Healthcare

Secure healthcare systems with advanced cybersecurity measures.

Why is Cyber Security such an issue for the Healthcare sector?

Cybersecurity is a pressing issue for the healthcare sector due to the sensitivity of patient data, growing digital reliance, and the potential impact on patient safety. The sector's vulnerability to cyber threats necessitates robust measures to protect medical records and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.

"Healthcare organisations experienced 1,426 attacks per week in 2022. This is a 60% increase over the previous year, and many of the largest attacks of the year targeted healthcare organisations."

Check Point, 2022

Most Common Threats in the Healthcare Sector

While all industries are susceptible to cyber threats, some are more prominent than others. Take a look at the most common ones facing your industry...

Ransomware

What is it?

Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts files, demanding a ransom for their release, posing a significant threat to healthcare systems and patient data.

What would the impact be?

Ransomware attacks can disrupt healthcare operations, lead to data loss, and result in financial losses if healthcare institutions opt to pay the ransom.

How would we reduce this risk?

Regularly back up critical healthcare data, employ email filtering systems to detect malicious attachments, update and patch systems promptly, and conduct cybersecurity drills to prepare for potential ransomware incidents.

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Phishing

What is it?

Phishing involves deceptive tactics, such as fraudulent emails or websites, aiming to trick individuals into disclosing sensitive healthcare information.

What would the impact be?

Phishing attacks can lead to unauthorised access to patient records, compromise of sensitive health data, and potential identity theft.

How would we reduce this risk?

Implement regular cybersecurity awareness training for healthcare staff, utilise email filtering systems, and encourage the use of multi-factor authentication to enhance protection against phishing attacks.

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Data Breaches

What is it?

Data breaches involve unauthorised access to sensitive patient information, risking the exposure of medical records, personal details, and potentially leading to identity theft.

What would the impact be?

Data breaches can lead to reputational damage, financial loss, and erode patient trust, affecting the overall integrity of healthcare institutions.

How would we reduce this risk?

Implement encryption for sensitive health data, enforce strict access controls, conduct regular security audits, and educate staff on data protection policies to mitigate the risk of data breaches in healthcare.

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How can you protect against cyber attack?

Do the Top 10 basics
  1. Ensure Secure Backups: Protect against ransomware attacks with reliable backup systems; recovery relies on a secure backup strategy.
  2. Strong Password Policies: Prevent unauthorized access through robust password practices; avoid password reuse to deter quick account takeovers.
  3. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Boost security with multiple identification methods; MFA is a crucial defense, especially against Dark Web-sold passwords.
  4. Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Safeguard remote and home connections to internal systems; VPNs prevent eavesdropping and fortify against common attacks.
  5. Enforce Encryption: Encrypt critical data on mobile devices and ensure encryption for internal and cloud storage; take a comprehensive approach to data protection.
  6. Anti-Phishing Email Controls: Strengthen defense against human vulnerabilities; shield against phishing attacks and malicious links through email content control.
  7. Prioritize Staff Training: Integrate cybersecurity awareness into onboarding and ongoing education; combat evolving threats with continuous staff training.
  8. Cloud Security Compliance: Verify that cloud services meet industry security standards; regularly review and update security settings for data storage and application services.
  9. Foster Reporting Culture: Establish a reporting culture for addressing issues promptly; create and update response plans to enhance organizational resilience.
  10. Cyber Essentials PLUS Certification: Align with government-backed Cyber Essentials PLUS for fundamental organizational security; includes proactive testing to reinforce cybersecurity measures.
Follow industry-specific advice
Continuous Staff Training

Keep healthcare teams alert with continuous cybersecurity training.

Secure Data Encryption

Safeguard patient privacy through robust encryption for healthcare data.

Regular Security Audits

Strengthen defences by routinely auditing and addressing system vulnerabilities.

And finally - regular penetration testing and vulnerability scanning

In healthcare, safeguarding patient data is crucial. Precursor Security specialises in penetration testing and vulnerability scanning to fortify your cybersecurity defences. Through simulated attacks and comprehensive assessments, we identify and address weaknesses, ensuring the security of patient information. Contact us to elevate your healthcare cybersecurity.

See what we can do to protect your organisation today.

Get in touch with us for a free consultation or quote.

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