Tips to Protect Your Healthcare Devices from Cyber Threats

Posted by Nisharao on July 2nd, 2019

Electronic medical records, online consultation, cloud-based healthcare solutions – all these IT solutions have brought about a sea change in the way healthcare services are now being offered. Healthcare software vendors are offering automated and customized solutions that help healthcare centres manage patients, appointments, doctors’ schedules, information transfer and lots more. These solutions have streamlined healthcare services. The other side of the coin is the possibility of cyber threats. While it is beneficial to have digital solutions, the chances that confidential patient records could be prone to malware, hacking and other threats require serious consideration.

Whether you set up a healthcare management system or opt for healthcare IT outsourcing, there are pertinent data security features that you need to first take into consideration.

Have a Strategy in Place

It is important to have data security and backup strategy in place even as you are planning to digitize your healthcare centre. Consult cybersecurity experts, have a recovery system in place and ensure that your cybersecurity strategy is HIPAA, FDA and GDPR compliant. While you are setting up the access system, ensure that you have an advanced user authentication system in place.

Prepare for Disaster Recovery

Though no one wants a disaster, it is important to be prepared for it, especially when you are dealing with vital and confidential patient medical records. It can be difficult to protect any system from breach. However, it is possible to set up a secure backup system that can minimize data loss, in case a breach occurs. This system will also come useful in case there is any physical damage to the systems used in the healthcare centre. Also, ensure that the backup centre is off site.

Build a Monitoring System

Even if you have set up a secure system and have prepared for all eventualities, it is important to monitor the system proactively. You can ask your healthcare software vendors about advanced monitoring systems and set them up. Identifying any suspicious behaviour or abnormal activity in the early stages can avert a possible cyber threat. 

Train Your Staff

There is no use in having the most secure system in place if your staff are unaware of the basic security procedure. Proper use of the security measures can go a long way in preventing possible threats. Train your staff about using strong passwords, not sharing passwords, using multi-factor authentication system and other data security practices.

Digitizing your process can help you provide the best healthcare services to your clients. And when you do it, ensure that you secure the system to protect confidential medical records.