Trustwave’s 7 Step Guide to Building a Healthcare Focused Cybersecurity Framework

October 02, 20242 Minute Read

Healthcare organizations face increasing challenges in safeguarding patient data.

With the rise of cyber threats and stringent regulatory requirements and potential patient impact, it's crucial to have a robust security framework in place. Trustwave offers comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of the healthcare sector and has the in-house ability to manage any organization's security apparatus.

Threat actors single out the healthcare sector for the trove of patient data it houses. This information is highly sought after and can bring a high price on the Dark Web as it can be used for additional attacks, credit fraud, and even blackmail.

The most recent glaring example of what can go wrong when a basic cyber hygiene activity is overlooked is the February 2024 attack that struck Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth. The US House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee conducted a hearing into the attack and reported the cause was multifactor authentication (MFA) was not implemented. The alleged attack groupALPHV/BlackCat gained access and knocked Change Healthcare offline for an extended period creating a backlog of unpaid claims, patients could not get prescriptions filled, and the possible compromise of millions of patient records.

Then there was the financial impact of this attack. On April 16, 2024, UnitedHealth Group reported in its Q1 results, a loss of $872 million "in unfavorable cyberattack effects" due to cyberattack direct response costs and the business disruption impacts. The company anticipates additional costs associated with the attack.

All because MFA was not being used, an oversight that should have been caught and remedied by the organization's security team.

Here's how Trustwave can ensure your organization can protect patient data effectively.

1. Advanced Threat Detection and Response

Trustwave's Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services provide 24/7 monitoring and rapid response to potential threats. Utilizing advanced analytics and machine learning, Trustwave can identify and mitigate threats before they compromise sensitive patient data. This proactive approach ensures that your organization stays ahead of cybercriminals.

2. Compliance and Risk Management

Healthcare organizations must comply with various regulations such as HIPAA, GDPR, and HITECH. Trustwave offers compliance management services that help you navigate these complex requirements. Their experts conduct thorough assessments, identify gaps, and provide actionable recommendations to ensure your organization meets all regulatory standards.

3. Database Protection

Since databases are where patient information is kept and the target of most attacks, their security is paramount. Database auditing tools like Trustwave's DbProtect and AppDetectivePRO deliver seven times more database-specific security and compliance checks vs. vulnerability assessment tools.

4. Managed Vulnerability Scanning

Regular vulnerability assessments and scans are essential to identify and address security weaknesses. Trustwave's vulnerability management program includes Managed Vulnerability Scanning (MVS), analysis, and remediation guidance. By continuously monitoring your systems, Trustwave helps prevent potential breaches and ensures that your security posture remains strong.

5. Implement an Offensive Security Program

Human error is a significant factor in many data breaches so make sure your security team is ready through Red and Purple team testing. However, it's important to ensure your organization is ready for this level of training by conducting penetration tests and a vulnerability scans to ensure all legacy security issues have been detected and mitigated.

6. Digital Forensics and Incident Response

In the event of a data breach, a swift and effective response is critical. Trustwave's Digital Forensics and Incident Response services provide immediate support to contain and mitigate the impact of a breach. Their forensic experts analyze the incident, identify the root cause, and help your organization recover quickly while minimizing damage.

7. Cloud Security

As healthcare organizations increasingly adopt cloud solutions, securing these environments becomes paramount. Trustwave offers cloud security services that protect your data across various cloud platforms. These solutions include cloud configuration assessments, continuous monitoring, and threat detection to ensure your cloud infrastructure remains secure.

Protecting patient data is not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental responsibility of healthcare organizations. Trustwave's comprehensive cybersecurity solutions provide the necessary tools and expertise to safeguard sensitive information. By partnering with Trustwave, your organization can enhance its security posture, ensure compliance, and ultimately protect the trust and well-being of your patients.

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