Healthcare as an industry is very personal as it includes tones and tones of data that must be handled carefully. As the innovation in healthcare app development services grows, the threat to hospitals and health systems continues to grow too, and is currently heightened amid the war in Ukraine. As the U.S., This blog will outline why data security must be prioritized in healthcare and its software.
Need for data security.
After the Ukraine- Russia war, the quest for healthcare data security was raise as Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in Russia is warning all organizations, including those in the healthcare industry, to be extra vigilant against cyber threats to protect crucial information.
Healthcare data cannot be taken for granted, as the breach can cause a whammy no one can imagine. Cybercriminals saw a treasure trove of personal and medical information in healthcare providers’ data that could be exploited for malicious or monetary gain. Hence, to secure our healthcare data systems, data security across all the softwares must immediately become a strategic agenda item for healthcare executives.
Data Security Challenges in the Healthcare Industry
The healthcare industry faces numerous data security challenges, including
- Outdated infrastructure
- Increasing cyberattacks
- Lack of awareness among medical personnel
- And difficulty in pinpointing the source of data breaches.
Custom healthcare software development introduces additional challenges, requiring stringent standards and certifications for secure healthcare software.
Who’s watching the healthcare?
GDPR
Implemented in 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive framework designed to manage the flow of data and safeguard the personal information of European citizens. Healthcare digital products must adhere to GDPR compliance, making data security a universal concern for patients. Unlike other regulations, GDPR focuses on the broader digital landscape, emphasizing the importance of transparency, consent, and breach notification.
Healthcare app development companies must inform users about data collection and usage, obtain consent for handling patient data, and ensure anonymization of records. GDPR compliance ensures that patients have control over their data and are promptly informed in case of a breach.
HIPAA
In the US, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) plays an important role in regulating data security in healthcare. Applicable to all HealthTech applications entering the US market, HIPAA aims to protect patients’ medical records and health information. To ensure compliance, healthcare applications must implement robust security measures:
- Encryption of medical data on devices and during transfer to the server.
- Two-factor authentication.
- Systematic tests and updates.
- Integration of an automatic log-off feature after a specified period of inactivit
ISO 13485:
ISO 13485, a globally recognized standard, outlines requirements for a quality management system in medical device manufacturing. While traditionally associated with medical devices, ISO 13485 principles are highly relevant for healthcare software development. This standard ensures compliance with healthcare regulations, simplifying navigation through the complex regulatory landscape.
Cybersecurity Strategies for Healthcare Organizations
After seeing all the challenges and need for data security, there’s an urgent need for addressing data security challenges by establishing the robust data security strategies. Modernizing IT infrastructure, implementing sophisticated cybersecurity programs, and prioritizing features such as encryption, data recovery, and two-factor authentication are essential steps. Workforce security training and a comprehensive security incident response plan further enhance preparedness against cyber threats.
Final Words
As the healthcare sector continues to embrace digital solutions, prioritizing data security in HMS is non-negotiable. Adhering to global standards, such as GDPR and HIPAA, and implementing robust cybersecurity strategies internally by partnering with a robust healthcare app development company are imperative for safeguarding patient information and maintaining the trust of healthcare stakeholders.
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