Recent advancements in digital technology have brought great benefits to healthcare organisations and patients by enabling the streamlining of data management and the improvement of patient care.
However, this digitisation has also introduced heightened cyber security risks and threats. Gartner predicted in 2022 that 45% of organisations will have experienced a supply chain cyber attack by 2025. Healthcare organisations must remain vigilant against key cyber security risks that could impact operations and compromise patient data.
Common Types of Cyber Attacks
Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks pose a significant threat to the UK healthcare sector. These attacks involve cyber criminals deploying malicious software to encrypt sensitive data, requiring a ransom for its release. Healthcare organisations are particularly vulnerable due to the sensitive nature of the data they store and the urgent need to restore access.
Phishing Attacks
Healthcare organisations face significant risks from phishing attacks, where cyber criminals use deceptive phone calls, emails or messages to manipulate staff into divulging sensitive information or clicking on harmful links. To mitigate risks, it is crucial to provide comprehensive training to educate employees on identifying and reacting to phishing attempts.
Legacy Systems and Outdated Software
Aging legacy systems and outdated software frequently lack essential security updates and patches, leaving them vulnerable to cyber attacks. Healthcare organisations can mitigate these risks by regularly updating and modernising their systems.
Inadequate Data Encryption
The risk of unauthorised access and interception increases when data is exchanged between various entities. Insufficient data encryption can make patient data vulnerable during transmission. To safeguard healthcare data and patient privacy, implementing strong encryption protocols is essential.
Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
The complexity of the healthcare supply chain introduces cyber security risks, as external suppliers and vendors can create weaknesses. Cyber attackers may exploit these flaws to gain unauthorised access to data. To mitigate these risks, security assessments of the supply chain are essential.
Measures for Mitigating Risks
Educating and Training Staff
Educating staff on recognising and identifying potential risks, along with providing regular training sessions, can significantly help prevent potential future cyber security threats.
Patch Management
Patch management and regular software updates should be prioritised by healthcare organisations. Keeping software up to date enables organisations to address known vulnerabilities, minimising the risk of exploitation by cyber criminals.
Incident Response Planning
Incident response plans are crucial for promptly responding to cyber attacks. Regular testing of these plans is essential, as readiness can mitigate the impact of an attack and expedite recovery for healthcare organisations.
Safety Audit Conducting
Regular safety audits empower healthcare organisations to identify and rectify potential weaknesses in their cyber security infrastructure. These evaluations strengthen organisations’ defences against continually advancing threats.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) enhances security when accessing clinical systems and data by requiring multiple forms of verification prior to granting access, therefore reducing the likelihood of unauthorised entry and safeguarding sensitive information.
