Hey there! Let’s chat today about something important, shall we? We’re talking about the challenging world of cyber security, particularly in our essential health care facilities. Let’s use the case of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton as a learning point – back in 2015, they decided to get serious about their cyber security situation.
To put it lightly, cyber security in healthcare institutions is…complex. There’s such a rich diversity of personal information housed within these systems, from patient details to staff data. It’s a lot to manage and protect, right? Unfortunately, in recent years, there’s been a sharp increase in attempted attacks on these stores of data, introducing a slew of unique challenges. On top of that, resources are often scarce, making it even tougher for these facilities to ensure their defense lines against cyberattacks are airtight. Phew, talk about a tough gig!
So, St. Joseph’s – recognizing the ever-changing tech landscape and the cyber threat profile unique to the health sector – decided they needed a strong, comprehensive game plan. Can’t blame them! Their operations were vast, and they needed an iterative cyber security strategy that could keep up with shifting trends and protect precious data and human resources.
Ready to hear more about their action plan? It all started with what one could call a ‘comprehensive cyber-physical exam’. They took a close look at their existing cyber security controls, identifying any gaps or areas of vulnerability. Real talk, folks – it wasn’t the prettiest picture at first. But! After identifying these areas of improvement, they rolled up their sleeves and got to work.
Step two was a bit like a follow-up visit. After some time and hard work implementing changes, they revisited their cyber security controls. This time, they weren’t just looking for patches to previous vulnerabilities, but they were also on the lookout for any new potential threats. You’d be surprised how much can change in a short amount of time with this stuff!
And guess what? The whole process paid off. Thanks to the rigorous assessment and implementation of stronger safeguards, they crafted a unique risk management plan. Taking into consideration St. Joseph’s specific needs, it was tailored precisely to secure both their patient and staff data.
There’s no quick fix or one-size-fits-all when it comes to security in healthcare tech. Threats evolve, tactics change, and innovation is necessary to stay ahead of the curve. But with grit, dedication, and a willingness to adapt and reassess systems continually, any healthcare facility can step up their cyber security game.
Like many of their healthcare peers across the country, St. Joseph’s is moving forward, not just inspired, but with a newfound confidence in their abilities to protect themselves in the digital world. It’s all about protecting your community, advancing confidently even as threats change and evolve. Trust me, folks—it’s the Bay Area way!
by Morgan Phisher | HEAL Security
