Managed IT security services can include aspects of consulting to keep all data safe and secure.
The healthcare industry is one of the most important and vulnerable industries when it comes to cybersecurity and protecting private information.
Not only that, but it has a lot more sensitive data than patients’ details. The fabric of its being is information, so the effects of a breach or attack are catastrophic.
Why is Managed IT Security So Important to Healthcare?
Almost everything, from medical records to medical devices, is connected to a network, and those networks are vulnerable to cyberattacks, including ransomware that is increasingly common in healthcare, phishing, and plain old hacking.
It’s essential for those networks to be bound by tight security designed specifically for healthcare. It’s not just for patients’ peace of mind that data needs to be protected. There are regulations with which healthcare IT security systems must comply.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
The most important of these in the US is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Failure to meet the required security measures results in a fine, ranging from $100 to $50,000, while a violation of security measures could result in criminal or civil prosecution.
Aside from financial and criminal consequences, other effects include patient data that has been lost or tampered with, which puts their lives at risk. Hacking into the network could also give criminals control over medical equipment, which further endangers lives.
It becomes obvious that cybersecurity is a key component in data protection, and that’s where healthcare IT consulting security services come to the fore. IT security consultants in healthcare know how the industry works, so they’re not going in blind with no idea of its infrastructure and unique needs.
Healthcare consultants have in-depth knowledge of the industry, so they are ideally placed to assess, analyze, devise, and implement security solutions.
Healthcare IT Security Protocols Include the Following:
Multifactor Security Login
There are several authentication steps for the system to recognize that you are who you say you are. These could include an OTP, questions, and even biometrics.
More than One Password
Passwords are difficult to remember because there are so many of them. However, if you work in an industry where information security is non-negotiable, you need strong passwords that differ across the network.
Spelling out phrases or coming up with variations on names works. For example, Paul Nobody needs a password for an online shop: Pn0Nl1n3! (PN Online!).
Restrict Personnel Access
This includes access to specific hospital programs or files or an entire network. It also includes physical access to technology, for example, access to the server or external drives.
Regular Off-Site Data Backups
This includes backups to cloud storage services and off-site devices. Regularly backing up data means that should a breach occur, you won’t lose all the data or all the data for the past month or year, etc.
In healthcare, this means that essential patient data, for example, prescriptions and medication, is quickly restored with no ill effects.
Staff Security Training
It’s vital that staff buy into security measures and stick to them religiously. Half-hearted buy-in and lack of training can result in costly errors, falling for phishing attacks, and data loss. On the other hand, full buy-in and thorough training by experts can be one of data security’s strengths.
Briefly, other security measures include:
- Data encryption
- 24-hour monitoring and ongoing risk assessments
- Securing other devices used to access information, including laptops and iPads.
- Up-to-date software
- Maintain hardware
Improve Your Healthcare Organization’s Security with Affant IT Management!
For many years, Affant IT Management has been a preferred managed security monitoring provider. To protect your business from dangers, we offer crucial security features. We can also keep you informed about regulatory obligations so you can safeguard your clients, staff, and the company as a whole.
Threat intelligence is gathered by our organization to stay up to date on bad actors’ objectives, strategies, and modes of attack. This enables us to offer intrusion management that is more effective.
Managed IT security providers can carry out IT consulting services for healthcare providers to ensure all data remains safe and secure. If you want to find out more, contact us at 714-338-7100 at Affant IT Management today!
