Cybersecurity in Telehealth

Patagonia Health

Time: 1:21

Introduction

Welcome, everyone, to today's webinar! It's my pleasure to introduce our presenter, Balakrishna Subramani, joining us from Sam Analytics Solutions, where he serves as the Lead Analyst of Cybersecurity.

Balakrishna's extensive experience in developing cybersecurity solutions, performing risk assessments, and implementing strategies for safeguarding data across both on-premises and cloud-based systems makes him the ideal expert for this session. His expertise spans working with small and medium-sized enterprises, industrial control systems, and securing clinical settings.

Today, Balakrishna will guide us through key concepts in cybersecurity, sharing actionable insights to identify threats and vulnerabilities in professional, remote, and healthcare environments. He will also cover conceptual frameworks for understanding cybersecurity holistically while providing references for continuous self-learning.

For everyone attending, a recording of this webinar will be shared afterward. Without further ado, I'll hand it over to Balakrishna to start the session.

Thank you, Balakrishna, for being with us!

Balakrishna Subramani

Time: 2:52

Opening Remarks

Thank you! Good afternoon, good evening, and good morning—depending on your time zone.

Cybersecurity can seem like a complex topic, but I like to think of it as solving a jigsaw puzzle. Just as with a puzzle, cybersecurity requires you to connect various pieces that initially may appear disconnected. By the end of this session, I hope you'll have a better grasp of the overall picture.

Understanding the "Two-World Model"

The real world consists of tangible activities like social interactions, whereas the digital world—or cyberspace—comprises hardware, software, and networks.

In cyberspace, our goal is to secure:

• Medical devices (hardware)
• Applications and data (software)
• Wired and wireless networks

Information Security Analogy

To explain information security concepts simply, let's use the analogy of water in the real world:

• Water represents information in the digital world.
• Just as you protect reservoirs, pipes, and canals for clean water, you must secure hardware, networks, and software to safeguard information.

For example:

• Hardware security: Securing medical devices and physical data storage.
• Network security: Protecting data flow to prevent interception or unauthorized access.
• Software protection: Ensuring operating systems, applications, and data remain secure.

The Three Pillars of Information Security

Information security revolves around three main pillars:

1. Confidentiality: Preventing unauthorized data disclosure.
2. Integrity: Safeguarding against unauthorized modifications.
3. Availability: Ensuring consistent access to information.

Managing Data Privacy in Healthcare

Telehealth and PII/PHI

Data privacy is critical in healthcare. Ensuring that Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Protected Health Information (PHI) remains secure builds patient trust. Sensitive information—like medical records or treatment plans—should not be misused.

A good rule of thumb is to treat PII like water—always protect, monitor, and address leaks quickly.

Telehealth Challenges

With telehealth solutions, interactions happen remotely, requiring advanced security measures to safeguard:

• Networks
• Applications
• Compliance with regulations like HIPAA

Risks from unsecured devices and third-party vendors (e.g., SaaS medical applications) further compound the importance of cybersecurity in healthcare.

Threats in Healthcare Cybersecurity

Phishing

Phishing emails attempt to trick users into divulging sensitive information.

To identify and avoid phishing attacks:

• Verify sender email addresses – phishing emails often use misleading domains.
• Hover over links before clicking to verify their destination.
• Beware of urgent "calls to action," such as requests for login credentials.

Ransomware

Ransomware infiltrates networks via malicious programs that encrypt data and demand a ransom payment for access restoration.

Prevention Strategies:

• Avoid clicking on suspicious links.
• Install trusted antivirus software.
• Monitor network traffic for abnormal activities.

Security Controls and Best Practices

Prevent, Detect, and Correct Security Risks

Healthcare professionals should employ the following best practices:

Password Protection

• Use long and complex passwords.
• Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for enhanced security.

Network Security

• Regularly update home router settings.
• Use secure connection protocols.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.

Device Security

• Regularly patch devices and software.
• Avoid using outdated systems and maintain smart medical devices appropriately.

Media Protection

• Physically secure sensitive hard copies, USB drives, and external storage devices.
• Dispose of information responsibly via shredding or sanitization.

Q&A Session

Question 1: What should remote workers consider when securing their telehealth network?

Answer: Ensure your home network is protected by changing default router passwords and using secure wireless protocols. Avoid accessing sensitive data via public Wi-Fi networks or tools without encryption.

Question 2: Can wireless peripherals (keyboards, mice, printers) be hacked?

Answer: While hacking keyboards and mice is rare due to limited range and low threat impact, wireless printers connected to external cloud portals can be vulnerable. Secure these devices by enabling passwords and performing updates regularly.

Question 3: How effective is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?

Answer: 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring two credentials (e.g., a password and a code sent to your email). It significantly reduces unauthorized access risks.

Question 4: How can organizations maintain application security in telehealth?

Answer: Organizations can:

• Use licensed software from trusted vendors.
• Regularly update applications and apply vendor security patches.
• Choose reputable telehealth platforms that seamlessly integrate with EHRs, like Patagonia Health.

Closing Remarks

Thank you, Balakrishna, for sharing your expertise today.

For follow-up questions, attendees can contact Balakrishna directly at balu@samanalytics.com or visit www.samanalytics.com.

For more information about our integrated telehealth solutions and EHR systems, feel free to reach out to Patagonia Health through our website: www.patagoniahealth.com.

Thank you all for attending, and we hope you found this session informative!

This revised version incorporates clear headers, bullet points, and logical structure for improved navigation and comprehension.