Why is Digital Forensics important in Healthcare?

These days, like every other industry, the healthcare industry relies on technology such as digital forensics to run its day-to-day operations. It uses smart technology ranging from Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Language (ML), and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) to send, retrieve, store data, and provide solutions to deadly diseases. However, with the increasing volume of cyberattacks recorded on the internet, the healthcare industry is vulnerable to threats. Data and sensitive information of consumers must be kept intact.

What is healthcare information security?

Healthcare information security is technology-based or electronic health record of keeping patients’ data secured to prevent exposure to data breaches. Due to the many cases of data breaches recorded in the healthcare sector, it has become imperative that all healthcare organizations invest heavily in healthcare information security.

What are some of the common data security threats in healthcare?

Here are a few common healthcare data security threats.

Ransomware

The ransomware attack is one of the biggest data security threats targeted towards the healthcare industry lately. The goal of ransomware attackers was to hack into the computer network, take control of it, and request that a certain amount be paid before releasing back access to the organization. According to a report, NHS lost a total of £92 million to the hands of WannaCry ransomware cyber attackers. Before then, a 2016 survey showed that 88% of ransomware attacks were targeted towards the US health industry alone.

Mobile Data Access

Mobile devices in the healthcare sector are gaining traction as it makes work easier for medical staff and patients alike. However, these mobile devices use cloud services for data storage, file sharing and backup, making it more vulnerable to security breaches. Besides, stolen or lost mobile devices that fall into the hand of a hacker could result in data breaches.

Data compromise from medical staff

Medical employees working in the healthcare sector have access to many patients’ sensitive and confidential information such as credit card digits and other financial documents. An unfaithful staff could use the patient’s data to intimidate or blackmail the patient.

Why is digtal forensics important in healthcare?

Every day the world population is on the rise. All healthcare units rely on forensic cybersecurity technology, such as databases and cloud-based systems for storing healthcare data. To make sure that healthcare professionals work efficiently, it is necessary to secure the network and database from cybercriminals. Here we take a look at some crucial role of cybersecurity in the healthcare industry:

1. Protects the reputation of the healthcare industry

Patients whose sensitive data is breached from the perimeter of a healthcare organization can pursue legal justice. The cost of law proceedings can spell the end of that organization, as well as damaging its reputation. However, should there be a situation when a healthcare organization appears before the court due to data leakage, a certified digital forensics investigator can salvage the situation by investigating the data breach and bring the perpetrator to book.

2. Improves the speed and effectiveness of operation

The traditional way of handling paperwork and data makes it strenuous, complicated, and excessively slow to attend to patients’ needs. And with an increase in population, there’s an urgent need for Fastrack processes. Nowadays, a competent healthcare practitioner handles 8-12 hours shift. This is possible due to digital forensics processes that have helped many physicians handle their duty effectively and efficiently.

3. Helps with public response to a data breach

Forensics is something that organizations are now including, in addition to hiring a PR firm, setting up helplines, etc. By understanding how the breach happened, an organization can say, with confidence, that it won’t happen again. It is an integral part of an organization’s response to a data breach.

Source: eccouncil.org