Five Key Strategies to Protect Healthcare Organizations from Cyberattacks

In an age of rapidly advancing digital health technologies, healthcare organizations are more vulnerable than ever to cyberattacks. Patient data, the cornerstone of the healthcare industry, is highly valuable on the black market, as healthcare systems serve as appealing targets for cybercriminals. Healthcare, in fact, is the second-highest targeted industry for cybercrime behind manufacturing. To mitigate these growing cybersecurity threats, here are five effective strategies.

1. Comprehensive Cybersecurity Strategy: Healthcare organizations need a robust cybersecurity strategy. A solid plan starts with foundational measures like regular Security Risk Assessments (SRA), tailored Vulnerability Assessments, and ongoing Monitoring and Reporting. This is best performed with CSIRT-led cybersecurity experts in conjunction with local technology staff.
2. Employee Training and Phishing Simulations: Since a significant portion of breaches result from human error, regular cybersecurity training and phishing simulations are essential. This helps to ensure staff can recognize and avoid cyberthreats like phishing, spoofing, password attacks, and vishing attacks.
3. Endpoint Security and Device Management: Protecting endpoints — such as medical devices, mobile devices, and computers — is crucial in healthcare. EHRs typically do not address the security of the underlying operating system on endpoints where the software runs. Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Remote Monitoring Management (RMM) help safeguard these devices from cyberthreats.
4. Adopt Managed Security Services: For many healthcare organizations, partnering with a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) offers access to top-notch cybersecurity resources, including 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) support, vulnerability scanning, and incident response teams. An MSSP can manage complex cybersecurity tasks, especially useful for organizations with limited or project focused in-house expertise.
5. Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Scanning: These proactive measures help healthcare organizations identify and address vulnerabilities in their systems before attackers can exploit them. Regular pen tests can simulate real-world attacks and assess the strength of the organization’s security defenses.

With new cyberthreats occurring on a nearly constant basis, deploying a regular combination of these five strategies will proactively protect and defend your healthcare organization and its data, giving your staff peace of mind to focus on patient care.

To learn about securing your healthcare organization’s data through MTS’ Security and Compliance Services, click here.