This is usually due to a lack of cyber security training or the lack of time and often energy that healthcare professionals have to recognise potential threats.
How to implement a cyber security strategy within the healthcare industry
The main focus is to ensure that from top to bottom, the risks of cyber attacks are made a priority and security measures such as vulnerability management, risk based screening and patch management are implemented where possible. Old software and systems that put data at risk should be updated and operations should be reviewed. With a comprehensive cyber security audit and the right health checks, technical products and devices can be checked to ensure the proper controls are in place to ensure a high level of security.
One important factor that must be taken into consideration when striving to reduce security risks faced by the healthcare sector is the human element. Having the right approach to cyber security awareness training can significantly reduce the risk of attack. With incredibly busy and intellectually demanding jobs throughout the field, healthcare professionals often feel like they do not have the time to implement good cyber security practices. This can be overcome with the right training programme which focuses on security awareness modules that are specific to their individual role and responsibilities, uses engaging content such as videos and quizzes and doesn’t fall into the once a year training mentality but focuses on continuous development.
