Cybersecurity is a constant, serious threat to the healthcare industry. Unfortunately, however, the risks to cybersecurity and data security in healthcare are only one part of the larger risk management puzzle for healthcare organizations. Infections, alarm fatigue, telemedicine, and a lack of emergency preparedness also pose severe threats in healthcare. To minimize exposure, healthcare organizations require a comprehensive risk management program.

According to a report published by the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), losses resulting from attacks against business emails are 64 times more damaging than ransomware when measured by dollar amount losses. Phishing and email data breaches can be particularly damaging in the health sector. Regulatory authorities and oversight bodies are incredibly stringent when enforcing compliance measures designed to protect sensitive medical and patient data.

Across a health system’s digital terrain, the most vulnerable assets are connected medical devices. If those devices become compromised, the infiltration could impact a patient’s privacy, health and safety. Moreover, it could shut down care delivery for days, weeks or longer, with long-lasting financial and reputational impacts. According to Deloitte, an estimated 70% of medical devices will be connected by 2023.

The lack of healthcare cybersecurity is one of the most significant threats to the sanctity of the global healthcare industry. This is made evident by the fact that in 2020 more than 18 million patient records were affected by successful cyber-attacks on the U.S. healthcare system. Health professionals should not take this issue lightly, as financial assets and intellectual property are at risk.

ePHI stands for electronic protected health information. Electronic protected health information is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, commonly known as HIPAA. ePHI security is governed by the HIPAA Security Rule. With the rise of telehealth, covered entities need to understand the requirements for safely transmitting, storing, and using ePHI to be compliant with the Security Rule and to protect a patient’s privacy.

Across a health system’s digital terrain, the most vulnerable assets are connected medical devices. If those devices become compromised, the infiltration could impact a patient’s privacy, health and safety. Moreover, it could shut down care delivery for days, weeks or longer, with long-lasting financial and reputational impacts. According to Deloitte, an estimated 70% of medical devices will be connected by 2023.

Title II of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) has two key provisions: the Privacy Rule and the HIPAA Security Rule. The Privacy Rule establishes standards for protecting certain health information, or PHI. The Privacy Rule requires those organizations that are governed by HIPAA (covered entities) to implement safeguards to protect the privacy of PHI, and gives individuals the right to access and share their health records.