When It Comes to Healthcare Cybersecurity, the Best Defense Is Also the Most Simple

As with diseases, prevention is better than cure for cybercrime too. According to cybersecurity experts, there are two simple steps providers can take to prevent cyberattacks — implementing multi-factor authentication for their systems and educating their staff.

Some of the most effective defenses in providers’ arsenal are also among the most basic. Multi-factor authentication, for example. Both Waseem and Klein said this simple step can save providers a great deal of trouble down the line.

Multi-factor, or two-factor authentication, requires users to present at least two pieces of evidence when logging in to an account.

Waseem and Klein agreed that ongoing education and training for staff is a must. The weakest links in cybersecurity are often well-meaning individuals who share things they shouldn’t, Klein said. Providers should limit the number of people they share patient data with and ensure those individuals are well-trained to keep the data safe.