As technological advancements continue to alter the landscape of healthcare, providers are becoming more reliant on electronic health record (EHR) systems to store sensitive protected health information (PHI). Unfortunately, this has also created a target for malicious actors to exploit, as successful EHR attacks have made it evident that these systems are vulnerable.
In response, organizations have turned to cybersecurity solutions such as end-to-end encryption and remote user lockouts that seek to protect patient data from potential risks. However, cyberattacks can still put patient data at risk, strain IT departments and lead to significant financial loss for healthcare organizations.
According to a survey conducted by Trend Micro Incorporated, 86% of global healthcare organizations’ operations have suffered operational outages as a direct ransomware attack on their organization. These outages can come with a high cost of more than $8,000 per minute in paused production and leave hospitals scrambling. Another concern is that this puts the safety of patients directly at risk, whether because of damaged system integrity, disrupted service operations or a complete shutdown of communication across health systems.
The growing number of successful cyberattacks on electronic health records (EHRs) has increased the sense of urgency among healthcare organizations to take proactive steps in protecting their systems from malicious actors. Having secure protocols and solutions in place can provide vital protection against potentially disastrous data loss and disruption to care delivery, as well as financial and reputational damage that could be incurred if a breach is not immediately stopped.
EHRs have tremendously impacted the healthcare industry by streamlining data storage and providing easier access to patient information. However, as the need for better cybersecurity continues to rise, so does the concern over an EHR’s ability to protect those vital records from breaches or downtime.
Healthcare organizations must take preventative measures to ensure reliable access to critical patient information if their EHR becomes compromised. By seeking out alternate methods of exchanging data outside an EHR, organizations are better equipped to deal with the current landscape of cyber threats. Now is the time to take definitive action to protect their organization from any form of attack while still being able to provide sufficient care and support for patients.
