Cybersecurity in healthcare: how Shield’s training program can help protect your organization

As a project coordinator at Shield, I’ve seen firsthand how the growing number of cybersecurity threats in the healthcare industry affects organizations on a daily basis. It’s a terrifying reality: cybercriminals increasingly target healthcare institutions for their sensitive data, and the consequences of a breach can be catastrophic. With breaches becoming more sophisticated, it’s vital for healthcare professionals to not only understand the risks but also have the tools to protect themselves and their organizations.

The Cybersecurity Crisis in Healthcare: A Recent Breach

A prime example of the increasing danger healthcare organizations face was the breach of Ramsay Santé, a leading healthcare provider in France, in late 2023. This breach led to the exposure of sensitive patient data, including personal health records and medical histories. The attackers gained access through a vulnerability in the provider’s network and were able to compromise multiple systems, impacting more than 1.5 million patients.

While this breach is particularly notable due to its size, it’s not an isolated incident. Healthcare data is among the most valuable on the dark web due to its comprehensive nature, which includes not just medical histories, but personally identifiable information and financial details. The reality is that cybercriminals know that healthcare organizations are often targeted because they manage vast amounts of sensitive data, yet sometimes lack the robust cybersecurity defenses found in other sectors.

Unfortunately, this breach serves as a reminder that a single attack can expose a healthcare organization’s most valuable assets and severely compromise patient trust. But it also underscores an important point: cybersecurity isn’t just about technology – it’s about people.

The Human Factor: Why Training Matters

Here at Amplify Care, we understand that while strong IT infrastructure is essential, the human element plays a pivotal role in cybersecurity. Research shows that cybercriminals rely on human error in the majority of their attacks, whether through phishing schemes, poor password practices, or insecure online communications. Even the most advanced security software can be bypassed if the staff isn’t properly trained to recognize threats.

This is where our Shield Cybersecurity and Privacy Training Program comes in. As a MainPro+® accredited program, Shield offers healthcare professionals the knowledge and tools to proactively safeguard sensitive information. Our training is designed to teach healthcare workers of all levels how to recognize and respond to the evolving landscape of cyber threats, and it’s tailored to the unique needs of the healthcare sector.

What You’ll Learn with Shield’s Training Program

The Shield program is designed to equip your team with critical knowledge in just 15-minute, self-paced modules, making it easy to fit into even the busiest schedules. Here’s a look at the core areas covered in our program: 

1. Introduction to Cybersecurity in Healthcare: Learn the fundamentals of cybersecurity and why healthcare is a primary target. 

2. Safe Cybersecurity Habits: Adopt best practices for day-to-day cybersecurity activities, such as keeping your devices secure and avoiding risky behavior. 

3. Password Security: Understand the importance of strong passwords and how to create them. 

4. A Deep Dive into Phishing: Recognize phishing attacks before they happen and learn the steps to protect yourself and your organization. 

5. Clinical Cyber Hygiene: Develop habits that will help keep clinical systems and patient data safe, reducing the risk of a breach. 

Personally, it’s been a pleasure for me, as a project coordinator with Shield, to lend my support in this area. Through this work, I’ve also gained valuable tips on how to keep my own information secure, which has made me feel more confident in navigating the digital world. 

Interested in learning more? You can find information here, and don’t hesitate to reach out to me or anyone on the Amplify team if you have any questions!