Cybersecurity in healthcare is of utmost importance as it directly impacts the safety of patients. Hospitals face significant challenges when it comes to data breaches, which can have severe consequences on life-saving treatments and vital care. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of cybersecurity in healthcare and the need for targeted legislation and government support.

Empowering Healthcare with Robust Cybersecurity

Why Cybersecurity is Essential in Healthcare

Electronic health records, medical imaging tools, and other digital systems in healthcare create a vast digital landscape. However, the cybersecurity measures to protect this infrastructure have not kept pace with its rapid growth. Healthcare data is a valuable target for attackers, as medical records contain sensitive protected health information. Cyberattacks can lead to diagnosis delays, stalled prescriptions, and financial crises for hospitals. The infamous Change Healthcare breach is a prime example of how a single point of failure can impact multiple facilities and patient care.

Healthcare's sprawling infrastructure makes it an attractive target for cybercriminals. The need for comprehensive protection is a persistent challenge, especially for smaller providers in rural or underserved regions with limited budgets and outdated infrastructure.

Healthcare Challenges Posed by Cyber Inequity

Larger healthcare systems in densely populated areas have more resources to invest in cybersecurity. However, most healthcare organizations, including the largest ones, are understaffed and lagging behind in digital transformation. Smaller hospitals often have to prioritize immediate patient care over cybersecurity due to budget constraints. Staffing IT talent is also a challenge, as many hospitals cannot afford specialized cybersecurity professionals.

A cyberattack on a rural hospital can have a magnified impact, leaving patients with no other options for immediate care. The shortage of cybersecurity resources in rural hospitals is not just a logistical issue but a matter of equity, which can lead to disparities in patient safety and care quality.

The Case for More Government Support

The healthcare industry cannot handle cybersecurity alone. Unfunded mandates can overwhelm small providers. A cybersecurity framework tailored to healthcare, such as the one by the Health Sector Coordinating Council, is needed. Government support in the form of incentives and access to cybersecurity insurance can help hospitals invest in their security infrastructure without financial strain.

Smart cyber policy is crucial, including implementing passwordless authentication to reduce credential theft and managing vendor access securely. Collaboration between healthcare leaders and vendors is also essential in developing innovative solutions.

Dr. Sean Kelly is the Chief Medical Officer and Sr. VP of Customer Strategy for Healthcare at Imprivata. He leads the Clinical Workflow team and advises on healthcare IT security. Trained at Harvard College, University of Massachusetts Medical School, and Vanderbilt University, he is board certified in Emergency Medicine and a Fellow in the American College of Emergency Physicians.This post appears through the MedCity Influencers program. Anyone can publish their perspective on business and innovation in healthcare on MedCity News through MedCity Influencers. Click here to find out how.