Warning: Many Hospitals and Acute Care Facilities Transmitting Unencrypted Healthcare Data

According to the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), about 32% of hospitals and 52% of non-acute providers are transmitting data that is not encrypted. The data transmitted consists of healthcare information, which can include patients name, address, social security numbers, healthcare insurance provider, and a full array of your medical history.

Cybercrooks and hackers are already apt to attacking the healthcare sector like never before, To add insult to injury by several hospitals and healthcare providers, including physicians' offices, rehabilitation facilities, and outpatient clinics, transmitting unencrypted records it leaves people vulnerable to identity theft.

A survey conducted by HIMSS, which is a Chicago-based trade group for health information technology, uncovered the shocking findings of many healthcare facilities lacking the ability to encrypt transmitted data on top of not having firewalls in place on their networks. HIMSS also found that 61% of acute providers and 48% of hospitals are encrypting data at rest. Fundamentally, if any data was tampered or if a laptop or thumb drive was stolen, anyone would be able to access the healthcare data.

Healthcare is already a sensitive subject in many countries around the world. Throwing a wrench into the health care machine with the fact that nearly half of healthcare entities are transmitting unencrypted data that could potentially put patients' information at risk raises eyebrows on all ends of the isle. Healthcare organizations are becoming alarmed at recent findings and will end up having to pay over $305 billion in the next five years from cyberattacks as a result of their lackadaisical security measures, according to the industry consultancy Accenture.

It's rather evident that where an abundance of technology exists, as it does in today's healthcare structure, there will be vulnerabilities and growing pains. Several healthcare organizations are having problems with network vulnerabilities and having the proper programs in place to address security issues. Additionally, many healthcare IT organizations lack the proper budget and funds to provide the necessary security tools and encryption needed to protect healthcare data.

Several factors are playing against healthcare security. While technology is great and it has made life easier for those who have to utilize healthcare facilities and get the proper treatment, hackers are at the other ends waiting to pounce on potential victims all because healthcare sectors failed to properly secure the data.

Attackers and cybercrooks are already inclined to attack the most vulnerable systems, and the healthcare sector is one that appears to be dangling the most treats for hackers due to the lack of IT security. Already, there have been cases where emerging ransomware has infiltrated hospitals and cost tens of thousands of dollars to solve such system infections to restore day-to-day operations. Something needs to be done, and quickly, or those in need of proper care could ultimately suffer due to someone else's unnecessary negligence.