The healthcare industry is now the most targeted sector regarding cyberattacks. Healthcare organizations hold sensitive data, including patient medical records and financial information.

Unfortunately, many healthcare organizations have not yet implemented adequate cybersecurity measures to protect this data. As a result, healthcare industries need to improve their cybersecurity posture.

Cybersecurity is a critical issue in the healthcare industry. Hackers are always looking for new ways to gain access to sensitive data, and it is up to healthcare providers to stay ahead of them, so it is now up to healthcare organizations within the sector to react now before it’s too late. But how can they do that?

Dark web monitoring

The dark web is a concealed network of websites only accessible through special software. Criminals often use these websites to buy and sell stolen data, including healthcare information. By monitoring the dark web, healthcare organizations can stay up-to-date on the latest threats and take steps to protect their patients’ data.

In addition, dark web monitoring can also help to identify compromised accounts and systems so that they can be repaired or replaced. Implementing dark web monitoring can be costly, but the benefits outweigh the costs. Healthcare organizations that cannot ‌improve their cybersecurity measures are putting themselves at risk of a damaging data breach.

Authenticate with multi-factor

A username-password combination is no longer a reliable form of authentication. Passwords alone are unreliable because of widespread data breaches and bad password practices. Due to this weakness in passwords, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is now required.

Before access to the account is granted, multi-factor authentication needs to be used. This additional factor can include biometrics, a one-time password to your phone, etc. Excellent security, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use are all advantages of MFA.

Increase awareness and education among staff members

One of the best ways to improve cybersecurity in the healthcare industry is to increase awareness and education among staff members. Unfortunately, many healthcare workers are not aware of the importance of cybersecurity or how to protect themselves from cyber threats.

Employees should be trained in basic cybersecurity hygiene, such as creating strong passwords and avoiding phishing attacks. They should also know the importance of reporting suspicious activity.

By providing training on cybersecurity best practices, health care industries can help empower the staff to ‌protect themselves and the organization from cyberattacks.

Updating software regularly

Outdated software is very common way hackers gain access to sensitive information. By ensuring that all systems are up-to-date, hospitals and other healthcare facilities can make it much more difficult for hackers to access sensitive data.

Outdated software is one of the most common ways hackers gain access to sensitive information. By ensuring that all software is up-to-date, healthcare organizations can make it more difficult for hackers to exploit vulnerabilities. In addition, regular software updates can help to identify and fix potential security risks before they can be exploited.

According to an article published in 2019, new research had suggested that medical premises still use outdated software and operating systems, which led to the NHS being vulnerable to attacks.

The WannaCry ransomware attack led to massive disruption across England as at least 80 out of the 236 hospital trusts were affected.

Putting in place tested cyber-security methods

This includes things like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption. Health care industries should also invest in robust intrusion detection and prevention systems. These systems can help to identify and block attempts to gain unauthorized access to networks and systems. They can also help monitor suspicious activity and raise the alarm if necessary.

Safeguard supply chains

Hospitals and health care systems have extensive lists of vendors with whom they digitally connect and diversified supply chains. They are a seductive method for cybercriminals to enter the IT systems of healthcare businesses.

As a result, care providers must know all the moving elements and safeguard their interactions and communication with all the relevant parties. A third-party vendor can assess these risks and suggest solutions to reduce them.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt cybersecurity should be a top priority for healthcare organizations. Unfortunately, the healthcare industry has been too slow to adopt robust cybersecurity measures, leaving patients’ personal and medical data vulnerable to attack. However, there are steps that healthcare organizations can take the above tips to improve their cybersecurity posture.