The healthcare industry has undergone a massive transformation in the past few years. With most of the services and information available online, it has become a lot easier for the hackers to infiltrate as well as exploit highly sensitive data for malicious purposes. Therefore, it is extremely essential for the healthcare facilities to implement comprehensive security practices to avoid putting sensitive medical and personal information at risk.

Given below are some useful cyber security tips for the healthcare industry:

• Implement Basic Security Tools: At the minimum, hospitals and clinics should follow the basic cyber security practices. These include regularly updating firewalls and malware definitions as well as installing intrusion prevention systems. Virtual private networks should also be protected for a secure transmission of data over the hospital’s network. It will also ensure that only the authenticated users are able to access the network.
• Stay Updated: As the hacking attacks have become more sophisticated, it is important to keep your system updated to prevent against any security flaws. Frequently check for updates for your operating system and firmware and download them from credible sources. Also change your router’s default configuration and password to block and unwanted traffic on your hospital’s internal network.
• Strengthen Authentication Measures: Whether a patient or administrative staff logs in to the network, make sure their identity is properly verified before allowing access. Use multi-factor authentication so that the user has to provide the password along with an additional security element, such as a one-time password, to log in to the system.
• Limit Access: Make sure you limit network access by restricting users from downloading unwanted software or applications on their computer systems. When using Wi-Fi routers, all the data sent or received should be properly encrypted. Physical access to computers should also be restricted by restraining administrator privileges. Systems containing the important information should be stored in locked rooms where only a few employees can enter. Educate employees about their responsibility towards safeguarding the organization’s information.
• Change Passwords Regularly: Passwords for all the networked computers and online resources accessed for official purposes should be changed frequently. It is particularly important when an important employee leaves the job. It may be possible that he might access your old accounts and manipulate data.

We, at Centex Technologies, provide complete cyber security solutions for businesses across Dallas, TX. For more information, you can call us at (972) 375 – 9654.