
Cybersecurity in the healthcare industry is of paramount importance due to the sensitivity of the data held.
The sensitivity of this data makes it a prime target for cybercriminals, who will immorally exploit it. Confidential patient information can be sold by hackers quickly - and for a high price.
Compromised information can be used to defraud victims through social engineering scams, fraudulent billing and phishing.
Due to the nature and need of providing comprehensive care there are so many touch points that need access to patient information. Unfortunately this means there are many interconnected avenues for cyber criminals to exploit.
Beyond the compromised data of your typical cyber attack, healthcare cyber attacks carry a real, tangible and direct risk to human life.
Read: Children's Health Data Leaked Following Alder Hey Cyber Attack
IOT devices, including medical equipment. can be vulnerable to attacks. The IoT, short for Internet of Things, are objects connected to the internet and able to communicate with each other. IoT devices are connected to the internet, allowing them to send and receive data. These devices often have built-in sensors that collect data about their surroundings, such as temperature, motion, or air quality, In an extreme example, a heart bypass machine could be hacked, putting the patient at risk.
Healthcare Providers Targeted by Ransomware
The cyber attack on Change Healthcare impacted over 100 services including dental, pharmacy, medical records, clinical, patient engagement, revenue, and payment services.
As of October 2024, UnitedHealth, the parent company behind Change Healthcare, has confirmed that over 100 million patients had their personal data compromised. This makes it the biggest healthcare data breach in recent years. The attack caused over $872 million in losses for the healthcare giant.
Similar attacks take place regularly on small and large providers alike including McLaren Health Care, HealthEquity, New York Blood Center and the NHS.
Best Cybersecurity Solutions for Healthcare
With so many different solutions on the market it can be overwhelming for IT decision makers for healthcare providers to know where to start.
Luckily in this list we’re exploring ten of the leading cybersecurity solutions today, examining the features and capabilities that make them stand out so that you can make the best decision for your organisation.
CrowdStrike
Leveraging AI and machine learning, CrowdStrike's Falcon platform delivers cloud-based endpoint and workload protection. Their focus on endpoint detection and response (EDR) is vital for healthcare's need for rapid threat identification and containment.
Real-time visibility, automated response, and proactive threat hunting enable healthcare organizations to minimize attack impact. This platform allows for rapid detection and mitigation of threats, before they can cause damage.
Imperva
Imperva specializes in safeguarding data and web applications, crucial for protecting patient information and critical healthcare applications. Their solutions defend against unauthorized access and manipulation.
Healthcare organizations gain from web application firewalls, database security, and data loss prevention. Real-time monitoring and threat detection, combined with robust data protection and application security, help organizations meet regulatory demands and maintain patient trust.
Claroty
Claroty focuses on securing operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems (ICS), increasingly vital in healthcare due to the rise of connected medical devices. Their platform delivers visibility, threat detection, and risk management for these specialized environments.
Healthcare providers can effectively discover assets, manage vulnerabilities, and monitor threats within their OT/ICS infrastructure. This specialized approach to securing medical devices and critical infrastructure ensures patient safety and operational continuity.
Check Point
Check Point offers a wide array of cybersecurity solutions, encompassing network, cloud, and mobile security. Their approach centers on threat prevention and unified security management, crucial for protecting healthcare's complex IT ecosystems.
Healthcare providers benefit from advanced threat prevention, zero-day protection, and consolidated security management. This holistic security approach ensures robust protection across diverse platforms, reducing the risk of data breaches and service disruptions
Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks provides a comprehensive security platform, encompassing next-generation firewalls, cloud security, and endpoint protection. Their emphasis on preventative, integrated security is essential for safeguarding sensitive patient information.
Organizations gain from their advanced threat prevention, secure access service edge (SASE) capabilities, and cloud security posture management. The ability to maintain consistent security across diverse environments, coupled with automation and threat intelligence, allows for swift detection and response to cyber threats.
Trend Micro
Trend Micro delivers a broad spectrum of cybersecurity defenses, spanning endpoint, network, and cloud protection. Their proactive stance, driven by robust threat intelligence, is vital for healthcare's intricate web of connected systems. They effectively build a layered defense against the constant barrage of ransomware, malware, and phishing attempts.
Healthcare organizations benefit from their ability to shield vulnerabilities, prevent intrusions, and safeguard data across diverse platforms. Their commitment to rapid threat response and in-depth research ensures that healthcare providers can stay ahead of the curve, mitigating risks before they escalate.
Sedara Security
Sedara Security specializes in providing comprehensive security program development and managed security services. Their approach focuses on building robust security postures through strategic planning, risk management, and continuous monitoring. For healthcare, this means helping organizations establish and maintain a strong defense against evolving cyber threats. Sedara's expertise in security operations centers (SOCs) and incident response is crucial for healthcare providers who need to quickly detect and respond to security incidents.
Sedara Security's emphasis on tailored security programs, allows healthcare organizations to build security infrastructures that are specific to their needs. Their ability to provide continuous monitoring and incident response, helps healthcare providers to maintain compliance, and protect patient data. Sedara's proactive approach, allows healthcare organizations to stay ahead of evolving cyber security threats.
Meriplex
Meriplex provides managed IT and cybersecurity services, with a strong emphasis on network security. In the healthcare sector, where reliable and secure network connectivity is essential for patient care, Meriplex's solutions are designed to ensure uninterrupted operations. Their services include network monitoring, threat detection, and data protection. They also offer compliance solutions, which is vital for healthcare organizations dealing with sensitive patient information.
Meriplex's ability to provide a complete package of managed services, allows healthcare organizations to focus on patient care, rather than the complexities of cyber security. Their proactive monitoring and rapid response capabilities, allows healthcare providers to quickly mitigate threats. And their emphasis on regulatory compliance, helps healthcare organizations to adhere to the stringent security standards.
Cylera
Cylera specializes in healthcare IoT (Internet of Things) and IoMT (Internet of Medical Things) cybersecurity. In the complex healthcare environment, where numerous connected devices ranging from patient monitors to infusion pumps are used, Cylera provides critical visibility and security. Its platform offers real-time asset inventory, vulnerability management, and threat detection specifically tailored for these medical devices. A key feature is its ability to analyze device behavior without disrupting patient care, which is crucial in a healthcare setting.
Cylera's ability to provide in depth analysis of medical device communication, and provide risk scoring, allows healthcare organizations to prioritize their security efforts. This focus on the unique challenges of healthcare IoT/IoMT makes Cylera a leading solution, as it addresses the critical need to secure devices that directly impact patient safety. Their ability to integrate with existing network infrastructure, and provide detailed reporting aids healthcare providers in meeting compliance requirements, and improving their overall security posture.
Blackwell Security
Blackwell Security offers comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that address the multifaceted threats faced by healthcare organizations. Their services often include risk assessments, vulnerability management, testing, and security awareness training. Given the sensitive nature of patient data and the increasing frequency of cyberattacks targeting healthcare, Blackwell Security's proactive approach is highly valuable. They emphasize a holistic view of security, ensuring that all aspects of an organization's digital infrastructure are protected.
Blackwell Security's focus on tailored solutions allows them to adapt to the specific needs of healthcare providers, who must adhere to strict regulations like HIPAA. Their expertise in incident response and compliance helps healthcare organizations minimize the impact of breaches and maintain patient trust. By combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of the healthcare industry's unique challenges, Blackwell security helps organizations to maintain a strong security posture.
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