The adoption of mobile applications, web platforms, and IoT devices in the healthcare sector has improved efficiency and patient experience. However, this digital transformation has exposed healthcare institutions to new cyber threats, making it necessary to adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Protecting healthcare applications, performing vulnerability assessments, and monitoring devices in real time to ensure effective patient care are essential to building a resilient, secure, and efficient infrastructure, ensuring the continuity of care and safeguarding individuals’ data.
Why is it crucial to invest in cybersecurity of healthcare applications and IoT?
Health data protection
Health data is a critical and vulnerable asset. Every day, millions of sensitive pieces of information are exchanged between healthcare facilities, and their compromise exposes institutions to identity theft, fraud, and damages trust in these organizations. A breach can have serious legal, financial, and reputational consequences. Investing in cybersecurity protects the integrity of data and patient privacy.
Operational Security
The healthcare sector relies on operational continuity, as even brief disruptions can compromise care and jeopardize patient lives. Cyberattacks can paralyze hospital systems, blocking access to data and delaying procedures. Operational security is crucial to ensure that essential services are always available, minimizing the risk of interruptions.
Regulatory compliance
Compliance with regulations such as GDPR and the NIS2 Directive is essential for healthcare organizations, setting strict standards for data protection and network security. Non-compliance can lead to financial penalties and loss of trust. Investing in cybersecurity helps organizations pass audits, demonstrating commitment to protecting information and digital infrastructure.
The challenges
The healthcare sector faces a lot of challenges in cybersecurity and IoT management
Increased cyber threats
Cyberattacks on healthcare organizations have increased from 12% to 17% in the first quarter of 2023, with 71% of these incidents being classified as “critical” (Source: BIZZIT). This rise highlights the growing vulnerability of healthcare infrastructures, which manage sensitive data and critical operations. Compromise of these systems can cause service disruptions, putting patient health and the integrity of medical information at risk.
Lack of staff
The healthcare sector is facing a significant staff shortage, which negatively impacts the quality of patient care. A study found that 84% of organizations with a workforce ranging from 2,500 to 14,999 consider the shortage of clinical staff to be the most critical issue (source: SANITÀ DIGITALE). This situation leads to reduced care, disruptions in hospital activities, and an increase in turnover and stress among healthcare staff.
The challenges of the IoMT
In the healthcare sector, the integration between IoT devices and clinical systems is hindered by the lack of uniform standards, limiting the sharing of critical information and slowing down decision-making processes. Additionally, IoT devices generate increasing volumes of data: according to Gartner, by 2030, the healthcare sector will manage about 40% of global IoT data. The lack of adequate platforms to analyze this data presents a significant barrier.
To mitigate risks and address these challenges, healthcare organizations can adopt the following strategies
Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessment
Analyzing the security of web and mobile applications helps identify hidden vulnerabilities, preventing potential attacks and protecting healthcare digital platforms.
Patient Monitoring through IoT Devices
Adopting IoT integration platforms provides complete visibility into patients’ health status, whether in the hospital or remotely, with real-time data and essential alerts for taking preventive actions regarding patients’ health.
Configuration of Company Devices
Properly configuring company devices ensures their protection and prevents the risk of breaches through centralized and secure management.
Staff Training
Training courses for developers and executives promote the integration of security into business processes, helping define a safer and more resilient cyber environment.
Investing in health cybersecurity brings tangible and lasting benefits:
Increased patient confidence
The protection of healthcare data and the adoption of technologies such as IoT strengthen trust and credibility, solidifying the organization’s reputation.
Regulatory compliance
Compliance with international regulations helps avoid sanctions, improving the institution’s position in the healthcare sector.
Innovation for health
The integration of new IoT technologies to improve real-time monitoring of patients’ health status ensures that staff can dedicate care and time in the best possible way to all patients.
Products:
MAPT as a Service
The Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing platform created to ensure the security of mobile applications.
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MAST as a Service
The tool that automates security testing and integrates it into the mobile application development process.
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Rogue Mobile App Detection
An innovative approach that, thanks to artificial intelligence, monitors applications on official and unofficial stores.
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API Security Test
Check the security and reliability of your API connections, improving the protection and efficiency of your digital ecosystem.
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Web App Penetration Test
Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing at your service to ensure the security of your web applications and websites.
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IoT / OT integration
Optimize the management of your connected devices.
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