October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Thank you to Telcion for sharing cybersecurity best practices for healthcare organizations.
By Eric Grimm, Director of Security, Telcion
LinkedIn: Eric Grimm
LinkedIn: Telcion Communications Group
Because of the nature of our business, it’s critically important for healthcare organizations to place a significant emphasis on cybersecurity awareness so that everyone within the organization – as well as the third-party vendors they partner with – are well-positioned and mindful of potential threats.
Being secure is an organization-wide effort. Many of the biggest security incidents happen because of some level of human failure, so a hospital, health system, medical practice or any healthcare organization with a culture of cybersecurity awareness can help prevent human failures before they happen.
Here are five ways to foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness in your healthcare organization:
- Give regular security updates
Knowledge is power. And that is so important when it comes to cybersecurity. Sharing internal security updates, industry news, and vendor updates that impact you and the patients you serve is a good first step. This keeps everyone informed about various security events, ensuring that even non-technical staff stay aware of important topics like password security and phishing – helping to prevent complacency in online behavior. - Create a cybersecurity training program
Cybersecurity awareness should be engrained in your organization’s culture. All employees, regardless of their role, should know how to protect themselves and the organization online. This requires structured training programs. To enhance your security awareness training plan, utilize third-party training tools and resources. These training tools can include video training assignments, phishing simulations, or other types of cybersecurity training materials and methods. - Inform new hires of cybersecurity policies upfront
During onboarding, ensure new hires are thoroughly briefed on your organization’s cybersecurity policies and practices. This should include detailed instructions on secure password management, the use of VPNs, and remote work protocols. Providing these recommendations early on helps to cultivate a culture of security awareness from the outset. Consider creating a comprehensive cybersecurity handbook or an online module that new hires must review and complete. Additionally, integrating cybersecurity policy discussions into initial team meetings can further reinforce the importance of these practices. - Make it easy to report issues
Creating an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting security issues is crucial. Establish the IT department as a safe and approachable place to report suspicious activities or potential security problems. Automate the reporting process by setting up an easy-to-use online form or a dedicated email address where employees can submit their concerns. Regularly remind employees about the reporting process and ensure anonymity to encourage open communication. Provide clear guidelines on what constitutes a security issue and how to report it, making the process as straightforward and non-intimidating as possible. - Regularly update your security policies and practices
As the technology landscape evolves, so do the associated security threats. It’s vital to continually update your security policies and practices to stay ahead. For example, the rapid advancement of AI technologies introduces new security challenges that must be addressed. Regularly review and revise your security policies to incorporate guidelines for emerging technologies and threats. This ensures that your organization remains protected and serves as an ongoing reminder to employees about the importance of adhering to security protocols. Schedule periodic reviews of your security policies and engage with industry experts to stay informed about the latest developments and best practices. Communicate any updates clearly to all employees and provide necessary training to implement new policies effectively.
Conclusion
Maintaining robust cybersecurity practices is an important part of being a secure healthcare organization, but it is essential to pay attention to the end user training and education that keeps the human element of your organization alert and proactive within the threat landscape. Taking steps to inform end users ensures that all employees, regardless of their technical expertise, are equipped to handle threats like phishing and social engineering. This keeps your organization safe and your information secure while helping to protect your organization and the patients you serve in the ever-changing nature of cybersecurity.