• Health Tech

Safeguarding Patient Care – A Clinician’s Guide to Cybersecurity

October 09, 2023

The American Medical Association (AMA) plays a crucial role in ensuring that healthcare professionals and clinicians are adequately equipped to tackle the continuously increasing cybersecurity challenges within the healthcare sector.

Allow us to introduce Dr. Christian Dameff, an emergency medicine physician and the medical director for cybersecurity. In the AMA’S first episode, he emphasizes the essentials to understanding cybersecurity and patient safety.

Understanding Cybersecurity in Healthcare

Dr. Dameff starts by addressing a common question: “What is cybersecurity? And why do I need to know about it?” The answer lies in the digital transformation of healthcare. Clinicians are now more connected than ever, using technology to communicate, record patient data, and interact with medical equipment. While these advancements enhance patient care, they also expose healthcare systems to cyber threats.

The Threat Landscape

Cybercriminals view the healthcare system as a goldmine of opportunities. They notice vulnerabilities as digital doors and windows to access patient data, extort money, and disrupt clinical operations. Unfortunately, these attacks often succeed. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services received over 700 reports of compromised healthcare data, affecting more than 45 million patient records. A staggering 75% of these breaches were attributed to cybercriminals.

Ransomware: A Looming Threat

Dr. Dameff highlights one of the most alarming cyber threats – ransomware. This malicious software encrypts critical data, including patient records, appointment schedules, and payment systems, rendering them inaccessible. Cybercriminals then demand a ransom for data restoration. These attacks can have dire consequences, from disrupted clinical workflows to delayed treatments for patients, ambulances being diverted, and the loss of vital medical records.

Common Techniques of Cyber Attacks

Dr. Dameff sheds light on common techniques employed by malicious hackers. One of the most prevalent is email phishing. Clinicians receive deceptive emails, seemingly from trusted sources, which contain fraudulent attachments. Opening these attachments grants cybercriminals access to the hospital network, enabling them to execute their attacks.

Your Role in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is not just the responsibility of IT departments; it’s a collective effort. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates that all individuals in healthcare institutions be vigilant against security threats. As clinicians, you must be as aware of computer viruses as you are of biological viruses. In this series of short, informative videos, the AMA will equip you with the knowledge needed to protect your patients, your systems, and your organization from cyber threats.

In a digital age where patient information is stored electronically, the AMA recognizes that ensuring patient safety also means protecting patient data from cyberattacks. This course serves as a valuable resource for clinicians, helping them stay informed, vigilant, and proactive in the face of evolving cybersecurity challenges. And according to Dr. Christian Dameff, by staying informed and adopting simple precautions, you can play a vital role in maintaining patient care’s safety and security in our digital age. Your dedication to cybersecurity will not only benefit your organization but also earn the gratitude of your patients.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, the AMA’s efforts to provide education and training on cybersecurity are instrumental in ensuring that clinicians are well-prepared to navigate the digital healthcare landscape and safeguard both patient care and sensitive patient information

Visit the AMA course here: https://edhub.ama-assn.org/ama-education/video-player/18818240

Sources:
https://edhub.ama-assn.org/ama-education/video-player/18818240