Anurag Lal is the President and CEO of NetSfere, and an expert on global cybersecurity innovations, policies, and risks. With cybersecurity now a major issue for all healthcare providers, we asked Anurag for his analysis and understanding of the threats facing the industry and how organizations can best adapt to these challenges.
What are common security issues healthcare enterprises deal with regularly?
Digital transformation has taken over all industries, especially in healthcare. These organizations hold the personal, sensitive and valuable information of hundreds of patients, making healthcare entities a large target for bad actors. Some of the security issues in healthcare include ransomware, phishing, malware and data breaches. Healthcare organizations need an increased understanding of the threats facing them and they must recognize the need for top-of-the-line cybersecurity practices, including deploying end-to-end encrypted technology platforms as a line of defense against these security threats.
How is cybersecurity playing a role in the healthcare industry?
Cyberattacks continue to plague the healthcare sector as criminals work to gain access to sensitive patient data. According to The HIPAA Journal, 24 data breaches of 10,000 or more healthcare records were reported to OCR in January 2024 alone, including one breach of half a million records, one of more than 2 million records, and a breach that exposed the records of almost 4 million individuals.
Healthcare organizations are excited about the power of technologies and their use to optimize workflows and inject efficiencies into operations. However, there are risks to consider when using different platforms, including, privacy standards, security protocols and compliance adherence. This includes emerging generative AI and messaging platforms.
How does HIPAA compliance impact the healthcare industry?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) establishes standards and requirements for handling protected health information (PHI) and electronic protected health information (ePHI). Protected health information is any information that can be used to identify patients or clients such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, phone numbers, medical records, and financial information. Data breaches in this sector are on the rise as cybercriminals increasingly target healthcare enterprises to gain access to vast amounts of PHI, and it’s essential healthcare entities are protecting their patients.
Without HIPAA-compliant mobile messaging and technologies, patient data is vulnerable to unauthorized use and disclosure. By implementing an enterprise-grade business communication platform that meets all HIPAA standards and requirements, organizations can improve their overall security posture and reduce the likelihood of breaches and violations.
Why is it important healthcare enterprises prioritize secure communication?
Collaboration tools are mission-critical for enabling real-time, contextual communication to improve clinical communication and streamline workflows in healthcare organizations. Implementing encrypted communication platforms will eliminate the unsecure gaps in the flow of communication and facilitate protected collaboration, translating to improved staff and patient experience and better clinical outcomes. Effective communication will support care teams and ensure safe, high-quality patient care, working to optimize communication, which can free up physicians and care teams to spend more time with patients and significantly reduce medical errors. It will also reduce the risk of data breaches, ransomware and fines from the FCC for not meeting HIPAA compliance.
What tips can you provide healthcare entities on implementing safe and secure communication and avoiding cyber risk?
Healthcare entities must be aware of the technologies or platforms they’re using, specifically, the risks and compliance issues that lie within them. With precious, sensitive information, the healthcare industry should be implementing technologies with true end-to-end encryption that are HIPAA compliant as a basic standard for all software where sensitive information is shared.
Another best practice for healthcare entities always goes back to human error. Regular cybersecurity training is a must for employees who are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. Ensuring staff have a clear understanding of cybersecurity issues will help them identify threats or vulnerabilities throughout the organization and patch up those weak spots. With regular training, employees can become a powerful defense against cyber threats.
Anurag Lal is the President and CEO of NetSfere. With more than 25 years of experience in technology, cybersecurity, ransomware, broadband and mobile security services, Anurag leads a team of talented innovators who are creating secure and trusted enterprise-grade workplace communication technology to equip the enterprise with world-class secure communication solutions. Lal is an expert on global cybersecurity innovations, policies, and risks.
