New pandemics at our doorsteps...
Dear Colleagues,
During these hot summer days, while we are busy with the comissioining our new hospital, we are working on several fronts to provide the best patient care services in our group.
Digital health and digital transformation provide several benefits not just to patients but also to caregivers; yet, these solutions are not without risks.
Hospitals collect lots of personal data and this data made hospitals as a target for the attackers! Today, hospitals are expected to make cybersecurity investments as much as the banks. Are we ready for that? In several countries, hospitals try to survive with very low margins and cybersecurity issues make the frustration even higher.
We have been working on these concerns, and we began by establishing a safety culture through various training and infrastructure improvements. I believe it is important to share our experiences and further explore this significant concern for all of us. I hope the explanations and samples below help you better comprehend the most serious threat.
Best wishes,
The Greatest Threat? Cybersecurity!
The healthcare industry faces various obstacles in the rapidly expanding digital landscape. In addition to the vital job of patient care, hospital administrators must deal with a rising threat that is unrelated to any sickness or medical condition - cybersecurity. Recent worldwide events have heightened healthcare facilities' vulnerability, with severe cyber-attacks weakening operational efficiency and patient trust.
The Global Alarm
Ransomware and hacks are no longer just inconveniences; they are now posing life-threatening hazards to patients all around the world. In a recent record-breaking cyberattack, the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) suffered a breach affecting 11 million records, ranking first in the last two years for the most extensive breach.
These cyber assaults have also hampered patients' treatment plans. Jes Kraus, a colon cancer patient at the University of Vermont Medical Center, saw this firsthand when his treatment was halted due to a cyberattack on the hospital's systems.
With the case of SMP Health in Illinois, a troubling precedent was formed. This hospital was the first to be forced to close owing to a ransomware assault. The attack rendered them unable to file insurance claims, resulting in a financial downturn.
The Regional Struggle
Closer to home, the situation is as concerning. According to a Proofpoint Inc. research, top hospitals in the UAE and Saudi Arabia have inadequate cybersecurity protections. Only 28% have implemented the required degree of Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC) protection, exposing them to major cyber dangers, according to the report.
6 Preventative Actions
With the increased threat of cybersecurity threats, the American Hospital Association has suggested a proactive and all-encompassing approach:
Create a strong cybersecurity team and procedures: Hospital administrators must identify possible risks and adopt appropriate mitigation steps. For key decisions, board involvement should be sought.
Create a cybersecurity investigation and incident response strategy that adheres to the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Cybersecurity Framework.
Examine medical devices: Ensure that all medical devices utilized by the hospital adhere to the FDA's June 2013 guidance on intrusion detection and malware protection.
In order to remain current and effective in a continuously evolving cyber threat environment, hospitals must regularly test, assess, and adjust incident response and data breach procedures.
Participate in information-sharing organizations: Joining regional or national information-sharing organizations can provide useful insights into the cybersecurity issues that hospitals confront.
Examine insurance coverage: It is critical to examine the hospital's insurance coverage to see if it is adequate and acceptable in light of the current cybersecurity dangers.
Securing Cyber Infrastructure: A Call for Joint Commission International's (JCI) Support
The Joint Commission International (JCI) has long been a global leader in patient safety and quality healthcare. Their certification procedure assures that hospitals and healthcare institutions adhere to a set of international criteria. However, as previously noted, the expanding wave of cyberattacks presents a critical threat that requires quick attention.
Despite the present protections in place, there remains a clear gap in cybersecurity rules and processes. In the face of a fast changing digital landscape, it is critical that JCI take the lead in resolving this shortcoming. The JCI should consider incorporating cybersecurity readiness as a basic part in their accreditation requirements to reinforce healthcare services against the ever-increasing threat of cyberattacks.
They may verify that all accredited hospitals have strong cybersecurity policies, procedures, and response plans by doing so. It would not only aid in the proactive identification and mitigation of cybersecurity risks, but it would also improve healthcare organizations' ability to respond effectively to such attacks, assuring the security of sensitive patient data as well as the continuation of critical healthcare services. JCI's approach could potentially set a new global standard for healthcare cybersecurity, creating a safer and more secure digital healthcare environment.
Let's get ready!
Cyberattacks have become one of the most serious dangers to healthcare companies, which is a frightening truth. Hospital administrators must maintain vigilance and be proactive in implementing preventative measures as well as rigorous protocols for effective response and recovery. Only by taking a comprehensive approach can we ensure the protection of sensitive patient information and the stability of our healthcare services.