When it comes to cybersecurity in healthcare, many overlook a crucial piece of the puzzle: the humble PC workstation. Seated at almost every healthcare provider’s desk, these powerful tools can inadvertently become a gateway for cybercriminals.
Our recent discussion with Brennen Reynolds from Absolute Security shed light on this underappreciated issue.
Reynolds, the VP of Global Sales Engineering & Professional + Managed Services at Absolute Security, shared, “After analyzing over a million healthcare devices, we found that security controls weren’t operational as expected or were completely missing from the endpoints up to 15 percent of the time”. That’s a considerable number of PCs potentially exposed to malicious attacks every day.
Four Key Points to Remember
- Security controls can fail. Software updates can inadvertently disable security measures, and users may turn off protections. The result: an unexpected security lapse.
- Hardware security is a robust solution. Absolute Security’s unique software undergirds the device with an unyielding layer of protection, reinstalling itself even if the device is wiped clean.
- Healthcare organizations need to up their cybersecurity game. While cybersecurity now deserves a seat at the table in high-level conversations, many hospitals still struggle to allocate the necessary resources to stay ahead of potential threats.
- Managing entropy in cybersecurity is a challenge. With the cyber landscape constantly evolving, keeping security controls up to date becomes an uphill task.
Dealing with Cybersecurity Chaos
Cybersecurity isn’t as simple as installing antivirus software or rolling out updates; it’s about negotiating a complex web of intertwined risks and threats.
“Updates can inadvertently create new vulnerabilities. Users, intentionally or not, can also disable protections. This volatile environment calls for a stronger security approach,” says Reynolds.
One such approach is hardware-level security, a service offered by Absolute Security. “Our software, built directly into the device, ensures an unbreakable shield of protection that reinstalls itself even if the device is wiped,” Reynolds added.
A Raised Profile for Cybersecurity
Healthcare providers, payers, and vendors all recognize the growing importance of cybersecurity. And yet, is the sector doing enough to address this issue?
Reynolds pointed out the evolving role of cybersecurity in healthcare, stating, “It has certainly emerged from the shadows to become a board-level conversation. That, in itself, is progress.”
However, awareness only gets us so far. The real challenge, according to Reynolds, lies in the gaps – not enough trained professionals and stretched budgets. Reynolds muses that in addition to hiring more staff, automation and AI-driven security might offer a way forward.
That’s why Absolute’s embedded security solution is garnering interest—it promises 24/7 protection without putting additional pressure on cybersecurity teams. Quiet and reliable, it mimics the PC workstation it protects.
