Healthcare IT faces rising threats, both from human-driven and naturally occurring events, with increasing frequency and severity. These threats can seriously impact the operational technology that healthcare systems depend on for delivering care. This article delves into the importance of understanding the risks to critical infrastructure and offers actionable steps for protecting both operational technology and the continuity of care in the face of these increasing threats.

Understanding healthcare’s vulnerable systems

To develop a robust plan for safeguarding its infrastructure, a healthcare organization must first understand how its clinical care model relies on these systems. Key technologies such as electronic health records (EHRs), automated medication dispensing systems, medical imaging equipment, and telemedicine platforms play critical roles in patient care. These interconnected and interdependent systems must be evaluated for their resilience against major disruptions, including cyberattacks, system failures, and natural disasters.

Robust cybersecurity measures

Healthcare organizations are frequently targeted by cyberattacks because of the sensitive nature of patient data. If a breach occurs, it can have serious consequences for patient care and trust in the organization. Therefore, it is important to have robust cybersecurity measures in place to protect against potential attacks.

Every healthcare organization must implement the following defense mechanisms:

• Network perimeter security: Firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and strict access controls detect and block potential threats before they can compromise systems, preventing unauthorized access to the network and thereby protecting critical data and operations.
• Zero trust architecture: In a zero trust model, each access request is independently verified, regardless of the requestor’s device or location. This principle helps limit exposure to potential internal and external security threats by requiring continuous authentication before granting access to sensitive systems and data.
• Endpoint security: Securing individual devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, that connect to the network is crucial for preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information. This can be achieved through antivirus software, mobile device management platforms, and regular software updates.
• Data protection: To comply with HIPAA data privacy regulations, businesses must encrypt patient records and other sensitive information to keep it secure during transmission and storage. Furthermore, access controls must be established to limit who can view and edit this data.
• Security training: Healthcare staff must be trained regularly on security protocols and best practices to prevent human error that could lead to a data breach. More specifically, they should be critical of suspicious emails, avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, and create strong passwords for each account.

Comprehensive business continuity planning

A business continuity plan is one of the most effective strategies for mitigating the risks associated with healthcare’s vulnerable systems. To create a robust plan, healthcare organizations must focus on the following elements:

• Risk assessments: Regularly identify and evaluate potential risks to the organization’s operations, such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, or internal failures. Understanding these threats helps organizations prioritize resources and address their most pressing vulnerabilities.
• Emergency procedures: Develop clear, actionable guidelines for responding to disruptions, such as steps for isolating systems during a cyberattack, relocating patients and staff during a natural disaster, and maintaining communication across teams to prevent issues with patient care.
• Backup infrastructure: Implement redundancy for critical systems, including off-site backups, cloud storage solutions, and secondary servers so healthcare organizations can quickly switch to backup systems in the event of a disaster or cyberattack. This minimizes downtime and maintains operational continuity.
• Regular testing: Continuously test the business continuity plan through drills and simulations to identify weaknesses and ensure that staff can quickly and effectively respond during a crisis.

Cybersecurity and business continuity can be incredibly challenging for healthcare organizations. Partnering with an experienced and reputable IT service provider is crucial for navigating these complexities. They can design, implement, and maintain a comprehensive plan that addresses all potential risks and vulnerabilities, so you can focus on providing the best care for your patients.

For more information on how our IT services can benefit your healthcare organization, contact us today.