In today's interconnected world, whether we realise it or not the threat of a cyber-attack happens every day to every sector. Health and care is no exception. Our reliance on technology and the eerie prowess of hackers has given rise to the threat of a real cyber pandemic. This blog aims to shed light on the importance of preparing for cyber-attacks for the health and care sector and key steps to mitigate the risk.
The Inevitability of Cyber-Attacks:
We are acutely aware pandemics strike unexpectedly. Cyber-attacks are no different. It’s not a matter of if, but when. There are plenty of examples where large organisations have been hit by cyber breaches, some of which resulted in employee contact and bank details exposed. The healthcare sector, with its vast amounts of sensitive patient data and critical infrastructure, is an attractive target for the malicious actors seeking financial gain or disruptive power.
Learning from the Past:
Without doubt COVID highlighted the need for effective preparation and rapid response to unexpected crises. Unfortunately, as revealed by the COVID-19 inquiry, the healthcare sector was ill-prepared for the challenges it faced. The lessons learned should serve as a wake-up call to proactively address potential cyber threats to health and care.
Building Preparedness:
So what can we do – here are 3 top tips to help prepare:
Understanding the Risks:
While the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare offers many benefits, it can also introduce potential risks if not properly considered and governed. Rapidly introducing AI without proper scrutiny, control, and understanding may lead to vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals. It’s mundane, but we do need to constantly review and mitigate these risks – ultimately this is about patient safety so maintaining the integrity of healthcare systems is vital.
Conclusion:
We all know cyber risks are real and present. The creation of the National Cyber Security Centre and the growing cyber job now in the NHS is a huge step forward. However we need to ensure these skilled professionals have time to continually learn, network with peers and have executive support. The creation and review of robust processes, prioritisation of technological patching can help organisations to strengthen their cybersecurity posture. And yes to AI, but a balanced approach to its adoption and other emerging technologies is crucial, considering both the benefits and risks involved. Only through collaborative efforts and a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy can the health and social care sector navigate the constant challenges posed by the cyber pandemic and protect the well-being of our patients and public.