Why healthcare data security is a business priority

The healthcare industry has emerged as a prime target for cyber attacks, particularly due to the value of electronic health records (EHRs). Healthcare providers are prime targets for malicious attackers for many reasons. They have access to vast amounts of valuable digital patient information on the black market, as well as a very complex IT environment comprising various connected devices, out-of-date operating systems and software, and a sprawling third-party software supply chain network. These issues are compounded by a lack of funding for trained security teams and technology, and insufficient government guidance, leaving the sector vulnerable to persistent cyber threats.

This article will take a closer look at why the healthcare industry is a top target for cyber attacks, backed by statistics from trusted sources and research-driven reports. Read on to learn why every healthcare organisation needs a strong password manager to protect its bottom line and achieve stronger healthcare data security.

Healthcare data security is paramount in today’s digital age, where sensitive patient information is increasingly stored and transmitted electronically. Protecting this data from unauthorised access, use or disclosure is not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental part of maintaining patient trust and the reputation of healthcare organisations. Effective data security measures ensure the confidentiality, integrity, compliance and availability of sensitive healthcare information. Each of these is crucial for delivering quality care and safeguarding patient privacy. By prioritising healthcare data security, organisations can mitigate risks, prevent data breaches and foster a secure environment for both patients and healthcare providers.

The data security challenges facing the healthcare industry are multifaceted. Healthcare records are a treasure trove of sensitive information, including personal identifiers, medical history, insurance details and even financial data. Cybercriminals aim to monetise this type of information on the dark web, making healthcare organisations an attractive target.

Historically, the healthcare industry has lagged behind when it comes to digital transformation and updating systems. This leads to a corresponding lag in updating legacy software and patching existing operating systems and connected devices, creating a weakened organisational security posture. The increasing use of electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals has created a larger attack surface.

Similar to other highly regulated industries, the healthcare sector is underfunded and understaffed when it comes to properly tackling security threats, resulting in vulnerability blind spots. A complex IT environment comprising connected devices and disparate third-party vendors requires careful monitoring to ensure security resilience. When IT teams are ill-equipped, healthcare institutions find themselves increasingly vulnerable to incidents that can cause widespread outages, putting patients’ lives and their data at risk.

Government agencies have recently released more guidance aligned with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity framework to harden healthcare security posture and prioritise healthcare data security. High-profile attacks like the Change Healthcare ransomware attack disrupted insurance claims and electronic pharmacy refills, indicating there is more work to be done. Deterrent measures such as public-private sector information sharing, general security education and awareness, and greater investment in security teams must be priorities, rather than afterthoughts.

Recent data highlights the healthcare industry’s vulnerability to cyber attacks and data breaches. IBM’s report on the average cost of a data breach revealed that the healthcare industry experiences the most costly data breaches. And to make matters worse, public reports of hacking incidents targeting healthcare data are increasing rapidly.

The annual data breach report published by the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) revealed that the healthcare sector has led all industries in the number of reported breach incidents every year for the past five years.

Healthcare data managers are on the front line of protecting sensitive healthcare data, facing a myriad of challenges in an ever-evolving digital landscape. The sheer volume and complexity of healthcare data, driven by the widespread adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and the proliferation of connected devices, make data management and security increasingly difficult. These advances, while beneficial, introduce new vulnerabilities, such as data breaches and unauthorised access. Additionally, compliance with regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) adds another layer of complexity, requiring significant time and resources to ensure adherence. Protecting sensitive healthcare data in this environment demands robust security strategies and continued vigilance.

Healthcare data is susceptible to a variety of threats, each posing significant risks to patient privacy and organisational integrity. Data breaches, often resulting from unauthorised access, theft or loss of sensitive patient data, are a primary concern. Ransomware attacks, where threat actors demand a ransom to restore access to compromised systems, can severely disrupt healthcare operations. Phishing scams, which trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as login credentials or financial details, are also prevalent. Healthcare organisations must remain proactive, implementing comprehensive security measures and awareness training to protect against these threats and ensure the safety of patient data.

The vulnerabilities discussed above have led to a rise in ransomware attacks in the healthcare industry. Attackers encrypt critical patient data and demand hefty ransoms for decryption keys, causing downtime and compromising patient care. In November 2023, Nashville-based Ardent Health Services was targeted by a ransomware attack that forced it to divert ambulances and reschedule elective procedures. In November 2023, a US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) hearing revealed that the vulnerabilities plaguing larger health systems are even worse in rural areas lacking the infrastructure of their counterparts in major metropolitan areas.

In 2023, reports revealed that ransomware attacks cost healthcare facilities $77.5 billion in downtime. Organisations like Tenet Healthcare reported a $100 million loss attributed to a ransomware attack, and Scripps Health estimated losses of nearly $113 million, primarily due to lost revenue and recovery costs.

Healthcare facilities can mitigate ransomware-related damage by minimising their attack surfaces. Simple tactical measures include patching vulnerabilities and updating software, training and educating employees who handle the most critical data, and engaging in strategic pentesting to assess areas of weakness. Organisations should also ensure they use one of the most effective security tools: an enterprise-wide password manager to protect patient data.

Another recent report revealed that 42% of healthcare organisations experienced a cyberattack due to insecure system entry points. To combat these threats effectively, every healthcare organisation needs to prioritise cybersecurity measures, and password managers are a cost-effective solution that can be implemented quickly for immediate impact.

Implementing a HIPAA-compliant password manager like Bitwarden enables healthcare organisations to generate and manage strong and unique passwords for various systems and accounts, reducing the vulnerability to password-related breaches. Other key benefits include:

• Strengthening authentication with seamless single sign-on (SSO) and directory integration options.

• Enforcing strong password policies such as minimum password length and two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security.

• Protecting against credential stuffing and brute force attacks by eliminating the need to memorise or reuse weak passwords for multiple accounts and ensuring employees can share credentials securely.

• Simplifying compliance with data protection regulations like HIPAA.

Additionally, password managers allow for the enforcement of robust password policies, like two-factor authentication (2FA), adding an extra layer of security. By centralising and encrypting login credentials, healthcare organisations can mitigate the risk of unauthorised access and credential-stuffing attacks.

Protecting healthcare data requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses robust security measures, employee training, and regulatory compliance. Along with implementing an organisation-wide password manager, key best practices include:

• Implementing data encryption: Protect sensitive data both in transit and at rest to prevent unauthorised access.

• Using anti-virus software: Detect and prevent malware that could compromise healthcare systems.

• Providing employee training: Educate staff on security best practices and raise awareness about potential threats.

• Conducting regular security audits: Perform risk assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities.

• Ensuring regulatory compliance: Adhere to regulations such as HIPAA and the Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST) to maintain data protection standards.

By following these best practices, healthcare organisations can effectively protect sensitive patient data, maintain compliance, and uphold the trust of their patients.

Bitwarden is an open-source, enterprise-grade password manager that simplifies the process of generating, storing, and securely sharing unique passwords on any device. For larger healthcare entities that require centralised control over password security, Bitwarden supports advanced features such as flexible Single Sign-On (SSO) integration options, LDAP directory service connectors, API access, custom management roles, and activity monitoring through detailed event and audit logs.

HIPAA regulations stipulate that systems used for storing personal health information (PHI) must adhere to HIPAA compliance even when data is encrypted. That’s why Bitwarden has committed to achieving HIPAA compliance, certified by a third-party auditor, to serve as a trusted Business Associate for healthcare organisations subject to HIPAA regulations.

To explore Bitwarden business features and capabilities, get started with a free trial today.