As healthcare continues to advance technologically, the technological risks continue to grow as well. As records, devices and more continue to depend more and more heavily on computer systems and the Internet, cyberhackers are now more able than ever to hack in and steal information, break devices, and put lives at risk.    

So, if you are concerned about the safety of your healthcare devices and records, here are some things to keep in mind to ensure medical device cybersecurity. 

Recognize that you are at risk   

Denying the fact that cyber risks exist in the world of healthcare will not make you any safer. One of the reasons why medical devices are so at risk is because medically trained senior managers know little about the need for cybersecurity. If you are looking to improve the security of your systems, you will have to work hard to convince those at the top.  

Identify which of your devices are sensitive  

Once you have gotten the support you need from your superiors to make the necessary safeguards, you have to be able to identify which devices are most at-risk to cyberhackers. You should make a distinction between: 

• Buildings and their core systems such as power supply, heating and waste processing 
• Medical equipment ranging from the most advanced to the most basic  
• Data systems including data records which are now often stored in the cloud and are subject to privacy regulations  

Perform an audit of your network  

One of the best advances in modern medicine is the ability to store a seemingly endless amount of data on clients, treatments and more. This has made treating patients much easier in many instances, but it also makes them more vulnerable to data breaches. It is important to perform an audit your system to find how secure it is. If you find any possible weak spots, it is crucial for you to make improvements to your system’s security as quickly as possible.  

Ensure segmentation  

One of the best ways to ensure a secure network is to segment it. This means that while your networks may be able to communicate with one another, they are not all part of the same massive network. This makes it impossible for a hacker to simply push from one network to another.  

Perform test hacks  

This is a fantastic way to see how strong your security system is and if there are any weaknesses. Hire experts to simulate a hack attempt into your system to see if they are able to get in, how far they are able to go, and what they are able to impact. This will set of any alerts to where you should bolster and improve your current system.  

Instill a corporate culture dedicated to cybersecurity  

This is without a doubt one of the most important changes you can make. If you can convince your colleagues that cybersecurity equals patient security, you will be much better equipped at handling any threats that are directed your way.  

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