How healthcare providers can tighten security using identity

The healthcare sector faces a complex web of challenges. They safeguard sensitive patient data, must adhere to stringent regulations, while being expected to deliver a seamless user experience for patients, staff, and partners. To achieve this, increasing numbers of healthcare providers are combining two powerful security strategies: Unified Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

How Unified IAM protects healthcare data
A unified IAM strategy acts as a powerful control centre, integrating various identity and access management functions. These include verifying user identities, governing and administering them, managing access rights, and orchestrating identity processes across diverse healthcare IT systems.

For healthcare organisations, the benefits of unified IAM are substantial and include:

• Enhanced security: The healthcare industry has become a prime target for cybercriminals. Unified IAM offers a robust framework for managing user identities and access controls. By consolidating all IAM functionalities under one platform, healthcare leaders can ensure only authorised personnel access sensitive data and critical systems, significantly reducing the risk of breaches, fraud, and ransomware attacks.
• Streamlined compliance: Healthcare providers and payers juggle a multitude of regulations, and Unified IAM simplifies compliance by offering comprehensive security measures. Features like MFA, data encryption, and robust audit trails safeguard sensitive information and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Improved user experience: Unified IAM streamlines registration and login processes for all user types. For example, password-less authentication solutions can eliminate the need for multiple usernames and passwords, making it easier for users to access necessary applications without compromising security.
• Reduced costs: Managing a patchwork of identity systems can be time-consuming, error-prone, and expensive. Unified IAM streamlines administrative tasks like onboarding/offboarding employees, managing access permissions, and monitoring user activity. This translates to reduced workload for IT staff, minimised human error risks, and ultimately lower costs.

MFA: Tightening the security perimeter
MFA, meanwhile, acts as a cornerstone of any robust cybersecurity strategy in healthcare. By requiring users to provide two or more verification factors beyond a username and password, MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access. Even if a single credential is compromised, cybercriminals are effectively locked out.

Healthcare organisations should prioritise the implementation of MFA across all user types and access points. This includes care providers, administrative staff, and even patients accessing their own electronic healthcare records. By enforcing MFA consistently, healthcare institutions can ensure that only authorised individuals gain access to sensitive systems and data.

The advantages of MFA in the healthcare sector are broad, with the most significant being enhanced data security. MFA adds an extra layer of verification, significantly reducing the risk of data breaches.

The approach also makes it considerably harder for hackers to gain unauthorised access, protecting organisations against various cyber threats like phishing and ransomware attacks.

MFA can also help when it comes to regulatory compliance. The technology assists healthcare organisations to comply with government regulations by ensuring robust access controls.

A multifaceted approach

Healthcare organisations can take advantage of a variety of MFA methods to improve their security posture. These include:

• Biometric authentication (Something you are): Utilising fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans to verify a user's identity.
• One-time passwords (Something you have): Sending a unique code to a user's mobile device or email address.
• SMS-based verification (Something you have): While less secure than other methods, SMS verification still offers an additional layer of security compared to single-factor authentication.
• Push notifications (Something you have): Sending a notification to a user's mobile device that they must approve to gain access.

Overcoming MFA implementation challenges
Implementing MFA in healthcare settings can present challenges, such as integrating with existing systems and ensuring user adoption. However, these challenges can be addressed in a number of ways.

The first is by selecting appropriate MFA solutions that are easy to use for all users, regardless of technical expertise. Users should also be provided with comprehensive training on the importance of MFA and how to use it effectively.

The chosen MFA solution also needs to be able to be seamlessly integrated with existing healthcare systems and applications to minimise disruption.

A more secure future
By adopting a unified IAM approach coupled with robust MFA protocols, healthcare organisations can significantly strengthen their security posture. This comprehensive strategy safeguards sensitive patient data, ensures regulatory compliance, and streamlines user experiences.

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, so too will cyber threats. A unified IAM and MFA foundation provides a scalable and adaptable security framework, allowing healthcare institutions to stay ahead of emerging threats and protect patient privacy in the digital age.