How Connected, Mobile Devices Impact the Healthcare Cybersecurity

Healthcare cybersecurity is rapidly evolving, with connected medical devices and mobile devices having a large impact on organizations approaches to security.

As more healthcare agencies work to keep pace with the ever-evolving options for mobile devices and connected medical devices, it is necessary that they are also mindful of potential healthcare cybersecurity concerns.

Healthcare organizations must make sure that they keep privacy and security issues at the center of any new technological integration. Otherwise, covered entities could find themselves facing a potential data security issue.

Being mindful of mobile devices, connected medical devices

There are definitely positive impacts from mobile device usage increasing in healthcare, explained Clyde, who is also on the board of directors for White Cloud Security.

For instance, healthcare providers’ doctors and staff members are excited about being capable to potentially use their own mobile devices.

However, it also means that there is a larger attack surface, Clyde acknowledged.

Ransomware and healthcare cybersecurity

Another key problem that covered entities of all sizes must be mindful of in the present state of healthcare cybersecurity is the potential for ransomware attacks.

There has been a large increase of ransomware attacks even in just the beginning of 2016, according to Clyde, and there has been a large increase from 2015 as well.

The attackers are typically going after small- to medium-sized organizations, and also usually do not inquire for large sums of money. The ransom requests also tend to be in Bitcoin.

Optimistic on the future of healthcare cybersecurity 

There is a much higher degree of awareness in terms of healthcare cybersecurity, Clyde said, adding that he has never seen as high of a degree of awareness at the highest levels – like boards of directors – as in the last couple of years.

“The good news is we are passed the point where people just do not get it, that there’s an issue to be dealt with here. I consider people are hyper aware of cybersecurity and cybersecurity concerns.”