Strengthening healthcare cybersecurity: Resilience, compliance, and digital identity

As cyber threats against the healthcare sector continue to rise, organizations must shift from traditional security measures to a more proactive and resilient approach. The digitization of patient records, increased use of connected medical devices, and reliance on third-party vendors have expanded the attack surface, making healthcare one of the most targeted industries globally.

In 2024 alone, 92% of healthcare organizations reported experiencing at least one cyberattack, with ransomware incidents increasing by 300% since 2015. These attacks not only compromise sensitive patient data but also disrupt essential medical services, sometimes even resulting in increased patient mortality rates.

To combat these growing threats, regulatory bodies at the state and federal levels are implementing stricter cybersecurity mandates. The focus is now on modernizing security frameworks, strengthening digital identity management, and ensuring compliance with evolving laws. Organizations that fail to adapt risk financial penalties, reputational damage, and operational disruptions.

The growing threat of cyberattacks in healthcare

The healthcare industry is particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks due to the high value of patient data and the industry’s reliance on outdated systems. Cybercriminals exploit weaknesses in healthcare networks to access protected health information (PHI), disrupt operations, and demand ransom payments.

The cost and impact of healthcare data breaches

Cyberattacks on healthcare organizations have severe financial and operational consequences. The average cost of a healthcare data breach has risen to $9.77 million, nearly double that of other industries.

Beyond financial losses, these incidents also impact patient safety, with over 20% of healthcare organizations reporting increased mortality rates following cyberattacks. Internal security lapses are a major concern, as 57% of breaches originate from insider threats. Additionally, nearly 60% of an organization’s systems are typically compromised during an attack, causing widespread disruptions in medical care and affecting critical healthcare services.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for healthcare organizations to modernize their security infrastructure, particularly in areas such as identity and access management (IAM) and risk-based authentication.

Vulnerabilities in healthcare security

The healthcare sector faces several cybersecurity challenges that make it a prime target for cybercriminals. One major issue is the use of outdated medical devices. Many hospitals and clinics continue to rely on legacy equipment with weak security protections, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Additionally, third-party risks pose a significant threat, as healthcare providers often collaborate with external vendors who may not have the same level of cybersecurity measures in place.

Human error also plays a crucial role in security breaches. Phishing remains one of the most common attack methods, with employees unknowingly granting attackers access to sensitive systems. Finally, ransomware and malware attacks have surged in recent years, often locking healthcare providers out of critical patient data until a ransom is paid. These factors highlight the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures across the healthcare industry.

Changing healthcare cybersecurity rules

Regulatory bodies are responding to the increasing cyber threats by enforcing stricter data protection measures. These regulations aim to strengthen healthcare organizations’ ability to detect, respond to, and recover from cyberattacks.

Key cybersecurity regulations and mandates

New York’s healthcare cybersecurity mandate: New York recently introduced a statewide cybersecurity mandate that could set a precedent for future federal regulations. Under this law, healthcare providers are required to implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or other authentication methods to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Organizations must also adhere to a strict 72-hour incident reporting rule, ensuring that any cybersecurity breaches are reported within three days for a swift response. Additionally, all hospitals are mandated to appoint a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to oversee security operations and maintain compliance. To further strengthen defenses, healthcare facilities must conduct annual risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and enhance their overall cybersecurity posture.

Health Infrastructure Security and Accountability Act (HISAA): The proposed HISAA bill aims to strengthen cybersecurity in U.S. healthcare. It requires advanced identity verification, including biometric authentication and role-based access controls, to prevent unauthorized access.

Data encryption for sensitive patient information would be mandatory, ensuring intercepted data remains secure. Healthcare providers must also meet federal cybersecurity performance goals to protect patient records and enhance digital security.

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) guidelines: CISA’s updated healthcare security guidelines emphasize Zero Trust Architecture, requiring continuous verification of users and devices to prevent unauthorized access. Strict access controls ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive data, reducing internal security risks.

To combat credential-based attacks, CISA recommends phishing-resistant MFA, urging healthcare organizations to adopt secure alternatives like biometrics or hardware security keys.

Enhancing healthcare security with digital identity

One of the most effective ways to protect healthcare data is through robust identity and access management (IAM). Weak identity security is a primary entry point for cybercriminals, and implementing advanced IAM solutions can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches.

Key benefits of IAM in healthcare

Protecting against identity-driven threats: Insider threats account for 57% of healthcare cyber incidents, making strict access control essential. Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems help monitor user activity and prevent unauthorized access. Cybercriminals also exploit credential-based weaknesses through phishing and password spraying.

To combat this, healthcare organizations can implement passwordless authentication and biometric security, reducing reliance on vulnerable passwords. IAM solutions also provide real-time visibility, enabling faster detection and response to suspicious activity.

Enhancing compliance with regulatory standards: IAM systems help healthcare organizations comply with HIPAA and HITECH by restricting PHI access to authorized users. They enforce strict security controls while safeguarding patient data. Automated compliance reporting reduces regulatory burdens, and role-based access control (RBAC) limits data access based on job roles, minimizing unauthorized exposure.

Improving security for patients and healthcare workers:

Single Sign-On (SSO) helps reduce login disruptions, allowing healthcare workers to save time while maintaining secure access to critical systems. This streamlined approach eliminates the need for multiple logins, improving efficiency without compromising security. For patients, adaptive authentication ensures that secure portals use dynamic verification methods to protect sensitive records while still providing easy access.

Self-service identity management enables patients to manage their digital identities, including the option to share access with caregivers or family members when necessary. These measures enhance both security and convenience in healthcare settings.

Building a resilient healthcare security framework

A modern cybersecurity approach must go beyond compliance and focus on resilience. Healthcare organizations need to implement strategies that ensure continuity of care, even in the face of cyberattacks.

Zero tust security model

The Zero Trust model assumes that no user or device should be automatically trusted. Instead, every access request must be verified before granting entry to healthcare systems. This model includes the following.

Continuous user verification: AI-driven anomaly detection identifies unusual login patterns and prevents unauthorized access.

Biometric authentication: Facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and other biometric methods eliminate the need for passwords, reducing security risks.

Endpoint security controls: Protecting connected medical devices ensures that attackers cannot exploit them as entry points.

Enhancing supply chain security

Healthcare providers rely on vendors and third-party suppliers, making supply chain security essential. External partners must meet the same security standards as internal systems to protect sensitive data.

Regular vendor assessments help identify risks, while network segmentation prevents breaches from spreading. Auditing third-party access ensures compliance and prevents unauthorized data use.

Cybersecurity in healthcare is at a turning point. The rise in ransomware attacks, insider threats, and regulatory enforcement underscores the urgent need for stronger security frameworks. By investing in digital identity solutions, implementing Zero Trust principles, and complying with new regulatory mandates, healthcare organizations can enhance resilience, protect patient data, and maintain trust in their digital systems.

As the industry moves forward, cybersecurity must be a top priority, ensuring that patient care remains uninterrupted and that sensitive information is safeguarded against evolving threats.