Cyber Security In the Age of Telemedicine

Technology has transformed healthcare streamlining patient care with Telemedicine, Internet Of Things (IOT) devices, Electronic Health Records (EHR). Telemedicine is a boon for providers and patients. It increases the availability of care while reducing costs. However, this progress also introduces a critical risk i.e. Sensitive Patient data theft. Cybercriminals are currently using India’s healthcare sector as one of their main targets. Because of the vital importance of their activities, any disturbance could have fatal results.

Growth of Telemedicine In India

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the assimilation of telemedicine into routine healthcare, turning virtual treatment from an anomaly to a widespread procedure. The method we access healthcare services has been completely transformed, making it more practical and inexpensive for everyone. People can get medical advice from the comfort of their homes by digitally communicating with doctors and patients. When regular in-person sessions were not feasible or possible, this inventive technique proved to be beneficial in times of isolation.

Why Telemedicine Is The Prime Target For Cyber Attacks?

Telemedicine organisations frequently fall at risk due to the sensitive diverse data they handle, which includes financial, personal, and medical data. In addition, the reason why it has become the prime target for cyber-attacks may include:

Sensitive Data Exposure: Telemedicine platforms handle sensitive patient information, including medical histories, prescriptions, financial data, and personal identifiable information (PII). This valuable data attracts cybercriminals seeking to exploit or sell it on the dark web, potentially leading to identity theft, financial fraud, or medical record tampering.

Lack of Standardised Security: Telemedicine platforms often lack robust security protocols, leaving them vulnerable to attacks. Insufficient encryption, weak passwords, poor access controls, and inadequate data backups create easy entry points for hackers.

Remote Access Risks: Telemedicine remote nature increases risks associated with unauthorised access, unsecured networks, personal device usage, and public Wi-Fi vulnerabilities. Healthcare providers and patients may unintentionally expose sensitive data or create vulnerabilities.

Third-Party Vulnerabilities: Telemedicine platforms integrate third-party services, such as payment gateways, medical record systems, and labs and imaging services. These integrations can introduce vulnerabilities, allowing hackers to exploit weaknesses and compromise patient data.

Surge In Cyber Attacks On Healthcare Sector

The massive number of attacks exposes the vulnerabilities in the Indian healthcare sector’ digital infrastructure. According to a study by Sophos, nearly 60% of healthcare organizations globally suffered a cyber-attack in the past 12 months; this includes India’s top two institutions such as the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recently suffered a serious cyber-attack, exposing the personally identifiable information (PII) of Rs. 81 crore Indians. Details included Aadhaar number, passport number, name, age, gender and address of 4 lakh citizens which were uploaded as sample files on the dark web. It was potentially the largest data breach in Indian history.

This attack was followed by last year’s incident with India’s leading medical institution All India Institute Of Medical Science (AIIMS), which suffered a loss of 1.3 TB data containing 40 million records in November 2022. The hackers allegedly demanded Rs. 200 crore in crypto currency as ransom from the hospital.

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.’s report said that the Indian healthcare sector witnessed an average of 6,935 weekly attacks compared to an average of 1,821 attacks per healthcare organisation globally.

Cyber Security and Its Importance in Healthcare Sector

Technically, cyber security refers to an assortment of tools and procedures intended to safeguard or secure computer networks, systems, and data from breaches, misuse of authorised resources, and attacks. The two main objectives of cyber security are minimising the possibility of cyber-attacks and protecting people and organisations from planned and deliberate exploitation of security flaws in systems, networks, and technologies. Cyber security is crucial in healthcare as it protects sensitive patient information, medical records, and critical infrastructure from cyber threats. Robust cyber-security measures ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of healthcare data. By prioritizing cyber security, healthcare organizations can prevent devastating consequences, ensure compliance with regulations, and provide secure, reliable care to patients.

CoverPrime, The Safety Against Cyber Threats

In the face of the rising tide of cybercrime, CoverPrime stands as a staunch partner to medical professionals. With a proven track record of serving over 100,000 doctors and successfully resolving more than 2,000 claims. Our comprehensive policies offer 24/7 risk consultation.

We understand the unique challenges faced by our healthcare professionals in today’s digital age, and we are committed to protecting them from the growing threat of cybercrime. That’s why our policies include coverage of up to ₹50 lakhs for cyber fraud cases, providing healthcare professionals and their families with peace of mind in the event of a data breach or other cyber-attack.

Choosing CoverPrime means more than just insurance – it’s a partnership for success. We support you every step of the way, helping prevent claims and providing expert guidance if a lawsuit arises. With CoverPrime, you get peace of mind, knowing you’re protected and backed by a dedicated team.