Pinkesh Kotecha, MD and Chairman, Ishan Technologies discusses about cybersecurity challenges in the healthcare sector
In an era marked by technological innovation, the healthcare industry is experiencing a profound transformation through the increasing digitisation of patient records, diagnostic processes, and overall healthcare management. This digital revolution has undoubtedly improved efficiency, patient care, and accessibility to medical information. However, it has also led to unprecedented challenges in safeguarding sensitive data, the severity of which can be exemplified by notable incidents.
According to a report, India ranked the 10th most targeted country for cyberattacks, with the healthcare sector experiencing the highest impact. The industry has encountered a staggering 1.9 million cyberattacks until November last year. A significant breach at AIIMS compromised essential data, leading to operational disruptions. Additionally, the recent extraction of a substantial database from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) prompted Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to call for an internal security audit by the health ministry, underscoring the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures in safeguarding sensitive medical information.
In line with this, let us extensively discuss a few cybersecurity challenges in the healthcare sector:
Rising cybersecurity challenges in healthcare
The healthcare sector, has become a prime target for cybercriminals. It has garnered attention because of the prevalence of outdated software, reliance on legacy systems, and insufficient investments in cybersecurity. According to a report, less than 25 per cent of healthcare organisations have integrated Multi-factor Authentication (MFA), a fundamental security measure.
Here are a few threats and vulnerabilities:
Ransomware attacks: Ransomware poses a significant threat to healthcare organisations, where malicious actors encrypt data and demand a ransom for its release. This type of attack can disrupt critical healthcare services and compromise patient records.
Insider threats: Human errors or intentional actions by employees, whether through negligence or malicious intent, can lead to data breaches. Insider threats are a concern in healthcare due to the sensitive nature of patient information.
Dated technology: Many healthcare institutions still rely on dated technology—legacy systems and software that are not regularly updated. These systems may lack the necessary security features and are more susceptible to cyberattacks.
Inadequate employee training: The human factor remains a significant challenge. Inadequate training on cybersecurity best practices for healthcare staff can lead to unintentional data breaches through actions like falling victim to phishing attacks.
Interconnected ecosystems: The interconnected nature of healthcare systems, from electronic health records to telemedicine platforms, creates a complex ecosystem that can be exploited by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access.
Building a digital shield: Strategies & solutions
To establish a resilient cybersecurity infrastructure in the healthcare domain within India, a multi-faceted approach is essential.
Proactive vulnerability identification and mitigation: Healthcare providers should take proactive measures to identify and address potential vulnerabilities within their systems. It involves taking pre-emptive measures and regular audits to diligently identify and promptly address potential vulnerabilities in their systems.
Prioritise investments in cybersecurity: It is imperative for the clinical care industry to prioritise substantial investments in various facets of this critical domain. The sector must allocate funds towards technological advancements that bolster the organisation’s cybersecurity infrastructure, encompassing cutting-edge tools and technologies to stay ahead of potential risks.
In line with this, the industry should consider professional ICT companies to leverage their specialized expertise in data protection. Through integrated security solutions from smart surveillance, client computing and to end point security solutions, It is also recommended to get security audits done by these vendors such as VAPT so as to plug any security threats. By entrusting responsibility to such experienced firms, healthcare organisations can benefit from cutting-edge technologies, industry best practices, and dedicated cybersecurity professionals. Moreover, it is imperative to understand that although the upfront investment in cybersecurity may appear formidable, it can ultimately result in substantial long-term cost savings. This is because the implementation of robust security measures has the potential to avert possible data breaches, which can incur significant expenses for businesses including their goodwill and trust.
Data encryption and multi-factor authentication: Encrypt all sensitive data in transit and at rest to prevent unauthorised access, ensuring the confidentiality of patient information and critical healthcare data. Additionally, implement multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security, reducing the risk of identity theft and ensuring secure access to healthcare systems.
Prioritise threat intelligence and firewalls: Healthcare organisations should prioritize the deployment of threat intelligence solutions with real-time threat detection and analysis capabilities. This enables rapid identification and response to potential threats, preventing significant damage.
These strategies collectively contribute to the development of a robust cybersecurity framework, safeguarding sensitive healthcare data and ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of patient information.
Policies shaping the landscape
The Indian government has instituted a series of robust cybersecurity policies to safeguard the digital infrastructure. The ‘Cyber Surakshit Bharat’ initiative aims to build awareness around cybercrime and fortify the cybersecurity system across the country. The establishment of the ‘National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Center’ (NCIIPC) underscores the importance placed on safeguarding critical information pivotal to national security, economic growth, and public healthcare. ‘The Cyber Swachhta Kendra,’ an integral part of the Digital India drive overseen by MeitY, collaborates with professionals to detect systems infected by bots. Additionally, the recent approval of the National Cyber Security Reference Framework (NCRF) 2023 further demonstrates the government’s dedication, providing comprehensive guidelines to assist critical sectors in developing robust cybersecurity systems and ensuring a resilient digital landscape. Therefore, healthcare organisations must adhere to these policies, ensuring strict compliance with the guidelines set by the regulatory bodies.
As we navigate the complexities of healthcare digitisation, the proactive adoption of enhanced data security standards is paramount. By acknowledging and addressing current challenges, the organisations can lay the foundation for a secure future. Through ongoing collaboration, investment in technological advancements, and a commitment to awareness, the industry can rise to the challenge and build a resilient and secure future for healthcare.