Healthcare
The healthcare industry faces significant challenges in protecting sensitive data due to stringent regulations and the critical impact of technology on patient outcomes. Consequently, identity and access management (IAM) become an exceptionally demanding area within healthcare data protection. Effectively managing access to healthcare data while ensuring regulatory compliance and optimizing patient care requires a robust IAM solution capable of addressing the nuances of security, privacy, and technological advancements.
Customer Success Stories
Challenges in Healthcare
Safeguarding Sensitive Information Amidst Increasing Threats
The escalating cybersecurity budgets in healthcare organizations reflect the growing concern over cyberattacks, as a staggering 88% of these organizations experienced such incidents in 2023, according to a report by the Ponemon Institute. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) reported a 239% increase in hacking-related data breaches between 2018 and 2023, accompanied by a significant 278% increase in ransomware attacks during the same period. The year 2023 set two new, concerning records in the healthcare industry: the highest number of reported data breaches and the most breached records. Hospitals, providers, health plans, and their business associates continue to face an unprecedented number of data breaches, emphasizing the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures and proactive defense strategies to safeguard sensitive information.
The healthcare industry finds itself under constant attack from malicious hackers, given the significant value of its Protected Health Information (PHI) and its critical role in our nation’s infrastructure. The increasing frequency of these attacks highlights the urgency for healthcare organizations to proactively modernize and adapt their approaches to IAM. By remaining vigilant against evolving threats and implementing robust IAM strategies, healthcare organizations can strengthen their defenses, protect PHI, ensure regulatory compliance, and safeguard the integrity of critical systems and infrastructure. The industry needs to prioritize cybersecurity and take the necessary measures to mitigate risks and protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive healthcare information.
Consumerism and Value-based Care: Driving New Expectations for Healthcare Experiences
The shifting landscape of healthcare has placed greater financial responsibility on patients, leading to increased out-of-pocket expenses and higher premiums. As a result, patients are now assuming a more active role in their healthcare decisions, demanding greater control over the delivery and cost of care. This paradigm shift has compelled healthcare organizations to adapt and remain competitive by providing a modern, secure digital care experience supported by robust medical cybersecurity solutions. The ability to seamlessly access healthcare services has become the initial – and crucial – impression for patients.
With patients taking on a larger portion of the financial burden, their expectations have evolved. They now seek personalized, convenient, and value-based care experiences. Healthcare organizations are under pressure to meet these expectations by embracing digital transformation and offering user-friendly platforms and technologies that empower patients to actively engage in their own care. This includes providing secure and intuitive digital access to medical records, appointment scheduling, telemedicine consultations, and other healthcare services.
Moreover, healthcare organizations must prioritize robust medical cybersecurity solutions to protect patient data and maintain trust. The digitalization of healthcare services brings with it inherent cybersecurity risks, making it imperative to implement comprehensive measures to safeguard sensitive information and ensure privacy. By investing in state-of-the-art cybersecurity technologies, healthcare organizations can mitigate risks and ensure a secure environment for patients to access their healthcare services.
The Rise of Medical Devices and Telemedicine: Amplifying IoT Security Challenges
The integration of medical devices and telemedicine solutions is revolutionizing the healthcare landscape, fundamentally altering the way care is delivered and breaking down traditional IT barriers within organizations. With the continuous expansion of the “Internet of Things” (IoT), where health data is collected from devices like Fitbits, smart scales, and our ubiquitous smartphones, the potential for interaction between these technologies and Electronic Health Records (EHR) is increasing. However, alongside the benefits of these advancements, a host of medical cybersecurity and access concerns arise, particularly in the context of remote device and system access.
The proliferation of medical devices and telemedicine introduces a complex web of security challenges that demands attention and proactive measures. As these devices become interconnected and communicate with EHR systems, the risks associated with unauthorized access, data breaches, and compromised patient privacy intensify. Healthcare organizations must grapple with the critical task of ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of patient information while enabling seamless and secure communication between devices, EHR systems, and remote users.
Furthermore, the remote access capabilities inherent in telemedicine solutions further heighten cybersecurity risks. Healthcare professionals and patients alike can now access and interact with medical devices and systems from remote locations, amplifying the need for robust IAM protocols to prevent unauthorized entry and protect against potential breaches. It is essential to establish comprehensive IAM strategies that encompass strong authentication mechanisms, secure remote access controls, regular monitoring and auditing of access activities, and proactive vulnerability management.
Product Recommendations
Multi-factor Authentication
Implementing MFA adds an extra layer of security to user authentication processes without impeding patient care or causing frustration for clinicians. By requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification, such as a password and a unique verification code sent to their mobile device, the risk of unauthorized access is significantly reduced.
Self-service Password Reset
Introducing self-service password reset and recovery options allows users to regain access to their accounts without the need for help desk assistance. This not only enhances convenience for patients and healthcare professionals but also reduces the burden on IT support staff, allowing them to allocate their time and resources to more critical tasks.
Single Sign-on
Streamlining user access and simplifying workflows is crucial in healthcare settings where clinicians and staff often need to navigate multiple applications and systems. By implementing SSO capabilities, healthcare organizations can enable users to access various healthcare applications and systems using a single set of credentials.
