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Healthcare Cybersecurity Is Becoming Part of Clinical Safety
Healthcare cybersecurity is now intrinsically linked to clinical safety, as demonstrated by integrated hospital procurement packages. Hospitals manage heterogeneous networks where diverse systems, from medical devices to visitor Wi-Fi, present unique vulnerabilities. These diverse systems necessitate network segmentation aligned with clinical functions and risk levels, isolating less secure medical devices. Protecting the availability of care services is as crucial as data confidentiality, requiring security measures to be tested against critical clinical workflows. Comprehensive backup and recovery plans must ensure data restoration within clinically relevant timeframes. Vendor maintenance poses a frequent risk, requiring strict controls over remote access, data recording, and the removal of default credentials. Procurement processes can solidify these security expectations by demanding evidence of robust security practices from vendors. Acceptance testing should include simulations of security incidents like account compromise and component failure. The ultimate goal is to achieve dependable patient care through managed risk, not through absolute restriction. By aligning cybersecurity design with clinical dependencies, hospitals can enhance security without hindering essential services.
