Healthcare organizations have been hit by ransomware attacks.1 Hospitals and healthcare providers need to protect their confidential data using various strategies and DLP software. We analyzed the top 6 DLP products, here are the top software and best practices with case studies for DLP healthcare:
1. Understand your data
Before implementing a data loss prevention solution, it is important to monitor the movement of data within your organization. Some important questions to consider include:
- What types of sensitive data are being transferred or accessed, and where is it stored?
- Who has access to this sensitive data, and are the access permissions appropriate?
- How is the data being transferred or shared, both within and outside the organization?
- Are there any existing gaps or weaknesses in current data security measures that could lead to data breaches or loss?
Understanding the risks of data loss in healthcare:
The healthcare industry faces significant risks of data loss, including identity theft, ransomware, and disruptions in healthcare operations. Sensitive data leaks can lead to severe consequences, including financial losses and compromised patient care. Effective data loss prevention strategies are crucial for healthcare organizations to protect patient data and maintain quality care.
2. Monitor access to patient records
Ongoing monitoring of data access is a key aspect of data protection in healthcare. Healthcare providers should continuously track access to patient records and conduct audits to detect any unauthorized access or unusual behavior. This approach helps to identify potential insider threats and other security risks before they escalate into larger issues.
Regular audits not only enhance security but also ensure that organizations remain compliant with regulatory requirements by maintaining a record of who accessed specific data and when.
3. Leverage DLP software with healthcare-specific features
It can be challenging for healthcare providers to monitor and secure various data types they work with, including:
- Medical record numbers
- Social security numbers of patients
- Credit card details
- genetic test results
- Employee login credentials
Data loss prevention (DLP) software is essential for healthcare organizations to protect patient data, ensure compliance, and mitigate security risks. Here are some top DLP software compared with healthcare-specific capabilities:
| Vendor | Healthcare Data Classification Types* | Free Trial (in days) |
|---|---|---|
Patient Financial Information | ✅ On request |
|
Sophos Intercept X | Personal Health Information (PHI) | ✅ 30 |
Acronis Cyber Protect | Clinical Data, Claims & Cost Data | ✅ 30 |
ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus | Patient Financial Information | ✅ 30 |
Teramind DLP | Payment Card Industry (PCI) data | ✅ 7 |
*All of them support PHI. (PHI: Protected Health Information)
PCI: Payment Card Industry
Sorting: The vendors are sorting according to their performance level and the number of healthcare data types mentioned on their website. The sponsored vendor is linked at the top.
For more: Top DLP software on the market.
Overcoming common DLP challenges in healthcare
Common DLP challenges in healthcare include the increasing use of healthcare data types and storage platforms, which exposes data to more control concerns and raises vulnerability to threatening risks in data security.
Data security threats include ransomware, system complexity, and unsecured mobile access, which can lead to data breaches and identity theft. Effective data loss prevention strategies can help healthcare organizations overcome these challenges and protect sensitive patient data.
4. Encrypt EHRs & PHI at rest & during transmission
Encryption is one of the most effective ways to secure healthcare data. Healthcare organizations handle vast amounts of sensitive patient information, such as EHRs (electronic health records) and PHI, that must be protected both at rest and during transmission.
Implementing strong encryption protocols ensures that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable to unauthorized parties. This practice is vital for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of health records, helping to prevent data leaks and other security risks.
All the vendors in the DLP software table offer device encryption to protect healthcare data at rest and in transit.
Protecting protected health information (PHI)
Protected health information (PHI) includes patient and healthcare operation information, categorized into six primary types: electronic health records, administrative data, claims data, patient/disease registries, health surveys, and clinical trial data. Each type of data has unique characteristics and requires specific security measures to prevent data breaches.
All the vendors in the DLP software table offer device encryption to protect healthcare data at rest and in transit.
For more: Data encryption in healthcare
NHS SECAmb case study2
Challenge:
SECAmb struggled with controlling removable device usage, ensuring endpoint encryption, and meeting data security standards, all while needing a solution that would integrate smoothly with their existing systems.
Solution:
NHS’s partner, Trusted Technology, implemented a Data Loss Prevention solution that provided SECAmb with control over devices, enforced encryption, and met security standards, all while integrating seamlessly with their current infrastructure.
5. Implement MFA for access to healthcare applications
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a critical layer of protection for healthcare systems. It requires users to verify their identity through multiple methods before accessing sensitive information, such as EHR systems and medical devices. MFA helps to:
- Reduce the risk of unauthorized access by requiring additional verification steps.
- Protect against insider threats and unauthorized external access.
- Strengthen the overall security of healthcare applications and data.
This added security measure significantly reduces the likelihood of data breaches by ensuring that only authorized individuals can access sensitive healthcare data.
6. Conduct regular HIPAA-compliant training
Training healthcare staff on the proper handling of patient data is an ongoing priority. Regular HIPAA-compliant training sessions ensure that staff are equipped with the knowledge to protect patient data and recognize cyber threats like phishing attempts.
Phishing continues to be a common entry point for cybercriminals, making staff education essential in reducing the risk of data breaches. By conducting regular training sessions, healthcare organizations can help mitigate the risk of accidental data loss due to human error.
For more: HIPAA compliance software & employee training platforms.
7. Update medical devices, software, and PMSs & ensure compliance
Keeping healthcare technology up to date is essential for data security. Healthcare organizations must ensure that medical devices, healthcare software, and patient management systems (PMS) are regularly updated to address known vulnerabilities.
Timely updates help protect against cyberattacks that exploit outdated systems, ensuring that healthcare providers remain compliant with industry regulations. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of data breaches and safeguards the sensitive information stored in healthcare systems.
FAQs
What is DLP in healthcare?
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) in healthcare is a crucial strategy used by healthcare organizations to protect sensitive healthcare data, such as protected health information (PHI), patient records, and other confidential information. By implementing DLP solutions, healthcare providers can monitor, secure, and restrict access to healthcare data, preventing unauthorized data access, leaks, and other security risks, such as insider threats and cybercriminal tactics.
DLP tools use content inspection, encryption, and predefined policies to safeguard health records and data stored on employees’ devices, preventing data from being copied to external drives or sent via personal emails. These solutions are essential for maintaining data security, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations, and protecting patient confidentiality in the healthcare sector.
Why do we need data loss prevention in the healthcare sector?
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) in the healthcare sector is essential to safeguard sensitive healthcare data, including protected health information (PHI) and patient records, from unauthorized access, data leaks, and other security risks. Healthcare organizations face significant threats from insider threats, cybercriminal tactics, and known vulnerabilities that put valuable health data at risk. By implementing DLP solutions, healthcare providers can monitor and manage access to healthcare information, ensuring data security and compliance with regulations.
DLP tools use content inspection, encryption, and predefined policies to protect health records and other sensitive information stored on local files or employees’ hard drives. These tools prevent data from being copied to external drives, personal emails, or peripheral ports, thus mitigating high-risk behaviors. In recent years, the increasing reliance on technology in the healthcare industry has made data protection crucial for maintaining the confidentiality of patient information, providing quality care, and ensuring the secure management of healthcare data across hospitals and other organizations.
Effective DLP practices are necessary to address security risks and protect against data breaches, ensuring that healthcare providers can maintain trust, safeguard patient data, and comply with strict healthcare regulations.
Further reading
- Top DLP Pharma Best Practices & Software
- DLP in Banking: Best Software & Practices
- Top 4 Open Source DLP Software: Guide & Comparison
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