All About Layered Security in Healthcare

Key takeaways

• Online security has become a major point of concern today, especially in healthcare systems, where a tiny security breach can cost someone their life.
• The same question also prompted companies across the world to take immediate action.
• Thus, we can hope that in the future, layered security tools can help make the digital healthcare environment a safe place for every stakeholder, especially patients.

Online security has become a major point of concern today, especially in healthcare systems, where a tiny security breach can cost someone their life. As security technologies evolve, so does the immunity of threats. Thus, there isn’t a single umbrella entity that can handle all types of security breaches. This is where layered security comes in. A very common example of this is mufti-factor authentication on various websites.

What is Layered Security? #

As the name suggests, layered security refers to a robust security system where the programs work in multiple layers. Since no security system is invincible, this is to ensure that there is a backup plan for any shortcomings or security breaches at each step. In this regard, the US NIST framework provides the industry standards and best practices for organizations to follow. Their cybersecurity framework includes five steps: identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover. A good security system should be able to identify a threat, deploy means to protect against it and, if it fails, be able to detect a breach. Thereafter, it should respond and recover lost data accordingly. The most common tools of a mufti-layered security system, in order of contact with threats, are- firewall, patch management, mufti-factor authentication, and end-point protection. Some tools that supplement these systems are web content filtering, e-mail filtering, and dark web monitoring. Dark web activity has increased by 300 percent in the last three years and hackers attack every 39 seconds, on average 2,244 times a day. Since 94 percent of malware are delivered through e-mail and most ransomware attacks happen through the dark web, these are very useful supplements to have in good mufti-layered security infrastructure.

How Does It Benefit Healthcare Systems? #

Healthcare has been dependent on physical infrastructure for a long time. During this time, digital infrastructure was used mainly for administrative purposes. The vulnerabilities in such a system could be solved through firewall and virus protection software. However, with the advent of cloud computing in healthcare and connected allied health tools, the vulnerabilities have increased. What happens if a phone which is used to access health records gets hacked? Thus, the number of focus points has increased with the emergence of connected technology, and IoT for that matter. According to a Sophos report, some 34 percent of healthcare organizations were targets of ransomware attacks in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed many cracks in the digital health infrastructure. Institutions like hospitals have robust security in place, but what happens when healthcare is taken outside the institutions? This is a question that emerged during the pandemic. The same question also prompted companies across the world to take immediate action.

These vulnerabilities can be protected through round-the-clock monitoring and mufti-level security tools. Many companies are opting for a zero-trust security model. This model presumes that any information source can be a threat and works accordingly.

How To Implement It? #

In a healthcare system, the following layers are used to protect patient data:

• End-point security layer – commonly known as antivirus software. This software protects the end user from virus, ransomware and malware attacks. This is the last line of defense. Ex- Avast, Microsoft Defender, etc.
• Network security layer – there are tools that can monitor the network traffic activity and raise flags to block any vulnerabilities from inside. Ex- Microsoft Advanced Threat Analytic, Cisco Stealthwatch, etc.
• Perimeter security layer – these consist of firewalls, the first line of defense in a network. This security layer tries to make the digital infrastructure invisible to attackers. It ensures that no attack happens in the first place. Better the firewall, less the risk of caber-attacks. Cisco, SonicWall, Barracuda Networks, and Palm Alto Networks are some companies that provide these tools to healthcare providers.
• Physical security layer – as imperative monitoring the digital infrastructure is, it is also important to see whether the physical infrastructure, such as servers and network appliances, are protected. Limiting access to these important areas should be part of a conscious company policy.
• Human security layer – similar to the physical security layer, human security is important in terms of moles who have access to important data and can give them away to intruders. These factors shouldn’t be ignored as a lot of attackers operate through personal contacts inside the system. In this case, the role of digital technologies is to help frame protocols and train personnel so that such intentional or unintentional human errors can be avoided.

Conclusion #

As clear from the facts, it is always important for a healthcare provider to stay up to date with security technologies. A lot of companies are hiring officers in this regard. Moreover, we should also consider that these organizations must also comply with their respective governments’ IT laws. Such government regulations can be counterproductive sometimes. Thus, there is also a role of government here in framing up-to-date public policies. The advancement of health technology is a misnomer if it attracts greater threats and jeopardizes sensitive patient data. Layered security is being more actively used every day. Its effectiveness is well-proven. Thus, we can hope that in the future, layered security tools can help make the digital healthcare environment a safe place for every stakeholder, especially patients.

Related reading

• Cloud Cryptography: The Solution to your Cloud Security
• Cloud Security Solutions: 5 Common Causes of Cyber-Risk
• Cloud Security: Why Is Cloud Security Important? How Does Remote Work Need Cloud Security?

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Questions and answers

What is Layered Security? #

As the name suggests, layered security refers to a robust security system where the programs work in multiple layers. Since no security system is invincible, this is to ensure that there is a backup plan for any shortcomings or security breaches at each step.

How Does It Benefit Healthcare Systems? #

Healthcare has been dependent on physical infrastructure for a long time. During this time, digital infrastructure was used mainly for administrative purposes.

How To Implement It? #

In a healthcare system, the following layers are used to protect patient data: - End-point security layer – commonly known as antivirus software. This software protects the end user from virus, ransomware and malware attacks.