7 Tips to Enhance Healthcare Data Security

Patient records and healthcare data aren’t just sought out by doctors and other medical professionals. 

Cybercriminals view these records as prized possessions, too. Globally, the average price tag of a data breach in 2023 was USD 4.45 million, a 15% increase over three years.

Whether you’ve been in healthcare for years or are simply just a tech enthusiast committed to data security, this article will help guide you to step up the safety of patient confidentiality.

We’ve compiled a list of practical tips you can apply to fortify the strength of your data protection.

1. Educate Your Team

Understanding the value of record-keeping protocols and company policies will help motivate your team to implement these tips. Knowledge isn’t just power; it’s the cornerstone of any robust defense strategy. 

Studies show that it takes an average of 277 days for security teams to identify and contain a data breach. That statistic alone should motivate your team to apply these strategies, but we also recommend:

• Emphasizing the importance of data security.
• Conducting regular training sessions for all staff members.
• Organizing simulated phishing exercises.  
• Creating a culture of awareness and resilience.

Cybersecurity is a team effort, from front-desk personnel to seasoned clinicians. Developing a well-informed, proactive team is your first line of defense against cyberattacks. 

When your healthcare team becomes more adept at identifying and eliminating potential security breaches, your sensitive data and patient records naturally become better protected.

2. Implement Access Controls 

You wouldn’t give every team member a master key to the company, right? 

As such, not every team member needs to have access to all of the healthcare data. Access controls were designed for exactly that. 

To control who has access to information, some things to consider are:

• Defining levels of access based on job responsibilities.
• Reviewing and updating access permissions regularly.
• Implementing an authentication process for extra security measures.
• Conducting periodic audits to ensure compliance.
• Training sessions on responsible data access and handling.

3. Encrypt The Data

Between 2009 and 2022, 5,150 healthcare data breaches of 500 or more records were reported to the HHS’ Office for Civil Rights, resulting in the exposure or impermissible disclosure of 382,262,109 healthcare records. That is more than 1.2x the population of the United States. 

The point is that you have to encrypt your sensitive information. 

Use end-to-end encryption for all communication methods and ensure your team is utilizing robust encryption algorithms for stored data. This way, even if a breach occurs, the stolen data remains unreadable to unauthorized individuals.

4. Stay Up-to-Date

Developers will often release updates or patches to your software systems. We know you’re busy, but ignoring or delaying these updates is like leaving your car unlocked in a busy parking lot with all your belongings inside. 

While you hope nothing will happen, you’re leaving an open invitation to the opportunity. 

Stay proactive and keep your systems up to date by:

• Establishing an individual or dedicated team responsible for prompt monitoring and updating of software. 
• Regularly checking for updates from software vendors.
• Checking for plugins and third-party application updates, as well.

This proactive approach shields your healthcare infrastructure against the rapidly evolving and increasing number of cyber threats.

5. Data Backup

Backing up your healthcare data is just as crucial as keeping your software up-to-date. Always backup to a secure, offsite location. This way, if misfortune strikes and a cyberattack or data breach occurs, you’ll always have a recent copy of information that can be restored. 

There are automated backup schedules designed for this exact purpose. Minimize the risk of human error and have confidence in knowing you’ll have access to critical information when you need it most. We suggest:

• Setting up automated backup schedules at regular intervals.
• Storing backup devices in geographically separate locations for added security.
• Testing the restoration process periodically to guarantee proper function.

6. Secure Physical Access

To this point, the spotlight has been focused on digital threats, but we can’t fail to discuss the importance of physical security. 

Physical security isn’t just about keeping people out; it’s about establishing an environment where the longevity and reliability of your computer system play an equal role in the overall strength of your data protection strategy.

Limit and monitor physical access to servers, data centers, and storage facilities. Prevent unauthorized entry by implementing:

• Biometric access controls.
• Keycard systems. 
• Surveillance cameras.

In addition to these access controls, develop specific environmental controls within the physical spaces that house critical infrastructure. For instance, monitor temperature and humidity to protect servers and equipment from any environmental damage.

7. Utilize a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) acts like a security guard or a bouncer outside of your healthcare data files. 

VPN will automatically encrypt data during transmission, making it nearly impossible for cybercriminals to intercept or decipher. 

Whether accessing patient records from a remote location or communicating between different facilities, make it standard practice to shield your data and establish a secure, private network with software like Surfshark VPN.

Conclusion

Use these tips as a guide to create a strong defense team against potential threats to your facility’s sensitive healthcare data. 

Make it an effort as a group to stay informed and proactive, contributing to the big picture of maintaining trust and confidentiality within.

Let’s work together to ensure the safety and integrity of healthcare data for generations to come!