While it can be agreed upon by healthcare executives that cybersecurity is very important, new figures show that many are not taking the proper steps to ensure their data is safe. The increased use of electronic patient records leaves information vulnerable. In an industry that is holding incredibly sensitive information like names, addresses and social security numbers, protection should be a top priority.
Vulnerabilities in the Healthcare Field
According to Healthcare Informatics, studies that analyzed data breaches at healthcare providers, health plans and business associates over the past seven years (2010-2017) found that around 70 percent of all breaches were at healthcare providers. This comes as no surprise, as most healthcare providers have begun to transfer all data collection and storage to online services, without the full knowledge of how to protect it. In fact, the study found that data hacking accounted for the highest number of all breaches in the healthcare industry. This leaves the healthcare providers in charge of protecting this precious information.
Data Protection As Responsibility
As the looming threat of cyber breaches becomes more apparent to the executives in the healthcare industry, it becomes increasingly important to them to make sure their patients’ information is safe. This is critical not only for businesses but also for the patients who have trusted them with this sensitive information. In fact, a poll by Healthcare Executive Group found that over the past four years cybersecurity has continually risen as one of the top challenges for healthcare executives, according to Health IT Security. As more companies begin to implement new cybersecurity plans and procedures, one of the first steps is to inform employees on the best cybersecurity practices, particularly as email will be a target in the healthcare industry as it is in other sectors.
To learn more about cybersecurity for the healthcare sector, check out MDL Technology’s website.
