The healthcare industry is plagued by a litany of challenges, including rising costs, patient dissatisfaction, and outdated care models. One of the most concerning issues, though, is the increase in cyber security threats that has emerged in recent years.
These threats can compromise the quality of care and leave patients’ information vulnerable to exposure. Learn more about eight of the most common security issues affecting the medical and biotechnology industries.
HIPAA Compliance
Of course, the most important security issue facing the health care field is the demand for HIPAA compliance. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act outlines strict guidelines for the handling and management of privileged health information, and in the age of cloud-based data management, compliance is more important than ever. Health care providers can ensure that they remain compliant by protecting sensitive information and vigilantly addressing any potential security threats.
Cyber Attacks
Unfortunately, health care providers and facilities have become increasingly common victims of cyber attacks in recent years. According to the American Hospital Association, these attacks are on the rise, and they are wreaking havoc on patients and providers alike. Some of these campaigns aim to damage the infrastructure of biotech companies while others aim to intercept access to sensitive patient information. Professionals in the medical field must be aware of these threats.
Outdated Data Systems
Many health care providers and facilities are especially vulnerable to cyber attacks because they utilize systems and methods that are woefully outdated. This can leave data vulnerable to theft, and it can also allow for vulnerabilities that facilitate attacks. Health care and biotechnology companies need to invest in robust data management systems.
The best biotech companies utilize tools such as GxP validation and encryption. GxP refers to “good practices” that rule the biotech and life sciences industries. This kind of validation solution can help startups comply with these practices by minimizing the risk of data breaches and other common forms of cyber attacks. A GxP platform also makes workflows more efficient and manages data effectively.
Patient Data Theft
Cyber criminals have a diverse set of motives when it comes to targeting health care companies. In many cases, though, these hackers launch attacks with the intent to access sensitive patient details. Information such as names, birthdates, addresses, and social security numbers can all be used to facilitate identity theft. If information like this is not properly secured, hackers may be able to access it and use it for nefarious purposes. They may even be able to sell patient information on the dark web.
Unsecured Electronic Records
In addition to the personal details of patients, cyber criminals may attempt to access patients’ medical files. Most modern biotech and health care companies store patient care data in an electronic health record (EHR). Like any other type of data, though, these files can be hacked and exploited if providers are not careful about security threats. This can expose patients’ sensitive information, and it can also lead to the loss of data if files are damaged or corrupted.
Malware and Ransomware
Malware and ransomware are two of the most common types of viruses targeting health care companies and biotech providers. These viruses can infect a device and render it useless by demanding payment in order to regain control. In other cases, a virus like this may transmit the device’s data to an unauthorized party, allowing sensitive data to be compromised. Signs of malware or spyware infections include slower system response times and other anomalies.
Compromised Credentials
Many health care companies assume that all security threats originate from outside the organization. This isn’t always true, though. In actuality, there are many threats that can emerge from within a company – especially if staff members do not properly safeguard their authentication credentials. Most health care organizations require staff members and providers to use an approved login and password, but if this information becomes compromised, an unauthorized individual could gain access to the company’s data. Protecting log in information – and changing it intermittently – is essential to prevent this.
Compromised Smart Devices
Finally, health care companies must account for the potential threat of compromised smart devices. Many medical facilities rely on this technology to monitor patients vitals, improve care, and automate tasks. Unfortunately, though, smart devices can be susceptible to compromise. These devices typically connect to the internet in order to record data, but this connection can be compromised and exploited if it is not completely secure. Companies must ensure that all web connections are secure and encrypted.
Security is one of the biggest issues affecting patients’ care across the medical and biotechnology fields. In order to improve patient outcomes, companies must improve security measures, too.
