The future of cybersecurity in healthcare is a hotly debated topic. The use of technology and the Internet in healthcare has grown steadily over the past decade. From electronic records and online portals to more recent initiatives such as telemedicine, patient data is journeying through cyberspace as never before.
Moreover, as the healthcare industry becomes more digitized, cybersecurity will become increasingly important to protect patient data from attacks and unauthorized access.
The future of cyber security in healthcare will be shaped by cyberattacks on hospitals and other types of medical facilities, increased privacy concerns, increased use of connected devices in the field, and new technological developments.
One of the ways of online safety is the use of a VPN. This article will discuss the various healthcare cyber threats and ways of protection from the attacks, including the understanding of what exactly is a VPN and its importance in the healthcare industry. In simple words, we will answer the public’s following questions:
- Does cyber security have a future?
- How does cybersecurity work in healthcare?
- How can we improve cybersecurity in healthcare?
- What is VPN, and why do I need it?
So, if you want to learn more about it, then stay tuned!!
Role of Cybersecurity:
The need for cybersecurity in healthcare is ever more important, as medical records are increasingly sought after by cybercriminals. Medical information can range from social security numbers to medical insurance cards to general health history. The amount of information stored makes healthcare an attractive target for hackers.
Nowhere has this been more evident than with identity theft, where criminals steal someone else’s identity to commit crimes or gain access to their financial accounts. With more individuals acknowledging their personal information being compromised, trust is wavering among patients, insurers, and providers.
Medical professionals are working to ensure these concerns are addressed even as patients expect privacy with their medical records. So, we can say that cybersecurity needs to play a big role in the healthcare department as it’s crucial.
Let’s discuss some of the cyber threats now.
Common Hacking Attacks & Threats:
Ransomware:
Data breaches are becoming more and more common in the world of healthcare. Data breaches can come in many forms, but ransomware is one of the most common threats. Ransomware is malicious software that locks up your data by encrypting it with an algorithm, rendering it useless unless you pay to get it back.
The FBI has seen an increase in ransomware attacks on hospital networks; these attacks are often perpetrated by insiders or other people who have gained access credentials to the system.
Phishing:
There are many ways in which an individual’s computer or healthcare system could be hacked. One of the most popular methods is via phishing emails. Phishing emails are typically sent by hackers looking to obtain sensitive information such as credit cards, social security numbers, and other personal data.
The hacker will make a fake email appear like it is from a trusted source (i.e., a hospital) and will ask for sensitive information in return.
IoT Attacks:
The convergence of the digital and physical worlds has brought about many benefits but also new risks. Healthcare providers are no exception to this rule. The use of internet-connected devices is growing exponentially, and, as a result, so are the number of attacks on these devices.
The internet of things (IoT) can be used to hack patients’ medical records, share their data with other hackers, or make changes to their prescriptions for life-threatening diseases. With the increase in IoT use in healthcare, organizations must look into how they can protect their patients’ information.
How to Deal with Attacks?
Use VPN:
One of the best ways to deal with cyberattacks is using a VPN or Virtual Private Network. The meaning of VPN is that it can encrypt all data while it passes through the network, meaning that if someone tries to hack in, they will only see encrypted data and not be able to retrieve its true form without decrypting it.
We recommend people use VeePN. It is safe, secured, and best to protect yourself. VeePN also offers a free trial.
Use Multi-factor Authentication:
Healthcare professionals are often faced with the daunting task of combating cyberattacks. To best protect against these attacks, it is essential to use multi-factor authentication.
Healthcare organizations should implement strong passwords that are changed frequently and use other forms of authentication such as retinal scanners or fingerprint readers. The addition of two-step verification also helps users avoid potential man-in-the-middle attacks.
Device Encryption:
Hacking attacks in the healthcare industry can lead to life-threatening situations if successful. One of the first steps to protecting sensitive data is to utilize device encryption. Simply put, device encryption encrypts the information on the device so that it can’t be accessed without a key.
Several healthcare organizations have begun implementing this security measure, which has already led to a reduction in data breaches on mobile devices.
USE IDENTITY AND ACCESS MANAGEMENT:
A hacking attack can compromise a person’s medical records. Every time a hacker gains access to a device, they have the capability of accessing all of the information on that device. The best way to protect against this is to use identity and access management.
A company should create an identity for every person who wants access to any of their healthcare data and then grant them access based on what they want to do with that data, including using it for research or just viewing it.
Conclusion:
As the technology is evolving, so are the hackers’ attacking techniques. The more advanced technology we are using, the more advanced methods hackers are using to trap us. So, it is essential to apply safety measurements not only in the healthcare sector but everywhere. Even individuals should use at least a VPN to keep himself/themselves protected online.
