By Laura Ritthamel, Healthcare Account Manager
Healthcare organizations like hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities are frequently the targets of cyberattacks. These attacks often use ransomware, a strategy in which a bad actor will hold an organization’s data hostage until they receive payment.
In 2018, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights Agency reported 302 data breaches involving more than 500 individuals. The agency has reported more than 600 of these breaches each year since 2020, with a peak of 756 in 2023.
Healthcare organizations already faced risks from attacks through phishing, malware and social engineering, but the advent of artificial intelligence has only increased the speed, scale and sophistication of these attacks.
Healthcare systems are under constant threat due to the value of their data. A hospital cannot afford downtime when patients’ lives depend on it and bad actors know it.
Interoperability has become a necessity in healthcare technology and software in recent years and while these integrations have increased productivity and standards of care, they have also opened new avenues for cyberattacks.
Software vulnerabilities in medical devices and exploits in electronic medical record systems are only some of these avenues and are usually top of mind for IT directors, but there are other risks that may not be as obvious.
Security infrastructure is increasingly moving to the cloud, offering more scalability and visibility for end users. However, if these systems are not installed and managed carefully internet-connected edge devices can represent another vulnerability.
The same connectivity that allows security personnel to access a camera remotely or implement credentials on the fly can also act as an access point for cyberattacks on their network.
This is why choosing the right security partner can have a massive impact on the health of your facility’s systems.
Default credentials, exposure privileges, network segmentation, existing vulnerabilities and other security controls can all be methods of access for bad actors attempting to hold your data or your network for ransom.
If devices are not monitored for firmware updates, and out-of-date camera could contain an unpatched vulnerability that bad actors can prey upon to hold your data for ransom.
Tech Electronics partners with manufacturers that adhere to standards and reporting frameworks like SOC 2 and ISO 27001.
These independent auditors and recognized frameworks employ rigorous processes to assess whether devices and software have the necessary cybersecurity measures to keep your network secure.
Tech Electronics also provides system assessments including firmware and lifecycle review along with edge-device security. These assessments can help keep your network secure and support strong cybersecurity standards.
Tech also has extensive experience working in security with healthcare organizations. For example, take a look at this case study on our security installation with Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Bloomington Il.
For more information on what our security experts can provide for your healthcare facility, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
