As a student with an interest in cybersecurity, you may be familiar with its application in various industries, but have you considered its role in healthcare?
In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards the integration of information technology in healthcare services, from electronic health records to telemedicine. This has not only increased efficiency and accuracy in patient care but also raised concerns about the security of sensitive health data.
If you are someone with no experience in cybersecurity, it may be challenging to understand the complexities of protecting healthcare information. However, in this blog post, we will explore how information technology and cybersecurity work together to transform and safeguard modern healthcare.
We will delve into the importance of cybersecurity in healthcare IT and real-life examples of cybersecurity breaches.
By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of how these two fields synergize to enhance healthcare services and ensure the protection of patient information. So let’s dive into the world of health information technology and cybersecurity and see how they are shaping the future of healthcare.
The Impact of Information Technology on Healthcare Services
The infusion of information technology in healthcare has revolutionized service delivery, making it more efficient and accurate.
For instance, clinical information systems have drastically reduced manual record-keeping, improving data accuracy and accessibility. According to a study by the Journal of Patient Safety, electronic health records (EHRs) can decrease hospital-acquired infections by 52%, emphasizing the impact of technology on patient safety.
Telemedicine, another product of IT advancement, has broadened access to medical services. The World Health Organization reports that over 58% of WHO Member States have implemented telemedicine to overcome distance barriers, particularly in isolated rural communities.
However, this surge in digital healthcare has ushered in an era of data vulnerability, with sensitive patient information at risk of cyberattacks. Consequently, the role of cybersecurity in healthcare IT has become increasingly vital, calling for innovative solutions to ensure data safety.
Addressing Cybersecurity Breaches in Healthcare
Healthcare is no stranger to cybersecurity breaches, especially with the shift towards digitization. Here are three noteworthy examples:
- In 2015, Anthem, the second-largest health insurer in the U.S., was victim to a massive cyberattack exposing the personal information of nearly 78.8 million insurers.
- In 2017, WannaCry ransomware attacks affected 81 out of 236 trusts across England, causing significant disruption to healthcare services.
- More recently, in 2019, the American Medical Collection Agency disclosed a breach affecting 20 million patients from Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp.
These incidents emphasize the critical role cybersecurity plays in the healthcare sector. Students interested in this field can enroll in RW2’s cybersecurity class. The program covers a wide range of topics, from the Python programming language to Network Basics and Network Security, recognizing Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Attacks, and much more.
A highlight of the program is the capstone project, which enables students to demonstrate their acquired skills and experiences. The course also prepares students for CompTIA’s Security+ certification exam, a noteworthy credential in the industry.
With potential job titles like Information Systems Analyst or Security Operations Center Analyst, this class could be a stepping stone to a rewarding career in cybersecurity.
To ensure students are job-ready, RW2 also aids in developing a portfolio showcasing their cybersecurity work.
Takeaways
The integration of information technology and cybersecurity in healthcare offers exciting prospects for students and professionals alike.
We’ve seen how IT has revolutionized healthcare, making services more efficient and accurate.
Meanwhile, cybersecurity’s role has become vital to safeguard sensitive patient data amidst increasing digital healthcare services. The healthcare industry has faced significant cybersecurity breaches, emphasizing the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals.
For students interested in this growing field, RW2 offers an extensive cybersecurity class that prepares you for an industry-recognized certification.
For those worried about costs, remember that we offer no-interest payment plans for U.S. and international students who are not eligible for scholarships or grants.
So why wait? Take your first step towards a rewarding career in cybersecurity today. Pre-register now!
