Healthcare providers are expected to protect sensitive patient data from cyber security threats. Failing to do this can result in devastating consequences, from legal penalties to reputational damages.
This blog will list five crucial strategies and best practices that healthcare providers can use to enhance their data security and privacy.
1. Security audits
Routine security audits can offer health professionals deeper insights into their information security posture. These assessments systematically examine your company’s IT systems, identifying vulnerabilities and risks.
In-depth audits should cover the following areas:
- Hardware
- Software
- Current data security strategies
- Network defences
- Employee processes (regarding the handling of sensitive information)
- Compliance with necessary regulations.
By pinpointing weak spots in your network security, audits can ensure that data is kept confidential and secure with the best remedial measures.
2. Cyber security awareness training
Cyber security awareness training is essential for healthcare providers across Australia. These workshops educate employees on why data security is important for organisations, along with equipping them with the expertise to mitigate security threats.
Regular sessions can keep your team updated on the latest threats and defensive strategies so they can uphold high-level safety standards for your patients’ personal data.
3. Complex (strong) passwords
Passwords offer direct access to data storage spaces and user accounts. Consequently, implementing a policy that requires all employees to use strong passwords can help limit system breaches.
Strong passwords should follow the criteria below:
- A minimum of 12 characters
- Comprised of an amalgamation of letters (in both upper and lower case), special characters (symbols), and numbers
- Unique to each user.
Passwords should never be repeated across multiple platforms, nor should they be shared with others. Ensure that your team members change passwords regularly and avoid storing them in easily accessible locations (e.g., on a post-it note tacked onto a screen).
4. Data encryption
Data encryption converts data into unreadable code that prevents cyber criminals from gaining access to the information within. However, for authorised individuals, encryption keys can be used to make the encrypted data readable. Encryption should be applied to data in transit (as it moves through networks) and at rest (as it sits within systems).
5. Work with a managed IT service provider
A managed IT service provider (MSP) can fully manage your health organisation’s cyber security ecosystem and initiatives. An MSP can serve as your company’s IT security team, providing tailored solutions that safeguard patients’ health information.
MSPs’ services are vast, including (but not limited to):
- Antivirus solutions
- Intrusion detection
- Firewall services
- Identity and access management (IAM)
- Endpoint management
- Disaster recovery (including duplicating information for storage within data centres).
MSPs can offer healthcare providers holistic security measures that safeguard data from all directions. With an MSP as your data security partner, your company can feel confident knowing that it has all the security solutions it needs for the modern (and future) cyber threat landscape.
Let managed IT security services elevate your data security measures
Healthcare providers have a responsibility to see their patients’ data kept safe 24/7/365. By leveraging a range of data security practices – security awareness training, encryption, audits, and more – your business can enhance its data protection measures and preserve its reputation.
The managed IT security services at Itopia can safeguard your healthcare company with a catalogue of customisable cyber security solutions, including network monitoring, business continuity, data backups, access controls, and more.
If you are looking for a team of experienced IT security professionals that understand the data security needs of healthcare providers, contact Itopia today.
Adam leads the Itopia team in Brisbane, helping professional-services firms get secure, productive and confident with their technology, in plain English.