The quickest way for hackers to harm a healthcare provider organization is to target patient information, and many of them focus on databases that support electronic health records.
The Internet of Things has amplified the number of attack vectors to target the functioning of hospitals, physician practices, outpatient centers and other facilities. But it also creates a direct risk to patient care.
Phones, tablets, connected medical devices and other technologies provide a side door for hackers to infiltrate networks. With many devices using outmoded operating systems, patients face a unique vulnerability, because a hacker could interfere with treatment.
Many devices, such as pacemakers or implantable devices that provide micro-shocks to the brain to treat Parkinson's disease or other neurological disorders, are controlled by mobile apps that allow doctors to adjust treatment without resorting to surgery. The convenience trades off the risk of surgery against the risk of a hacker tampering with treatment.
Upgrading the security of these devices could require an entirely new FDA approval, a lengthy and expensive process. Some of these organizations are taking a wait-and-see approach to security, but that also reflects wishful thinking about vulnerabilities and potentially huge liabilities.
To help CISOs, CIOs and other health security leaders tackle these issues, Healthcare IT News interviewed Edward L. Goings, national pillar lead of cyber response services and global incident response lead at KPMG Global. Goings discussed the risks inherent in the Internet of Things, whether hackers can get in through implantable and similar devices, and what needs to happen to ensure security is maintained.
Continue reading: https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/cybersecurity-and-internet-things-dangers-and-solutions
The Internet of Things has amplified the number of attack vectors to target the functioning of hospitals, physician practices, outpatient centers and other facilities. But it also creates a direct risk to patient care.
Phones, tablets, connected medical devices and other technologies provide a side door for hackers to infiltrate networks. With many devices using outmoded operating systems, patients face a unique vulnerability, because a hacker could interfere with treatment.
Many devices, such as pacemakers or implantable devices that provide micro-shocks to the brain to treat Parkinson's disease or other neurological disorders, are controlled by mobile apps that allow doctors to adjust treatment without resorting to surgery. The convenience trades off the risk of surgery against the risk of a hacker tampering with treatment.
Upgrading the security of these devices could require an entirely new FDA approval, a lengthy and expensive process. Some of these organizations are taking a wait-and-see approach to security, but that also reflects wishful thinking about vulnerabilities and potentially huge liabilities.
To help CISOs, CIOs and other health security leaders tackle these issues, Healthcare IT News interviewed Edward L. Goings, national pillar lead of cyber response services and global incident response lead at KPMG Global. Goings discussed the risks inherent in the Internet of Things, whether hackers can get in through implantable and similar devices, and what needs to happen to ensure security is maintained.
Continue reading: https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/cybersecurity-and-internet-things-dangers-and-solutions
