While there are significant benefits for care delivery and organizational efficiency from the expanded use of networked technology, internet-enabled medical devices and electronic databases for clinical, financial and administrative operations, networked technology and greater connectivity also increase exposure to possible cybersecurity threats that require hospitals to evaluate and manage new risks in the context of federal privacy rules and related polices.
Hospitals can prepare and manage such risks by viewing cybersecurity not as a novel issue but rather by making it part of the hospital’s existing governance, risk management and business continuity framework.
Hospitals also will want to ensure that the approach they adopted remains flexible and resilient to address threats that are likely to be constantly evolving and multi-pronged.
Visit the AHA Center for Health Innovation cybersecurity webpage for information on the AHA’s Cybersecurity and Risk Advisory Services and thought leadership articles on ways hospitals and health systems can protect their organizations from cybersecurity threats. To access AHA cybersecurity policy views and federal updates, as well as guides and reports, go to the AHA’s Advocacy page on Cybersecurity.