As the healthcare sector in Asia undergoes rapid digital transformation, the need for robust cybersecurity has surged to the forefront. Initiatives such as telemedicine, electronic health records, and AI-driven diagnostics are revolutionising patient care but also expanding the attack surfaces that cybercriminals can exploit.
Expanding digital services: a double-edged sword
The 2024 Unit 42 Attack Surface Threat Report reveals a startling trend: healthcare organisations in Asia are adding over 200 new digital services each month.
This rapid expansion, while enhancing patient care and operational efficiency, significantly increases vulnerabilities within the system. With health records and applications increasingly accessible online, healthcare providers must be vigilant in protecting these digital assets.
Steven Scheurmann, regional vice president for ASEAN at Palo Alto Networks, emphasises this challenge:
"As we digitise our healthcare systems, we must be acutely aware of the vulnerabilities that come with innovation. Robust cybersecurity isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity." Steven Scheurmann
The challenge is particularly pressing in countries like Singapore, where the Smart Nation initiative has led to a highly digitised healthcare environment. The continuous influx of new services not only creates more avenues for enhanced care but also broadens the expanse that needs protection.
For chief information security officers (CISOs), chief information officers (CIOs), and heads of healthcare practices, this presents a dual challenge: to innovate and improve patient outcomes while ensuring that cybersecurity remains uncompromised.
The consequences of inaction
Failing to address the expanding attack surface can have dire consequences. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) reported that over 80% of healthcare organisations experienced at least one significant cyber incident in the past year.
The primary risk stems from a lack of visibility across multiple access points in digital platforms. Without effective monitoring, these points become vulnerable to breaches.
The repercussions of such breaches can be catastrophic, leading to the exposure of sensitive personal data—names, birthdates, addresses, financial details, and health records. The ramifications extend beyond immediate data loss; they can erode patient trust, damage reputations, and even lead to financial repercussions through legal actions or increased insurance premiums.
"The value of patient data on the black market makes healthcare a prime target for cybercriminals," warns Scheurmann. "Organisations must understand that downtime in healthcare can directly impact patient safety, making robust cybersecurity non-negotiable."
Proactive management is an option
In this rapidly evolving landscape, proactive attack surface management and continuous monitoring are essential. Proactivity involves evaluating new services to identify potential vulnerabilities, ensuring configurations meet compliance standards, and preventing compromises like data leaks. Continuous monitoring is equally critical, as digital services are in a constant state of evolution.
By ensuring that configurations remain consistent, and compliance deviations are swiftly addressed, healthcare organisations can minimise risks and maintain operational efficiency. "Proactive measures are about anticipating threats before they become breaches," states Scheurmann. "This foresight is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our healthcare systems."
Strategies for effective cybersecurity
To effectively manage expanding attack surfaces, healthcare organisations need to implement specific strategies and tools. Understanding what assets reside within the network is crucial, as is identifying who is accessing these networks. This is particularly important in healthcare, where the stakes are high and personal data is at risk.
Cybercriminals are adept at exploiting stolen data, leading to downstream impacts like insurance fraud or inflated premiums. Compromised medical devices also pose serious risks, potentially resulting in service disruptions or even catastrophic consequences for patient care.
"Investing in the right tools and technologies is essential," Scheurmann advises. "Healthcare leaders must take a holistic approach to cybersecurity that encompasses all aspects of their operations."
Building a culture of cybersecurity
Creating a culture of cybersecurity within healthcare organisations is vital for fostering an environment where security is prioritised at all levels. This involves not only investing in the latest technologies but also ensuring that all staff members are trained to recognise potential threats and understand their roles in safeguarding patient data.
Collaborative efforts between different departments can enhance the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures. "Cybersecurity should never be siloed; it requires collaboration across the organisation," Scheurmann asserts. "When everyone understands their role in protecting sensitive information, we create a stronger defence against threats."
The future of cybersecurity in healthcare
Looking ahead to 2025, the landscape of healthcare cybersecurity will continue to evolve, driven by advancements in technology and the increasing sophistication of cyber threats. For CISOs, CIOs, and heads of healthcare practices, the focus must remain on balancing innovation with security.
"As we advance into the future, the challenge will be to harness technological innovations while ensuring robust cybersecurity frameworks are in place," notes Scheurmann. "The integration of AI and machine learning into our systems can enhance our response to threats, but only if we build security into the foundation of our healthcare practices."
Time for action is now
The imperative for robust cybersecurity in Asia's healthcare sector cannot be overstated. As organisations strive to enhance patient care through digital transformation, they must simultaneously prioritise the safeguarding of sensitive data.
For healthcare leaders, the challenge lies in navigating this complex landscape, where the stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction can be severe. By adopting proactive strategies, fostering a culture of cybersecurity, and investing in the right tools and technologies, they can ensure that their organisations remain resilient in the face of evolving threats.
"As we move further into 2025, the commitment to cybersecurity will not just be a regulatory requirement but a foundational element of trust and reliability in healthcare delivery," Scheurmann concludes. "It is our collective responsibility to ensure that patient safety and data integrity remain at the forefront of our efforts."