As healthcare organizations (HCOs) navigate the complexities of distributed workforces, digital health solutions and AI-driven innovations, a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity is essential. Andrew Craver, Vice President of Segment Marketing at Spectrum Enterprise, recommends three strategies for organizations seeking to safeguard patient information while enhancing operational efficiency.

1. Fortify digital and physical protection beyond traditional perimeters

“It’s becoming more difficult to protect patient data against increasingly sophisticated cyberthreats, especially with an expanded network perimeter that encompasses on-site, in-transit and remote workers,” Craver said.

HCOs need advanced security and user access controls to guard all touchpoints within and along the edge of the network perimeter. Multi-factor authentication, coupled with zero-trust architecture, is foundational to safeguarding network access points across a distributed healthcare ecosystem.

Unified threat management solutions protect users, the network perimeter, remote workers and distributed locations connecting via the internet, all under a single comprehensive umbrella. This vastly improves security without overloading corporate networks while enhancing scalability for managing a hybrid work environment.

“A dynamic approach is crucial to securing a multi-cloud environment and managing the flow of sensitive information,” Craver said. This refers to staff accessing personal health information (PHI) within the organization’s network and transmitting it outside the network via cloud-based applications.

Physical security measures, including strategically placed cameras and sensors monitoring sensitive areas such as drug storage cabinets and refrigerators, add another necessary layer of protection. This comprehensive approach, which relies on a robust IT infrastructure, ensures that valuable patient data is secured at every touchpoint, from digital interfaces to physical storage locations.

2. Provide an enhanced internet experience through trusted connections

HCO staff members require a seamless, high-quality work environment, whether they work in a facility, at home or travel between facilities. A trusted and secure dedicated fiber internet connection is fundamental to achieving this goal without burdening internal IT resources.

By partnering with a managed service provider, healthcare practices can ensure a better, safer internet experience across their entire network. Secure, reliable connectivity enables the seamless integration of digital health solutions and AI applications, enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. It also supports telemedicine and remote patient monitoring, ensuring that these valuable services are delivered securely and efficiently.

3. Find a managed service provider to achieve end-to-end protection

Craver noted that the complexity of modern healthcare IT environments now demands a holistic approach to technology management. A single, end-to-end managed service provider for secure dedicated fiber internet, unified communications and reliable access to cloud-based applications reduces the administrative and maintenance burden on IT departments. This also allows organizations to focus on core competencies — healthcare applications of technology — instead of managing the underlying technology itself.

Such a consolidated approach streamlines operations, reduces the potential for security gaps and ensures consistent performance across all systems. It also provides HCOs with a single point of contact for all their technology needs, cybersecurity protections, ample bandwidth and full visibility into network activity and threats.

By partnering with a comprehensive managed service provider, healthcare organizations can leverage cutting-edge technologies and expert support without the need to build and maintain these capabilities in-house. “This allows healthcare providers to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats and technology trends while focusing on their primary mission: delivering exceptional patient care,” Craver said.

To learn more, visit https://enterprise.spectrum.com/insights/resource-center/white-papers/new-security-threats-demand-new-solutions.html.