In an age where digital transformation is revolutionizing healthcare, the importance of Electronic Health Records (EHR) cannot be overstated. However, the reliance on digital systems has also opened up vulnerabilities that cyber attackers are eager to exploit. In recent years, ransomware attacks have escalated, with healthcare organizations becoming prime targets. This growing threat was underscored by the recent attack on Ascension, one of the largest private healthcare systems in the United States. The disruption caused by such attacks can be catastrophic, affecting patient care and organizational operations. This post aims to guide healthcare administrators and IT professionals on how to handle a ransomware attack and safeguard their EHR systems.
The rising threat of ransomware in Healthcare
Ransomware attacks are becoming more sophisticated and frequent, and healthcare institutions are often seen as lucrative targets. The attack on Ascension brought to light the devastating consequences of EHR systems being compromised.
In one case, patients were given dangerous doses of medication because of the EHR confusion.
EHRs are essential for patient care, and any disruption can have life-threatening implications. Cybercriminals understand this; they know that healthcare organizations, due to the critical nature of their work, might be more inclined to pay a ransom quickly. Additionally, high-profile attacks garner immense public attention, adding to the attackers’ notoriety.
Understanding the impact of EHR loss
The loss of access to EHRs extends beyond just data loss—it directly impacts patient care and the overall functionality of healthcare operations.
Without timely access to patient histories, medications, and treatment plans, healthcare providers are left navigating in the dark. This can delay treatments, lead to medical errors, and significantly degrade the quality of care provided.
Furthermore, operational aspects such as scheduling, billing, and reporting are all thrown into disarray, causing a ripple effect that disrupts the entire organization.
In all, Ascension was disrupted for two months – a significant amount of time to be without a core tool in your healthcare organization’s operations.
Immediate steps after a ransomware attack
When a ransomware attack occurs, swift action is necessary to minimize damage.
Step 1: Try to determine which systems/servers have been infected
Identify the infected systems and servers by conducting a thorough assessment of the network. Engage cybersecurity professionals, either in-house or third-party experts, to assist with this technical evaluation. Their expertise can help pinpoint the attack vector, determine the malware variant involved, and establish the extent of the compromise. Creating an inventory of infected systems is critical for deploying targeted countermeasures and restoring normal operations efficiently.
Step 2: Isolate affected systems
Disconnect infected servers from the network to prevent further spread. Stopping backups at this stage is crucial to avoid compromising clean backup data.
Step 3: Activate your downtime protocol (if possible)
This allows staff to access critical clinical information through interim solutions, though these are typically designed for short periods and may not sync back to primary systems like Millennium.
Step 4: Work with your EHR vendor
Collaboration with vendors such as Oracle is vital for rebuilding infected systems and restoring backups.
If your EHR is remotely hosted, coordinating with your service provider can expedite the recovery process.
Oracle Health’s cybersecurity position
Oracle Health takes a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, ensuring that healthcare organizations can protect sensitive patient data and maintain operational integrity in the face of evolving cyber threats. By leveraging Oracle’s extensive experience in innovation and security, healthcare providers can feel comfortable that their Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems are fortified against potential breaches.
Advanced security features
Oracle Health integrates advanced security features into their EHR solutions, including encryption of data both at rest and in transit. This ensures that patient information remains confidential and protected from unauthorized access. Oracle’s solutions also employ rigorous access controls, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive data.
Threat detection and response
Recognizing the dynamic nature of cyber threats, Oracle Health has developed robust threat detection and response capabilities. Their systems continuously monitor for unusual activities and potential security breaches, allowing for swift identification and mitigation of threats before they can cause significant damage. This proactive stance helps in maintaining the integrity of healthcare operations, even under attack.
Compliance and certification
Oracle Health’s cybersecurity measures are designed to meet stringent industry standards and regulatory requirements. Their solutions are compliant with HIPAA, GDPR, and other relevant regulations, providing healthcare organizations with the confidence that their data handling practices meet or exceed legal and industry standards. Oracle also undergoes regular third-party audits and certifications to verify the strength of their cybersecurity practices.
Collaborative approach
Understanding that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, Oracle Health fosters collaboration with healthcare providers. So make use of it! They offer training, resources, and support to help organizations build a culture of security awareness. This collaborative approach ensures that healthcare professionals are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to safeguard their systems and patients’ data effectively.
Proactive strategies to protect EHR
Even with an immediate response, a cyberattack will still be damaging to operations, which is why taking measures to limit your chance of an attack are so important.
As we’ve just outlined, Oracle Health has many measures in place to protect its customers but there are steps you can take to across all your IT infrastructure to stay safe:
Regular backups
Regular backups are crucial for safeguarding your data. It’s important to not only perform these backups consistently but also store them offline or on a separate network. This approach helps to prevent contamination and ensures that your data remains secure in the event of a cyberattack or system failure.
Staff training
Staff training is another critical component of a robust cybersecurity strategy. Employees need to be trained to recognize phishing attempts and understand basic cybersecurity best practices. This training empowers your team to act as the first line of defence against potential threats, reducing the risk of human error leading to security breaches.
Robust cybersecurity measures
Implementing robust cybersecurity measures is essential for protecting your organization’s digital assets. This includes deploying firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems. These tools form the backbone of your defence strategy, creating multiple layers of protection to thwart cyber threats.
System updates and patching
Regularly updating and patching systems is another important practice in cybersecurity. By ensuring that all software and systems are up-to-date, you can close vulnerabilities that attackers might exploit. Staying current with updates and patches helps to maintain the integrity and security of your network.
Collaboration and preparedness in cybersecurity
Both IT professionals and healthcare administrators play a pivotal role in safeguarding EHR systems. Preventative measures require collaboration across departments to be fully effective.
Preparedness involves conducting regular risk assessments, developing incident response plans, and performing drills to ensure everyone knows their role in the event of an attack. Cultivating a culture of cybersecurity awareness within the organization can significantly reduce the risk of an attack and improve response times when incidents occur.
Taking action to secure your EHR
The increasing frequency of ransomware attacks on healthcare organizations highlights the need for vigilance and proactive measures. By prioritizing cybersecurity, healthcare administrators and IT professionals can protect their EHR systems and ensure continuity of care.
Implementing regular backups, conducting staff training, and investing in robust cybersecurity measures are foundational steps. Collaborating across departments and with external vendors enhances these efforts, creating a multi-layered defence against potential attacks.
In conclusion, safeguarding EHR systems from ransomware attacks requires a comprehensive approach that includes both preventative measures and well-planned responses. The stakes are high, but with the right strategies in place, healthcare organizations can protect their critical data and continue providing high-quality patient care.