Hospital Security in Question
In a recent
article titled "Cyberattacks: Public and Private Hospitals, Is the Worst
Yet to Come?", Jean-Michel Tavernier1 provides a detailed analysis of why
the medical sector is a prime target for hackers. He highlights the
vulnerabilities that allow hackers to access sensitive data such as medical
records, insurance information, and payment details. The compromise of this
data can have severe consequences for individuals' privacy, financial security,
and even personal safety, not to mention the financial damage to institutions
and the risks to the quality of care provided to patients.
System
Vulnerabilities
Tavernier
points to the "excessive interdependence of the entire healthcare
chain." Hospitals collaborate with a multitude of interconnected providers
and partners, creating numerous opportunities for attackers. He suggests
managing the attack surface (ASM), which means controlling and securing all
entry points where unauthorized entities could try to gain access. He also
recommends having full visibility of every device connected to the hospital's
network to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
The
Hospital as a Supply Chain
The terms
used by Tavernier to describe the issues faced by hospitals evoke an integrated
system that could be described as a "Supply Chain." This chain
includes the various participants in an economic activity, from the producer to
the consumer. Similarly, hospitals use various interconnected IT systems such
as electronic medical records (EMR), laboratory management systems, prescribing
systems, and medical image management systems (PACS), and collaborate with many
partners and suppliers, which facilitates the circulation of sensitive data
between the different players.
A
Multidimensional Approach to Security
To protect
hospitals from cyber threats, it is essential to adopt a multidimensional
approach that includes technical, organizational, and awareness measures:
- Risk Assessment and Management: Regularly identify and assess risks.
- Security Audits: Conduct regular audits to detect vulnerabilities.
- Access Controls: Implement role-based access controls and multi-factor authentication.
- Network Security: Thanks to network segmentation and a specific API by department.
- Data Protection: with advanced solutions such as encryption and regular backups.
- Training and Awareness: Train staff in IT security.
- Incident Monitoring and Response: Implement systems for monitoring and rapid incident response.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
Segmentation
and Specific APIs
Network
segmentation is crucial to limit the spread of attacks. Each hospital
department should have its own API (Application Programming Interface)
protected by a next-generation firewall such as ARCHANGEL© 2.0 from PT SYDECO,
capable of detecting and preventing intrusions and blocking suspicious
activities. This segmentation isolates and limits access to the data and
functions specific to each department, reducing the attack surface and
facilitating vulnerability management. For example, the emergency department
might have an API to manage admissions and emergency patient records, while the
radiology department might have an API to access medical images.
But the
important thing to remember is that every API must be designed and implemented
with robust security practices to protect against attacks like SQL injections,
distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, and other potential threats.
Additionally, centralized security management, with consistent security
policies and controls across all APIs, is also essential to ensure overall
system protection.
Advanced
Technical Solutions
PT
SYDECO's Integrated Protection System,
including
ARCHANGEL© 2.0,
Firewall of Next Generation, which defends the network in depth, protects
against SQL injections, DDoS attacks and detects and blocks any suspicious
movement in the internal network and a VPN Server,
offers maximum protection. It secures data traffic both inside and outside the
network and allows secure access to files using SydeCloud©, a
secure file sharing and online backup solution.
Conclusion
Cyberattacks
on hospitals are not inevitable. By adopting robust security measures and using
integrated solutions like those offered by PT SYDECO,
hospitals can effectively protect themselves, ensuring the security of data and
care for the well-being of their patients.
1. https://www.globalsecuritymag.fr/cyberattaques-hopitaux-prives-et-publics-le-pire-est-il-a-venir.html
#hospital
#cybersecurity #cyberattacks #ptsydeco #archangel #firewall #ngfw
#networksecurity #supplychain #api
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