“True Cybersecurity is preparing for what’s next, not what was last”
— Neil Rerup
Definition
Cyber security focuses on securing (the transfer of) electronic data and IT systems in order to prevent unauthorised access and cybercrime.
Application & benefits
The high value of personal health information makes healthcare an appealing target for cyber criminals [1, 2]. Theft of such data can bear major financial and individual consequences [3-7]. The digitisation of society is creating a system open to attacks on many fronts [3, 8]. Cybercrime is innovating at a faster rate by capitalising on the economy of scale offered by digitisation [4]. In contrast, the healthcare industry is struggling to secure its outdated infrastructure [5, 6, 9]. The greatest threat to the healthcare system is knows as ransomware attacks, a type of software that blocks a computer and encrypts files. This is extensively discussed in Healthcare Enablers 2020 [10]. In addition, hospitals tend to concede to blackmail in order to get the stolen data back [7]. Proper medical data security is vital to protect the privacy of the individual, avoid abuse and assure the quality of healthcare [9, 11].
Market
The cyber security market is growing. In 2021, the global market value of cyber security in healthcare amounted to $10.8 billion which is expected to grow to $24.6 billion by 2026 [12]. The general cyber security market is on the rise as well: the market value is set to increase from almost $180 billion in 2021 to over $370 billion in 2028 [13]. There are now hundreds of solution and service providers which is much needed: the number of cyber attacks in healthcare has doubled in the past ten years alone. This number continues to grow each year and the consequences are becoming increasingly impactful [13-18]. Over five million patient files are exposed due to data leaks every day [15].
Driving forces
Growing connectivity and improved data infrastructure
Growing availability of (medical) data
Stimulating legislation and regulations
Hindering forces
Lack of awareness and reluctance among potential users
Limited digital skills
High costs (development, purchase, and maintenance)
The market for cyber security is growing due to new privacy legislation such as the tightened MDR and GDPR. Such legislation is governing more and more data that needs to be protected. In addition, the number of cyber attacks is on the rise and cyber criminals are becoming increasingly creative [12, 13]. This has a positive impact on the market. Meanwhile, limitations are caused by high costs, a lack of urgency awareness and a shortage of IT specialists [12].
Conclusion
Cyber security is becoming increasingly important in healthcare as external dangers grow. Protecting valuable data is vital to retain trust in the healthcare system and its quality. The search for optimal security and protection of the patient can inhibit innovations and retard developments [18, 19]. Striking the right balance in this regard is necessary for technological innovations as an enabler of the healthcare transformation.
References
- WEDI., The rampant growth of cybercrime in healthcare, 2017
- Decneut, R., Cybersecurity: The Hidden Health Tech Crisis No One’s Talking About, 2021 [Available from https://hitconsultant.net/2021/07/15/cybersecurity-hidden-health-tech-crisis/#.YS3rDC2Qn0o]
- Chua, J.A., Cybersecurity in the Healthcare Industry, Physician Leadership Journal, 2021, 8(1).
- Scholtz, Security at the Speed of Digital Business, 2016 [Available from: https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/security-at-the-speed-of-digital-business/]
- Institute P., Synopsys and Ponemon Study Highlights Critical Security Deficiencies in Medical Devices, 2017 [Available from: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/synopsys-and-ponemon-study-highlights-critical-security-deficiencies-in-medical-devices-300463669.html]
- Lord N., What is Cyber Security? Definition, Best Practices & More, Digital Guardian, 2019
- Mello, Healthcare Cybersecurity Report, 2018
- Kotz D, Gunter CA, Kumar S, Weiner JP., Privacy and Security in Mobile Health: A Research Agenda, Computer, 2016;49(6):22-30.
- Coventry L, Branley D., Cybersecurity in healthcare: A narrative review of trends, threats and ways forward, Maturitas, 2018;113:48-52.
- Z-Cert, Cybersecurity Dreigingsbeeld Zorg 2020, 2021 [Available from https://www.z-cert.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Z-CERT_RapportDreigingsbeeld2020.pdf]
- Palo Alto Network, 2021 Unit 42 Ransomware Threat Report, 2021 [Available from https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-ransomware-threat-report.html]
- Market Data Forecast, Global Healthcare Cybersecurity Market Size, Share, Trends, COVID-19 Impact and Growth Analysis Report – Segmented By Type, Security Type, End-users and Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa) – Industry Forecast (2021 to 2026), 2021 [Available from https://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/healthcare-cybersecurity-market]
- Grand View Research, Cyber Security Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component, By Security Type, By Solution, By Services, By Deployment, By Organization, By Application, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 – 2028, 2021 [Available from https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/cyber-security-market]
- Markets Ra., Global Cybersecurity Market in Healthcare Report 2018-2030, 2018 [Available from: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-cybersecurity-market-in-healthcare-report-2018-2030—close-to-400-stakeholders-currently-offer-a-variety-of-products–solutions–services-to-healthcare-organizations-300695900.html]
- Goldmann J., Healthcare Industry Suffers the Most Cyber Attacks, 2019 [Available from: https://www.esecurityplanet.com/network-security/healthcare-industry-hit-most-frequently-by-cyber-attacks.html]
- Analytics CR., 2019 MidYear QuickView Data Breach Report, 2019
- Protenus, 2021 Breach Barometer, 2021 [Available from https://www.protenus.com/resources/2021-breach-barometer]
- Cox L., Security VS Innovation – Disruption Hub, 2018
- Nelson N., Trade-offs between digital innovation and cyber-security, 2017