It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the healthcare industry is a major target for cybercriminals, given the wealth of sensitive patient information it holds. But what remains shocking is that in 2023, 133 million health records were exposed to an unprecedented amount of data breaches, where hackers not only infiltrated health providers, vendors, and computer systems but also demanded ransom payments.
Despite the risks, electronic health records (EHR) are important because they streamline patient information management, improve accessibility, and enhance overall care. Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) in healthcare do face unique challenges in securing these critical records though, due to limited resources and increasing cyber threats. That’s why securing EHR is not just a regulatory necessity but a vital component in protecting patient privacy and maintaining trust.
This blog will dive into the importance of EHR in healthcare, the specific hurdles SMBs encounter, and the role of a managed service provider (MSP) in safeguarding these valuable digital assets.
Protecting patient privacy is critical due to the highly sensitive nature of health information. Electronic health records (EHR) contain detailed personal data, including medical histories, diagnoses, treatment plans, and other confidential details. If compromised, that could lead to serious harm, including identity theft and financial fraud. This information's sensitivity makes having security measures necessary to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to it.
The healthcare industry also must adhere to different legal and regulatory compliances including:
Overall, it’s essential for any successful healthcare practice to maintain patient trust, and data security plays a crucial role in this dynamic. Patients entrust healthcare providers with their most sensitive information, expecting that it will be handled with care and protected against breaches. Effective data security measures not only safeguard patient privacy but also strengthen the reputation of healthcare businesses. When patients are confident that their data is secure, they are more likely to engage openly with their healthcare providers, leading to better outcomes.
Conversely, data breaches can severely damage a practice's reputation, destroy patient trust, and result in significant financial and legal repercussions. Therefore, prioritizing data security is essential for a good patient-provider relationship and the overall credibility of the healthcare business.
With how valuable patient data is to hackers, threats to the security of electronic health records (EHR) are almost inevitable. The most obvious threat is probably cyberattacking, which can take various forms including:
Another significant but often overlooked threat is insider threats. These occur when employees mishandle data, either accidentally or deliberately.
Lastly, physical threats also pose risks, such as the theft or loss of devices containing EHR data, which can lead to unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Understanding and mitigating these varied threats are essential steps in ensuring the security of EHR systems.
Small to Medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can protect and secure their electronic health records (EHRs) by adhering to the following best practices:
Managed IT services play an important role in securing electronic health records (EHR) by providing security solutions. These services cover all aspects of EHR security, from robust firewalls and encryption methods to advanced threat detection systems. Managed IT providers implement multi-layered security measures that protect against a wide range of threats, ensuring that patient data remains confidential and secure.
Another significant benefit of managed IT services is continuous monitoring. With 24/7 surveillance, managed IT providers can quickly detect and respond to potential threats before they escalate into major security breaches. This constant vigilance ensures that any unusual activity is quickly identified and mitigated, which minimizes the risk of data loss or theft. The ability to provide real-time monitoring and quick response times is essential for protecting sensitive patient information from cyberattacks.
Managed IT services also offer small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) access to specialized knowledge and resources that might otherwise be unavailable. These providers have teams of experts who are knowledgeable in the latest security technologies and best practices. They can provide ongoing support and guidance, helping SMBs navigate EHR security. This expertise ensures that healthcare providers can implement the most effective security measures and stay up to date with evolving threats and regulatory requirements.
For SMBs, partnering with a managed IT service provider can be a game-changer, offering peace of mind and allowing them to focus on delivering patient care.
Securing Electronic Health Records (EHR) is essential for protecting patient privacy, maintaining trust, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The best practices for achieving this include implementing strong access controls, using data encryption to safeguard information, conducting regular security training for staff, and performing frequent security audits and assessments. Additionally, utilizing advanced security tools, establishing robust backup and recovery plans, and ensuring secure communication channels further enhance security and protect sensitive information.
Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the healthcare sector must adopt these best practices to protect their EHR systems from cyber threats. Charles IT is dedicated to helping healthcare providers secure their EHR systems. Our team of experts offers a full range of services, including security audits, continuous monitoring, and tailored security solutions.
Contact us today to learn how we can assist with your EHR security needs.