Cybersecurity for Healthcare: Protecting Patient Data
Healthcare is one of the most targeted sectors for cyberattacks. You handle sensitive patient data, often rely on older systems, and can't afford downtime. Here's what healthcare organizations need to know about cybersecurity.
Why Healthcare Is Heavily Targeted
Healthcare organizations face unique cyber risks:
Valuable data
Medical records sell for 10-50x more than credit cards on dark web
Life-critical systems
Attackers know you'll pay to restore operations quickly
Complex environments
Mix of old and new systems, many connected devices
Limited IT resources
Often understaffed IT departments relative to risk
24/7 operations
Downtime directly impacts patient care
Regulatory pressure
GDPR + NIS2 + sector-specific requirements
NIS2 Classification for Healthcare
Under NIS2, healthcare is classified as an "Essential" sector. This means:
- Stricter security requirements than "Important" entities
- More rigorous supervision by authorities
- Higher potential fines for non-compliance
- Mandatory incident reporting (24-hour notification)
- CyberFundamentals Essential tier typically required
- Management held personally accountable
Security Priorities for Healthcare
Focus on these areas first:
1. Patient Data Protection
- Encrypt all patient records (at rest and in transit)
- Implement strict access controls (role-based)
- Audit who accesses what data
- Train staff on data handling
- Have clear data breach procedures
2. Medical Device Security
- Inventory all connected medical devices
- Segment medical devices on separate networks
- Apply patches where possible (coordinate with vendors)
- Monitor device behavior for anomalies
- Plan for devices that can't be patched
3. Ransomware Defense
- Maintain offline backups (tested regularly)
- Implement email security (phishing is #1 vector)
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR)
- Practice incident response scenarios
- Have communication plans for patients/families
4. Availability & Continuity
- Define recovery time objectives for critical systems
- Test failover procedures
- Plan for manual operations during outages
- Coordinate with other healthcare facilities
- Keep paper backup procedures ready
Common Healthcare Challenges
Network segmentation, compensating controls, migration planning
Isolate on dedicated VLANs, monitor traffic, work with vendors on updates
Focus on workflow-friendly security, explain patient safety connection
Prioritize based on risk, use frameworks (CyberFundamentals) for structure
Rolling updates, redundant systems, scheduled maintenance windows
Incident Response for Healthcare
Healthcare incidents require special considerations:
Healthcare Security Made Manageable
Easy Cyber Protection helps healthcare organizations implement CyberFundamentals with healthcare-specific guidance. Meet NIS2 requirements without overwhelming your IT team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my medical practice subject to NIS2?
If you have 50+ employees or €10M+ turnover, likely yes. Smaller practices may still be covered if they provide critical healthcare services. Check with the CCB for definitive classification.
What level of CyberFundamentals do healthcare organizations need?
Most healthcare organizations need Essential tier (140 controls) due to their NIS2 Essential classification. Smaller practices may qualify for Important tier (117 controls).
How do we secure old medical devices?
Network segmentation is key - put legacy devices on isolated networks. Monitor their traffic, limit access, and work with vendors on update schedules. Document compensating controls for devices that can't be patched.
What happens if patient data is breached?
You must notify the Belgian DPA within 72 hours (GDPR), report to CCB within 24 hours (NIS2), and inform affected patients if there's high risk to them. Have procedures ready before an incident occurs.
How do we balance security with clinical workflows?
Involve clinical staff in security planning. Focus on solutions that don't impede patient care - single sign-on, badge access, mobile-friendly authentication. Explain that security protects patients, not just data.