In today’s increasingly digital world, healthcare organizations face growing cybersecurity threats that put sensitive patient data and critical systems at risk. Recent statistics paint a sobering picture:
- Healthcare data breaches exposed over 40 million patient records in 2019 alone.
- 94% of healthcare organizations reported experiencing a data breach in the past two years.
- Cyber attacks on healthcare organizations are up 65% since 2016.
With patient lives on the line, it’s clear that healthcare cybersecurity can no longer be treated as an afterthought. Industry leaders recommend implementing cybersecurity best practices across people, processes, and technology. In this comprehensive guide on Healthcare Cybersecurity Best Practices, we’ll explore the most vital steps healthcare organizations should take to lock down their systems and protect patient health information.
Build a Security-First Culture
The greatest vulnerabilities often stem not from flaws in technology, but from human error and lax security practices. That’s why a top priority for healthcare organizations must be fostering an organizational culture where security informs every decision and action.
Promote Security Awareness Training
Annual cybersecurity training should be mandatory for every employee, not just IT staff. Training should cover topics like:
- Safe handling of patient data
- Recognizing phishing attacks
- Secure password policies
- Proper usage of medical devices
- Reporting security incidents
Regular training ensures security protocols remain top of mind for staff and keeps workers vigilant against new cyber threats.
Adopt the Principle of Least Privilege
Limit access to protected health information (PHI) and other sensitive systems based on each user’s role. Clinicians, for example, need access to patient medical records but not billing systems. Keeping access limited reduces the damage and scope if credentials are compromised.
Encourage Responsible Cyber Hygiene
Instill secure habits in staff, like:
- Using strong, unique passwords for every account
- Being cautious of unsolicited emails and links
- Keeping work devices locked when not in use
- Only connecting personal devices to trusted networks
- Encrypting all portable media containing PHI
Empowering employees with smart cyber hygiene makes them the first line of defense against threats.
Develop Incident Response Plans
Despite best efforts, breaches still occur. Healthcare organizations need documented incident response plans that outline roles, responsibilities, and actions if a breach occurs. Response plans help organizations quickly contain damages, notify patients if needed, and resume normal operations.
Harden Your Healthcare Technology Stack
While people are the weakest link in security, the right technology plays a crucial role in protecting healthcare environments.
Utilize Next-Gen Antivirus and Endpoint Security
Install advanced antivirus solutions on all endpoints – including medical workstations and IoT devices – to detect and halt malware attacks. Monitor endpoints for suspicious activity that may indicate compromise. Keep all antivirus software up-to-date and ensure endpoints meet security standards before allowing network access.
Adopt Two-Factor Authentication
Require an additional step beyond usernames and passwords – like a unique code from an authenticator app or SMS – to access PHI records, employee accounts, and other sensitive systems. Two-factor authentication prevents access if credentials are compromised.
Install Email Security and Filtering
Given email’s role in ransomware and phishing, a dedicated email security platform with threat detection and filtering is a must. Scan and filter all inbound and outbound emails for malware, blacklisted URLs/IPs, malicious attachments, spam, and impersonation attempts.
Encrypt Data End-to-End
Protect data while at rest and in motion using methods like encrypted databases, encrypted email, TLS, HTTPS, and VPNs for secure connections. For maximum protection, encryption should persist from data creation through to transmission and storage.
Manage Access with Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC)
Use RBAC to restrict system and data access only to personnel who need it for their role. For example, a doctor may have full access to patient medical records but a receptionist could have read-only permissions. Tight access controls limit insider threats and prevent abuse.
Secure Medical and IoT Devices
Inventory all connected medical devices and IoT. Change default passwords to strong, unique credentials. Enable security features like automatic firmware updates, encryption, and activity logging. Network segment devices into their own isolated networks with limited access.
Patch Frequently, Patch Broadly
Consistently apply the latest software patches and updates across operating systems, applications, network devices, and medical equipment to eliminate security holes. Automate patches when possible and prioritize based on risk-level.
Leverage Cloud Security
For healthcare organizations using cloud services, take advantage of native cloud security like encryption, role-based access permissions, audit logs, anomaly detection, and malware scanning to protect cloud environments and data.
Conduct Penetration Testing
Schedule recurring simulations that probe networks, systems, and applications for vulnerabilities using the same tactics criminals employ. Identify gaps before cybercriminals do. Learn more about penetration testing.
Secure Your Healthcare Physical Security
While cyber protections are crucial, physical security controls are equally important:
Manage Facility Access
- Issue photo ID badges to all staff with embedded access rights, tailored to their specific role and area of operation.
- Enforce badge usage for all entries and exits. Issue temporary, time-limited visitor badges with restricted access after mandatory sign-in and verification.
- Secure critical areas like server rooms, wiring closets, and patient data storage with advanced locking systems, and restrict access to authorized personnel only.
- Implement biometric security measures (such as fingerprint or retina scans) for access to highly sensitive areas.
Deploy Video Surveillance
- Install high-definition CCTV cameras to monitor all facility entrances, exits, corridors, and sensitive areas.
- Ensure 24/7 monitoring of video feeds, with immediate alerts for any suspicious activities.
- Store video footage securely for at least 90 days, with encryption to protect privacy and integrity.
- Utilize motion detectors and night vision capabilities in cameras to enhance security during non-operational hours.
Restrict Personal Devices
- Prohibit all staff from using personal electronic devices like phones, tablets, and laptops within patient care and sensitive data areas.
- Issue organization-owned, security-enhanced devices for necessary communications and operations within these areas.
- Implement a secure Wi-Fi network specifically for personal device use in designated areas, separate from the main healthcare network.
Perform Regular Audits
- Conduct frequent, thorough audits of employee badge access records, facility entry logs, and surveillance footage to detect and investigate anomalies.
- Implement an automated system to flag unusual access patterns or attempts at unauthorized access.
- Regularly review and update access privileges to ensure they align with current staff roles and responsibilities.
Enhance Physical Barriers
- Reinforce doors, windows, and walls of sensitive areas with tamper-resistant materials.
- Employ barriers or bollards at key external entry points to prevent vehicle ramming attacks.
Implement Environmental Controls
- Install environmental monitoring systems to protect sensitive equipment and data from hazards like fire, flooding, or extreme temperatures.
- Regularly inspect and maintain all critical infrastructure, including power supplies and HVAC systems, to ensure continuous operation and security.
Conduct Security Training for Staff
- Regularly train all staff on security protocols, emergency procedures, and threat awareness.
- Conduct drills and simulations to prepare staff for various security scenarios.
Visitor Management System
- Implement a sophisticated visitor management system to track and manage all visitors’ movements within the facility.
- Require all visitors to undergo a brief security orientation, especially when accessing patient care areas.
Comply with Healthcare Cybersecurity Regulations
In addition to general security best practices, healthcare organizations must adhere to industry-specific cybersecurity regulations and compliance standards.
Know Your Compliance Responsibilities
Major healthcare compliance standards include:
- HIPAA – Sets data privacy and security rules for protected health information (PHI).
- HITECH – Expands HIPAA breach notification requirements for EPHI.
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework – Provides healthcare organizations guidance on managing cybersecurity risk.
- ISO 27001 – Outlines requirements for healthcare information security management systems.
Conduct Risk Assessments
Run comprehensive risk assessments to identify compliance gaps in security controls, data handling, device management, auditing, employee training, and third-party relationships.
Develop and Implement Safeguards
Use risk assessment findings to implement security and privacy safeguards that address potential vulnerabilities and meet healthcare regulatory obligations.
Manage Third-Party Risk
Vet service providers for compliance with HIPAA business associate agreements that require protection of shared PHI. Monitor third-parties for continued compliance over the business relationship.
Formalize Documentation and Reporting
Maintain accurate records of security activities, risk assessments, safeguards, training, and incidents. Develop plans for timely internal and public reporting if breaches occur.
Get Expert Help
Consider partnering with qualified counsel and cybersecurity consultants who understand nuances of healthcare regulations to guide compliance efforts while optimizing efficiencies.
Final Thoughts
In today’s threat landscape, vigilant cybersecurity is a requirement – not an option – for healthcare organizations. By following the steps outlined in this guide on Healthcare Cybersecurity Best Practices, healthcare providers can adopt a proactive stance to protect their patients, assets, and reputation from harm.
While breaches cannot be completely eliminated, following cybersecurity best practices reduces risk and demonstrates an organization’s commitment to due care – which is foundational to providing excellent patient care in the digital age.
Healthcare organizations can feel confident knowing Vumetric helps healthcare providers ranging from hospitals to clinics assess their security posture, identify vulnerabilities and compliance gaps, and implement tailored safeguards to strengthen their cyber defenses while meeting industry regulations. Contact us today to learn more about our healthcare cybersecurity services.
