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The Need for a Combined Healthcare and Cybersecurity Approach
A proper cybersecurity plan is implemented after an attack takes place. This approach needs to be changed and a proactive line of defense is the need of the hour.
By
CIO Applications | Friday, November 30, 2018

Over the course of the last decade, healthcare organizations have been the primary target of cybercriminals. While most healthcare organizations are steadfast in their approach toward cybersecurity, its framework still remains flawed. Since the cyber attacks on Britain’s National Service, which according to experts was caused by the use of outdated software systems, more emphasis is now given in devising turnkey cybersecurity solutions. As per a survey, the expenditure on cybersecurity is anticipated to be $65 billion between 2017 -2022. This attributes to the vulnerability of information that hospitals or other healthcare organizations have to deal with. One of the major constraints in full-blown IT implementation in hospitals is the danger that it poses to patient safety.
( Professional Viewpoint: Healthcare Cybersecurity: Start with a Plan )
Another concern that often puzzles the IT department of a hospital is the constant surge in BYOD devices. According to many IT professionals, visibility of security layers in BYOD setup is difficult that one day might translate into data breach. Hospitals need to integrate the BYOD devices with its security systems in order to enhance the resilience of their systems. Phishing attacks are more active these days and have been the reason for many attacks in the recent times. Although healthcare industry is targeted by cybercriminals more than any other area, a robust security framework has not yet materialized. In order to avert cybersecurity threats, organizations need to leverage technology trends and device solutions that ward off data breaches, cyber attacks, and others.
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Most often than not, a proper cybersecurity plan is implemented after an attack takes place. This approach needs to be changed and a proactive line of defense is the need of the hour. For healthcare organizations to be more effective in dealing with cyber attacks, they must adapt to technology advancements.
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