Safeguard Patient Care with a Robust Network Infrastructure

(Is your network equipped to support the Healthcare technology of the future? Learn more about how to prepare your network infrastructure with Panduit here. -Teddi)

Advancements in technology have the potential to drive better outcomes for patients. But the implementation of patient-centered technologies must be accompanied by strong security measures. Without these measures in place, patient care can worsen instead of improving. A single cyber-attack can put your patients and reputation at risk.

Healthcare networks are vulnerable to malware attacks, manipulation and theft of operational data, and unauthorized network access. Failing to address these vulnerabilities leaves the door wide open to hackers, viruses, human error, and even disgruntled employees causing potential harm to your networks and equipment.

The consequences of poor network security

If your networks are compromised, there are many damaging consequences. Access to healthcare networks can be a lucrative business for hackers, for example. Medical records are extremely valuable on the black market. And let’s not forget about the fines and liability from litigation your organization could face if confidential medical records are compromised.

Furthermore, when security breaches result in network downtime, patient care suffers with immediate effect.

Secure every connected device

As expected, the attack surface is growing with the increase of BYOD initiatives and more medical equipment being connected to the network. Millions of devices and applications, known as the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), are collecting, storing, and transmitting sensitive patient data on your networks. Scanners, defibrillators, and pacemakers pose the same potential security risks as laptops, tablets, and phones, meaning you must secure them all, and the networks they connect to. 

In order to address the vulnerability of your healthcare security, you need to consider both your end-to-end physical infrastructure and your network security.

Secure your network infrastructure, secure your business

Physical security is easy to overlook when IT departments look at information security, however, the sensitivity of patient medical records and potential disruption to care means it’s absolutely vital for the healthcare industry. What’s more, it is often the easiest and best place to start, forming a first line of defense against malicious activity.

Any healthcare provider with patient data in their possession should invest in a consistent, scalable, enterprise-wide security solution that continually safeguards your networks – all the way down to the infrastructure level. Similar to a locked door, Panduit’s solution encourages hackers to move on and look for an easier target elsewhere.

Panduit continuously works to develop solutions that align the physical infrastructure to logical network systems. Security issues are addressed by deployment of keyed systems to help manage security at the physical layer. These systems control user access and mitigate the risk of unauthorized connections. Panduit has created their Future of Healthcare IT Brochure to help you explore the new technologies on the horizon and the solutions Panduit offers to help you prepare for them. To learn more, download Panduit's brochure or contact your local Accu-Tech representative.