The digital age has introduced new threats and concerns for patient data security in the healthcare industry. The risk of cyberattacks and data breaches threatens significant harm by compromising sensitive patient records and devastating healthcare provider reputations. Insurance agents in the healthcare sector need to understand and emphasize the importance of cybersecurity measures to protect patient data. This blog will address the importance of cybersecurity for the healthcare industry and discuss the role of specific cyber and technology coverage offered by Connected Risk Solutions.
The Growing Threat of Cyber Attacks in Healthcare
Cybercriminals often target the healthcare industry because of the volume of patient data that these facilities store. With electronic health records and medical devices connected to the system, patient information is easily accessible. Cyberattacks can lead to issues with data breaches, ransomware, unauthorized system access, and compromised patient privacy. Agents must inform healthcare providers of the increasing risks and the importance of a cybersecurity plan.
Protecting Patient Data With Cybersecurity Measures
Hospitals have a strict responsibility for safeguarding patient data and preserving patient trust. The right cybersecurity measures can help protect data from unauthorized access and reduce the risk of cyber threats. Some of these cybersecurity measures include:
Comprehensive Firewalls and Network Security
Healthcare facilities need firewall infrastructure and network security measures that prevent unauthorized access to information. Patient data should remain on secure servers with encrypted transmission protocols.
Regular System Updates and Patch Management
The latest security patches and system updates help keep systems up to date. This minimizes the vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit to access the network.
Employee Training and Awareness
Companies can minimize the risk of data breaches from human error with comprehensive security education. Train all healthcare staff about cybersecurity risks and best practices, including how to identify phishing attempts, why they should use strong passwords, and when they should report suspicious activities.
The Role of Connected Risk Solutions in Cybersecurity Coverage
Connected Risk Solutions has specialized coverage options for cyber and technology insurance, including coverage targeted to the needs of healthcare businesses. Our coverage offers financial protections for healthcare providers to offset the costs associated with a data breach, cyberattack, or other cyber threat. Insurance agents that partner with Connected Risk Solutions can offer comprehensive policies for cybersecurity protection that include:
- Data breach response: This coverage pays for costs associated with data breach notification, credit monitoring subscriptions for those affected, legal support, and public relations expenses.
- Network security and privacy liability: This coverage handles the costs associated with cyber liability claims, reducing the burden of expenses such as legal defense costs, court judgments, and settlement fees.
- Business interruption: This coverage pays for lost income and additional expenses resulting from a cyber incident that halts normal operations.
These coverage options reduce the financial burden of cyber threats for healthcare businesses.
The healthcare industry continues to digitize, increasing the importance of comprehensive cybersecurity protection for patient data. Insurance agents have an essential role in educating and assisting healthcare organizations to implement cybersecurity strategies. Connected Risk Solutions provides specialized coverage for cyber and technology insurance tailored to the healthcare industry, and agents partnering with us can provide access to that coverage for their local healthcare clients.
About Connected Risk Solutions
At Connected Risk Solutions, we use our expertise and experience to provide insurance information and programs to those who serve long-term care and senior living facilities. Since 2007, we’ve been offering insurance and risk management plans designed to help our agents give their clients the ability to achieve continued growth while simultaneously protecting against loss, containing costs, and increasing profitability. With three offices to serve you in Chicago, Illinois; Phoenix, Arizona; and Burlington, Connecticut, we do everything we can to make your experience with us as professional and transparent as possible. To learn more, contact us at (877) 890-9301.
