The Role of Data Security in Healthcare to Advance Digital Transformation

Hospitals and healthcare networks have adopted digital strategies in many functional areas over the last two decades. The digital healthcare revolution is transforming how people access healthcare services and communicates with providers. Integrating a patient-focused approach into healthcare is primarily enabled by digital transformation in healthcare.

As a result of the digital transformation, numerous initiatives were implemented, such as the installation of electronic health record systems (EHR), the development and implementation of digital health apps, and the implementation of digital health solutions.?

Data privacy has become a much bigger concern for companies in recent years. Companies serving the healthcare sector have become much more concerned with data privacy. In order to build a culture of trust and transparency with patients, healthcare providers must manage patient data appropriately.

With continuously updated laws and regulations, healthcare data privacy is constantly evolving. By doing so, patients get the data privacy they deserve and expect.

What Are Some Healthcare Data Risk Factors?

While developing healthcare data security solutions, healthcare operations need to be aware of the following risk factors:

• Use of outdated/legacy systems
• Scam emails with malware
• Staff, contractors, vendors, etc.
• Lack of security on wireless networks
• Lack of strong passwords
• Lack of training in data security practices

Our article details the role of data security regulations in the healthcare industry to advance digital transformation:

1) Data security compliance: Due to the increasing number of cyberattacks and the development of sophisticated tools and methods by cybercriminals, healthcare data security has never been more vital. Due to the sensitive nature of the information collected, stored, and used within the healthcare sector, it is crucial that your organization handles this information per industry standards.

It is common for healthcare providers to share sensitive electronic health information with third-party suppliers, such as medical labs, online. To do so, providers must comply with industry regulations like HIPAA, GDPR & HITRUST, to ensure the data is handled appropriately.

2) Secure Database for Electronic Medical Records: By implementing digital transformation in healthcare, you can encrypt, store, and access patient records securely, and share them on-demand with healthcare professionals, laboratories, and specialists.

3) Email and internet security: As with most businesses, the healthcare uses email for communication. This sector continues to be plagued by email-based threats such as phishing. Researchers found that 77% of email attacks against healthcare companies contained malicious URLs and attachments.

Security measures that can segment and monitor such risks are needed to keep healthcare systems operating. Building security awareness within the organization and educating employees are equally important. As a result of cybersecurity awareness training, a natural human firewall will be created and acted upon as an extra layer of security.?

4) Leveraging Blockchain: Blockchain technology is highly recommended for overcoming security challenges. In a recent study, blockchain-based healthcare applications are forecast to exceed $890 million by 2023. Blockchain is a platform for digital transactions that is built on a network of decentralized computers. It is primarily used in the finance sector.

Blockchain can benefit healthcare institutions in the following ways:

• Ensure cybersecurity
• Identify health information inaccuracies
• Securely store & share patient health data on a distributed ledger

5) System Monitoring Apps: There are several apps available that can monitor various operations and procedures. With an app, you can keep track of who updates, accesses, moves, creates, and deletes files. You can also use apps that detect potential breaches of data & detect unauthorized access, account changes, etc.

6) Multi-factor Authentication: Multi-factor authentication is another way to protect your data, since it can be difficult to rely on staff, vendors, contractors, suppliers, etc. to use secure passwords. To use these methods, users must enter a username and password, and an additional item, such as an email or mobile passcode.

7) Data Wiping: Utilizing big data requires a large amount of storage. The more information you store, the more difficult it is to manage. Backing up, archiving, and removing unused files will save you resources and increase security in healthcare software.?

8) Continuous App Testing and Updates: The medical software industry requires continuous improvement. The system should be tested regularly for any bugs or vulnerabilities that should be fixed. Furthermore, you will benefit from optimizing your app's user experience (UX).

Conclusion:

Nearly everything in healthcare will be connected through digital technologies to improve patient well-being and care in the future. Each of these exciting advancements will be made possible by data security.

As cyberspace becomes ubiquitous and networks, machines, and devices become more connected, how can we ensure the future of health?