Healthcare Cybersecurity Relies on Collective Collaboration

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, cybersecurity has become a top organizational goal. With resources often stretched thin, healthcare systems are seeking innovative solutions to address cybersecurity concerns under budget constraints and workforce shortages.

One such approach is the strategic partnership with healthcare security experts. Tanya Townsend, the senior vice president and CIO of New Orleans-based LCMC Health, emphasizes the importance of these partnerships, stating, "Partnerships offer a more holistic approach rather than patched-together solutions."

Townsend, who became the first CIO of LCMC Health, stood up the first information security office at the organisation in 2016. Her insights are shared in the article "Stronger Together: IT Integration and Security Lessons from Healthcare M&As," one of the featured stories in this edition.

Another organisation that has leveraged partnerships is Luminis Health, a health system in Maryland. After merging two hospitals, Luminis Health prioritized ensuring the same security protections and a set of eyes and ears across its expanded network.

Key strategies for effective cybersecurity include prioritizing software updates and retiring outdated hardware, focusing on staff training, leveraging technology within existing systems, implementing continuous threat monitoring and incident response, maintaining regulatory compliance, and building cyber-resilient infrastructure.

Regular patching and replacing old equipment reduce security gaps without major overhaul costs. Leveraging vendor resources or custom programs can make ongoing comprehensive cybersecurity training cost-effective. Advanced tools such as AI-driven data analytics embedded in modern or optimized EHR systems improve data validation and reduce security risks by minimizing unnecessary data exposure.

Cybersecurity experts provide 24/7 monitoring with AI-human collaboration to detect and mitigate ransomware, phishing, and other threats promptly. Experts ensure ongoing HIPAA and HiTrust compliance through end-to-end encryption, access controls, audit readiness, and breach notification—helping avoid costly penalties and breaches. Security specialists help create flexible, integrated defenses and disaster recovery plans that encompass all departments, bridging internal silo gaps and IoMT device security risks.

Given tight budgets and staff shortages, partnerships with healthcare cybersecurity experts enable organisations to access advanced tools, threat intelligence, and expertise that would otherwise require costly internal resources. These partnerships facilitate prioritized investment in high-impact defenses, employee training, and compliance management, while providing scalable solutions that adapt to evolving threats.

Attackers are becoming smarter about social engineering and phishing campaigns. It is essential for healthcare organisations to remain vigilant and invest in continuous education and training for their staff to mitigate risks from human error, the most common vulnerability.

During Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, HealthTech offered year-round security coverage, providing valuable resources for healthcare organisations striving to improve their security posture. The article also includes articles related to data analytics, digital workspace, management, and threat prevention.

In summary, healthcare organisations must balance limited resources by focusing on essential security practices and system optimizations supported by expert partnerships that provide continuous monitoring, compliance, and resilience across the organisation's technology ecosystem.