Cyberattacks are a growing threat, from both internal and external sources. How can hospitals and health systems create a culture of cybersecurity system-wide?
Here are four important elements of a strong cyber defense strategy, according to WEDI's Perspectives on cybersecurity in healthcare June 2015 report.
1. Have basic controls in place to mitigate threats. Basic controls include up-to-date operating systems and anti-malware, web filtering and antivirus software. Put in place firewall technologies to stop known attacks. Set up automated alerts that quickly notify the appropriate parties and help activivate response measures.
2. Train employees, from the C-suite down, to be aware of cybersecurity issues.
3. Develop a response system that can identify a breach and its scope.
4. Respond to any attacks that have breached the network. Establish a coordinated response plan for breaches.