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Outdated IT is no laughing matter. Compromised systems can cause companies to lose everything. 

Unfortunately, many professionals still aren’t aware of the magnitude of the risks they face. They live in a fantasy world. 

This post explores the disturbing healthcare risks firms face because they aren’t regularly updating their systems. Here’s what you need to know. 

Limited Functionality

As cyberattacks become more prevalent according to https://www.embroker.com/,healthcare firms that fail to keep their software and hardware up to date are the most likely to suffer. Older IT systems don’t have the same capabilities to defend against attacks as new ones, making them more prone to breaches. 

Older systems also have less helpful functionality. Many services, for instance, can’t provide telehealth, something that many patients now demand as standard. Limited service offerings make doctors and other healthcare providers less compelling than their rivals. 

Higher Costs

Higher costs are another risk of outdated IT. Older systems generally cost more to operate because of compatibility, breakdown, and productivity-related issues. Workers may find it more challenging to use these systems efficiently or may bypass them entirely, depending on their working relationship with the firm, leading to additional, secondary costs. 

Lower Efficiency

Older IT systems also reduce how much staff can get done in a day. If computers and apps are slow, it takes longer to perform tasks and can even lead to frustration. For example, it might take a long time for systems to provide patient information when staff members search for it at reception desks. It might also be difficult for older hardware to perform complex analysis on large datasets, simply because it lacks the working memory or processing power to do it. 

Non-Compliance

According to https://postmogul.com/, non-compliance is also a major issue. Firms that don’t update their IT networks can struggle to implement the latest regulatory standards.

In the U.S., for instance, HIPAA compliance is challenging without advanced systems. Networks may not provide the required security level, making breaches and fines more likely. 

In other countries, outdated software and solutions make it harder to comply with various data protection laws. Legacy setups rarely have compliance built in natively, unlike modern solutions. 

Data Loss

Lastly, older systems are at a significantly higher risk of data loss. That’s because: 

• Hackers find it easier to infiltrate when defensive technology is not as sophisticated
• Staff protocols are weaker, reducing defense against internal threats
• Colleagues are more likely to lose information
• Backups and siloing are not automatic and must be done manually
• System restoration is more complex 
• Bad actors have more opportunities to conduct fraud

Losing sensitive patient data is a disaster for healthcare firms, including doctor’s offices. However, it can and does happen in firms that fail to prioritize their IT security spending. 

Simply overlaying an old system with new features doesn’t usually work. It’s hard to get everything working together. The real solution is to build a new network from scratch that uses modern standards. Only then can healthcare companies comply with regulations and provide an efficient service.