Copyright: EnduraData
The threats against confidential patient information are rising with the development of more sophisticated cyber techniques used to infiltrate organizations. Unfortunately, the healthcare industry is a prime target for criminals. The sensitive nature of the data means that organizations are nearly always inclined to pay the ransom to ensure their patient’s data confidentiality.
EnduraData’s file replication software protects healthcare data by creating isolated copies of the data and storing the documents in different locations. This helps ensure that the data is available even if one location is lost or becomes unavailable due to a disaster or other issues.
It is essential to choose a file replication solution that is secure and reliable, as healthcare data is sensitive and must be protected from unauthorized access. Additionally, it is vital to ensure that the replicated data is kept in sync with the original data so that the copies are always up-to-date and accurate.
Types of Cybersecurity Threats
Several types of cybersecurity threats could potentially compromise the safety of medical information:
- Hacking: Hackers may try to access medical information stored electronically by breaking into computer systems or networks.
- Malware: Malware is software designed to harm or exploit computer systems that could be used to access medical information stored on a computer.
- Ransomware: This malware encrypts a victim’s files, making them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. If a healthcare organization’s medical records are encrypted by ransomware, it could disrupt patient care and put patient safety at risk.
- Phishing: This is a type of cyberattack in which hackers send fake emails or text messages to trick people into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or downloading malware.
- Insider threats: Medical information could also be compromised by employees or contractors who have authorized access to it but misuse their access.
Ransomware attacks are the most prevalent in the healthcare sector, and the threats of these attacks apply to patients and shareholders, and physicians who fear litigation should their patients’ confidential information be shared.
The Repercussions of Ransomware Attacks on the Healthcare Industry
According to the American Psychiatric Association, the healthcare sector is one of the most targeted industries for cyberattacks since healthcare networks contain invaluable and exceptionally private patient information. Since this information needs to be protected, there is immense potential for financial gain should threats be made against it. Unfortunately, the sector is also known for relative network vulnerabilities.
The Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights reported 4,419 healthcare data breaches from 2009 – 2021. Consequently, the confidential healthcare records of more than 300 million people were divulged.
Unfortunately, the cost of a ransomware attack has an immense financial impact on healthcare organizations. Reports indicate that healthcare organizations spend an average of $10.1 million to recover from a ransomware attack.
Why It’s Important to Ensure the Secure Exchange of Healthcare Information
The exchange of patient health information (PHI) between healthcare providers and payers must be secured. To do this effectively and prohibit unauthorized access, it’s beneficial to use powerful Health Information Technology (HIT) and Health Information Exchange (HIE) solutions.
The secure exchange of patient information is necessary to ensure that patients receive quality care and lower risks. However, this exchange must occur between numerous stakeholders and is composed of various data types. Unfortunately, several factors influence how this data may be shared, including heterogeneous systems and vendors and multiple laws and mandates. These factors ultimately contribute to the quality of care, the price, and patient outcomes.
EDpCloud helps healthcare organizations safeguard and leverage enrollment data so that employers can access said data quickly and efficiently when payers duplicate data between various clusters.
How EnduraData Uses EDpCloud Linux Bidirectional File Replication to Synchronize Data Between Remote Sites
EnduraData’s EDpCloud software has helped Healthcare Payer and Providers (HPP) synchronize data in real-time and between various servers in numerous cities and integrate EDpCloud Linux bidirectional file replication with many healthcare payers and provider operations.
Communication is encrypted using advanced encryption methods to reduce the risk of compromised data. System administrators also have the option of configuring EDpCloud to leave files encrypted at rest or to be decrypted should the decryption key be obtainable.
How You Can Protect Your Data
To protect against these threats, healthcare organizations must implement robust cybersecurity measures. Apart from using file sync and data replication software, it’s also beneficial to use firewalls, antivirus software, and secure passwords. Educating employees and contractors on recognizing and preventing these threats is also essential.
“In truth, if you want to protect your data, it’s vital to ensure that everyone who works with it is aware of cybersecurity risks. Unfortunately, in too many cases, data is compromised inadvertently and without malice. However, the data has still been compromised. As such, it’s important for people to recognize the threats to their data and the software solutions that could prevent a breach,” says A. El Haddi, CTO and Founder of EnduraData.
