The Growing Threat of Cyber Attacks on Healthcare Providers: A Call for Stronger Data Security Measures

Healthcare Providers at Risk of Losing Patient Trust Due to Cyber Attacks

As cyber attacks continue to rise, healthcare providers are facing a growing risk of losing patient trust if they cannot guarantee information security. The WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017, which affected computer systems in 150 countries, including Britain’s National Health Service, highlighted the potential dangers of cyber threats to patient safety.

In the US, the frequency of cyber-attacks on hospitals and health systems has more than doubled from 2016 to 2021, making the health industry the third largest target for cyber attacks after education and government. Similarly, cyber attacks in Indian healthcare are the second highest in the world, underscoring the global nature of this issue.

One of the largest data hacks in Indian history in 2023 raised concerns about the security of personal health information as the healthcare sector becomes increasingly digitized. Privacy and security concerns are at the forefront of information systems research, especially as healthcare providers rely more on the internet for services.

Online patient portals, which allow individuals to access medical information and interact with healthcare professionals, are particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks. These breaches not only pose privacy risks but also have a significant financial impact on healthcare enterprises and can lead to a loss of customer trust.

As nations around the world grapple with data privacy issues, it is crucial for healthcare providers to define where individual privacy may be compromised to maintain credibility and attract future patients. Policies and regulations, such as the EU’s data governance proposal and the USA’s HIPPA privacy rule, aim to protect patient information but may not address all privacy concerns.

In India, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, passed in Parliament in August 2023, has yet to be notified. Strengthening data breach legislation and enhancing security measures in healthcare access are essential steps to protect patient information in the country.

With the increasing concern for privacy among consumers, healthcare firms must adopt robust privacy protection and security policies to safeguard against cyber threats. Individuals also play a crucial role in ensuring the security of their personal data, especially as they make choices for their healthcare needs online.

Ultimately, the responsibility for enhancing cybersecurity readiness lies with the state. A comprehensive data security framework that incorporates privacy preferences, information disclosure norms, and institutional data governance policies can help restore trust in digitized healthcare systems and mitigate the risks posed by cyber attacks.