What are the types of cybersecurity in healthcare?

Find out about the types of cybersecurity solutions and how they apply to the healthcare industry

Sensitive patient data is collected and stored daily by healthcare providers; this data must be easily accessed by multiple teams across a complex network. Protecting this data is critical for healthcare providers to ensure trust and confidentiality amongst patients. We explore the solutions of cybersecurity in healthcare, looking at each type and the technology in detail along with their importance for patients, healthcare providers and payers.

Digital identity

Digital identity is a core part of healthcare cybersecurity and protecting patient data. Digital identities enable staff to access the right data and systems at a level that is applicable to their job role. For example, doctors will have more detailed access to patient data and the ability to edit that data, compared to administrative assistants. It is critical when dealing with sensitive data that digital identities are carefully monitored and managed to avoid cybersecurity breaches or insider threats. Public key infrastructure, identity and access management, and privileged access management are the technologies used to ensure digital identities are secured and correctly set up and managed.

Read more about digital identity in healthcare.

Digital workplace security

Digital workplace security is a complex subject. Sensitive patient data must be secured, governed and protected at all times. However, systems must also provide quick and easy access to the right members of staff in emergency situations. This combination of conflicting requirements requires several processes and technologies to successfully achieve a secure and accessible system. The rise of mobile phones usage, flexible working and connected medical devices further increases the importance of robust digital workplace security. Key technologies that help to facilitate digital workplace security include, single sign on, web access management, digital signatures, endpoint detection and response, and network access control.

Data protection and governance

Protecting data is at the forefront of cybersecurity in healthcare, data is often sensitive and critical to provide high quality care. Industry regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR have strict data policies in place that must be adhered to by all healthcare providers, payers and pharmaceutical companies. Healthcare institutions can face large fines if they breach these regulations and put sensitive data at risk. Data encryption, data loss prevention and hardware security modules are all used to effectively protect data within the healthcare sector.

Cloud security

Companies who work within the healthcare, pharmaceuticals and life science industries need to maintain operational efficiency, to do this they will eventually need to adopt a cloud-based system for at least some of their functions. This however has some risk. Without proper management and control of systems can be left vulnerable during migration to the cloud, or after the migration is complete. Technology such as cloud identity and access management, cloud encryption and cloud service provider security should be implemented to reduce the risk of a cybersecurity breach or attack.

Read more about cloud security in healthcare.

IoT security

The internet of things (IoT) is rapidly growing in the healthcare industry. Connected medical devices, implants, remote patient monitoring and many other IoT devices are critical to transforming healthcare and providing the best possible patient care. However, the internet of medical things (IoMT) leaves healthcare companies and patients vulnerable and open to additional cyber security threats. Find out how healthcare providers can mitigate these additional risks through the use of advanced cyber security technology. Digitally signed firmware, network authorisation and device identity lifecycle management are all technologies which protect the IoMT, patients and healthcare providers.

Read more about IoT security in healthcare.

Advanced detection and response

The use of machine learning, artificial intelligence and big data can help to identify and prioritize cyber security issues in real time. Advanced detection and response, proactively searches and monitors system endpoints and vulnerabilities in order to identify attacks when they happen. The system can also contain any potential hackers before they gain access to sensitive data. Technology and resources such as security operation centers, CERT services, and managed detection and response are used to facilitate advanced detection and response.