Top Cybersecurity Threats for Medical Organizations—And How to Stop Them

You can never be too careful when it comes to cybersecurity. New medical information systems and medical devices are being installed, and medical data is being accessed from a variety of different medical equipment. That means that medical organizations have to be prepared for the inevitable security breaches. Here are the top 5 cybersecurity threats medical organizations must prepare for:

1. Phishing emails

Phishing emails are some of the most common ways hackers break into medical organizations’ networks. They direct users to fake websites where they collect user names, passwords, Social Security numbers, etc., which they use later on in their attempt at identity theft or other forms of cyber crime. The best way to stop these types of attacks is by using two-factor authentication so that an unauthorized device cannot be added to your medical institution’s network, and by monitoring email activity so that staff members cannot be tricked into clicking on phishing emails.

2. Network security vulnerabilities

Hackers who are able to break into medical institutions’ networks can do much more damage than they would if faced with an individual medical professional or office. The best way medical organizations can combat this threat is by keeping their medical devices up to date with the latest software security updates available. This will help prevent hackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities in the outdated medical equipment you have installed in your medical workplace.

3. Compromised medical devices

According to a report released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, many devices are insecure because they are running unsupported operating systems and have not been patched. Medical organizations need to be sure that medical devices are running on separate medical networks from user medical networks so that hackers cannot gain access through the medical devices’ internet connection.

4. Data breaches

In medical settings, medical data is extremely sensitive and private. When a medical organization’s electronic medical records system is breached, hackers can use that information to file false insurance claims or commit medical identity theft. Medical organizations must have strong passwords for all medical databases and multiple layers of security that include firewalls, anti-virus software, and encryption capabilities.

5. Cyberwarfare

Even if medical institutions are not the primary target of a cyberattack, they may still be affected by it if their medical equipment is linked to other systems in the attack area. To mitigate this threat, medical organizations should ensure that their cybersecurity program includes redundant power sources in case of an outage so that critical medical devices do not lose power. They also need to keep medical software up-to-date so that medical devices can continue to function during attacks.

Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so medical organizations must remain vigilant against new threats. Make sure your medical organization has taken steps to protect itself including implementing cybersecurity management tools and training staff members on cybersecurity best practices. Most importantly of all, make sure you have a plan of action if a breach occurs. This way, your medical facility won’t be the next victim in the current cyberwar against medical institutions.

If your medical organization is in need of cybersecurity, contact eMDTec at 1-973-370-9265 or www.emdtec.com today! They are medical cybersecurity experts that can ensure your medical organization is safe from cyberattacks.