AccessMSP Blog

IT Management and Cybersecurity: Critical Factors for Healthcare Providers

In today’s modern world, technology and cybersecurity are integral parts of the healthcare industry. The use of electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, and other digital tools is essential to provide high-quality patient care. However, the rapid growth of these technologies, mixed with insufficient implementation procedures has led to a huge increase in cybersecurity risks. As a result, healthcare providers must prioritize IT management and cybersecurity to protect patient data and maintain the integrity of their operations. 

You may have noticed that business insurance companies are starting to get interested in your technology and how you secure it. We’re going to unpack this and help you make informed decisions on how to handle your IT and how to prevent your insurance costs from skyrocketing.

Cybersecurity threats have been increasing over the last several years, and headlines have been cropping up all over about major businesses, organizations, and even public entities getting hit by cyberattacks. It’s easy to see this as a “bigger business” problem, but data has shown that smaller businesses throughout central Florida are now being targeted specifically.

If you are a South or Central Florida medical organization, you need to read this before you select your next IT provider or entrust your sensitive patient data to another third-party company.

Let me ask you a question: let’s say you needed to landscape your front yard. Would it make more sense to hire multiple companies to come in and each do a very particular job, or find a single entity that could handle every aspect from start to finish?

Now, consider the same question, but in regard to your business’ cybersecurity solutions.

Cybercriminals are targeting businesses throughout central Florida. They are using very aggressive, targeted attacks to disrupt business, steal sensitive information, and attempt to extort money. Let’s talk about some ways that your business can defend itself from these aggressive attacks.

Data security isn’t a matter to be taken lightly, as too many businesses have found out the hard way. Unfortunately, there are far too many simple ways to correct common security issues - enough that it’s foolish not to do so. We’ll review a few ways to fix security issues, after discussing one of, if not the, most egregious security failings in modern history.

The password isn’t nearly as secure as it used to be. Hackers have begun to take advantage of extremely powerful solutions designed to brute force their way into accounts by using software to rapidly guessing thousands of passwords per second, making it extraordinarily difficult to prepare yourself for them.

What’s the best way to guarantee that passwords aren’t going to be the downfall of your company? A great start is by taking a close look at password best practices and two-factor authentication.

Despite what detractors say, regulations are in place for good reason. They typically protect individuals from organizational malfeasance. Many of these regulations are actual laws passed by a governing body and cover the entire spectrum of the issue, not just the data involved. The ones that have data protection regulations written into them mostly deal with the handling and protection of sensitive information. For organizations that work in industries covered by these regulations there are very visible costs that go into compliance. Today, we look at the costs incurred by these organizations as a result of these regulations, and how to ascertain how they affect your business.