Manish Mimani, Founder & CEO, Protectt.ai. highlights that having a proper security system in place to protect personal data of millions of people is the need of the hour. Among all sectors, healthcare has been one of the most targeted and it is critical to prevent cyber-attacks and unauthorised access to patient data which could jeopardise patient privacy, financial transactions, and critical aspects relating to their medical history
India, which aims to have a USD 5 trillion economy and a trillion-dollar digital component by 2025, has struggled to establish a secure and safe digital arena. There has been tremendous growth in the number of people who have access to internet resources, with millions of users now having online access. According to a report by CISCO, by the end of 2022, approximately 60 percent of Indians would have an internet connection.
But it is not all good in the hood, there is a flip side to it. In the first three months of 2022, over 18 million cyber-attacks and threats were reported in India, according to research by Norton. Not only have commercial companies faced cyber-attacks, but so have government organisations.
Throughout the past few years, there has been a startling rise in the number of cyberattacks launched against the government and private organisations.
The recent data breach at India’s premier medical institution was one of the largest data breach of the year. Computer systems for both outpatients and inpatients have reportedly been hit by ransomware, putting millions of patients’ data at risk.
So how to curb these increasing cyber-attacks particularly for healthcare industry which involves sensitive and critical patient data?
Working towards a cyber-safe framework for the healthcare industry
Almost anyone can become a victim of a cyberattack in today’s rapidly digitalising world. The consequences of financial setbacks are not the same for every person or business. After the pandemic, businesses had to digitally transform if they wanted to survive. Many organisations, in their zeal to accelerate digitalisation, overlooked security or did not give attention to the security aspects as warranted. Because of this, cyber security is more crucial than ever.
Having a proper security system in place to protect personal data of millions of people is the need of the hour. Among all sectors, healthcare has been one of the most targeted and it is critical to prevent cyber-attacks and unauthorised access to patient data which could jeopardise patient privacy, financial transactions, and critical aspects relating to their medical history.
To prevent situations like a security breach, healthcare institutions must employ cutting-edge digital technology for improved efficiency, responsiveness, and precision. Nonetheless, as time has progressed and technology has advanced, so have cyberattacks, and they are now able to penetrate even the most cutting-edge systems. Cybercriminals aren’t only targeting computer networks; they’re also targeting the operational technology that controls things like supply chain logistics, machinery, and even operational systems.
Dedicated security providers help businesses like hospitals, and clinics in addressing cyber threats to their systems, data, and operations. To ensure minimal disruption to their operations, the companies may engage skilled cybersecurity providers/consultants to successfully monitor and handle risks to their applications, devices, and IT infrastructure.
Steps to contain the damage after a cyber-attack
Despite best of your efforts towards ensuring cyber security in your organisation, if unfortunately, you become a victim of a malicious attack, here are a few steps to control the damage created after a security breach:
Create backups & follow appropriate storage mechanisms
Ensure complete data encryption, especially if it contains sensitive information. Normal text files are the easiest for hackers to access, therefore you shouldn’t store your sensitive information in them. Data encryption restricts access to only those who have the decryption key. It also guarantees that the data will remain unreadable even if it is intercepted by an attacker. Some forms of encryption software even alert you if someone tries to make unauthorised changes to the encrypted data.
Develop a response plan
Productivity losses may be mitigated and reputational damage contained with the help of a well-thought-out response strategy. Employees are also understandably upset. Assessing what was lost and when, should be the first step in your reaction strategy. Identify the culpable party wherever feasible. You may minimise the fallout and regain the confidence of the public and your staff by acting quickly and firmly.
Minimise impact on the business
After a cyber-attack takes place in your organisation, your first priority must be to minimise its impact on the business and to recover as much data as possible. However, if you have already created backups and encrypted your data, then your work would become easier. To ensure the smooth running of the business, you must nip the problem in the bud.
Limit your access points
Due to a lack of awareness, a lot of companies have multiple access points to their core system which makes them more vulnerable. Using zero trust architecture may help businesses strengthen their cyber defences and prevent breaches. In the event of a security breach, they will be better equipped to limit any resulting financial or reputational losses.
The recent security breach at one of India’s largest hospitals must be a wake-up call to have a secured system in place. Cyber threats are inevitable with the growing enhancements in the digital space. But we must always be one step ahead of the hackers and do everything that is needed to ensure the digital safety of an organisation.
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