Cybersecurity in Healthcare: Essential Knowledge for Health Informatics Professionals

The rapid digitization of healthcare has revolutionized patient care but has also introduced significant cybersecurity challenges. Health informatics professionals, operating at the nexus of healthcare and information technology, play a pivotal role in safeguarding sensitive patient data against an evolving array of cyber threats.​ 

The Growing Threat Landscape

Healthcare data breaches have escalated alarmingly in recent years. In 2024 alone, approximately 45.6 million healthcare records were compromised, underscoring the sector's vulnerability to cyberattacks. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) maintains a Breach Portal that provides insights into these incidents, further highlighting the critical need for robust data protection strategies.  

Common Cyber Threats in Healthcare

As healthcare systems become more digital, they also become prime targets for cyberattacks. Health informatics professionals must understand the risks and tactics used by cybercriminals to better protect sensitive data.  

Common healthcare cybersecurity threats include: 

• Phishing and spear phishing: Phishing emails deceive users into revealing sensitive information by masquerading as trustworthy entities. Spear phishing targets specific individuals using personalized information to increase credibility. These tactics often lead to unauthorized access to patient data and financial information.​ 

• Ransomware: Ransomware attacks encrypt critical data, rendering systems inoperable until a ransom is paid. The healthcare sector has seen a 278% increase in ransomware attacks between 2018 and 2023, highlighting the escalating risk.  

• Medical device vulnerabilities: The integration of web-enabled technologies in medical devices introduces security challenges. Compromised devices can serve as entry points for attackers, jeopardizing patient safety and data integrity.​ 

Best Practices for Health Informatics Security

To mitigate these threats, health informatics professionals should implement the following best practices: 

• Apply strong access controls: Utilize role-based access control systems to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to specific data. This minimizes the risk of internal breaches and unauthorized data exposure.​ 

• Encrypt data: Employ robust encryption protocols for data at rest and in transit to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.  

• Conduct regular security audits: Perform comprehensive security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential weaknesses within the system proactively.​  

• Educate and train staff: Regularly train employees in cybersecurity best practices – including how to recognize phishing attempts and follow proper data handling procedures – to reduce the risk of human error.  

• Regulatory compliance and legal developments: Staying abreast of regulatory changes is crucial. In 2025, significant updates to HIPAA compliance are anticipated, focusing on enhanced security measures such as encryption and multifactor authentication. Healthcare organizations must adapt to these changes to ensure compliance and protect patient data.  

Advancing Your Expertise in Healthcare Cybersecurity and Informatics

For professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in healthcare cybersecurity, The University of Scranton offers an online Master of Science in Health Informatics. This program provides comprehensive training in detecting, mitigating, and responding to cyber threats specific to healthcare environments. 

The curriculum includes courses on information technology for health informatics, database principles and current trends in the field, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to safeguard digital health information. By integrating advanced cybersecurity training with health informatics education, graduates are well-prepared to address the complex challenges of protecting patient data in today's digital healthcare landscape. 

Learn more about the online MS in Health Informatics program today!