What Information Do Hackers Steal from Medical Offices and how does a managed IT service help?

With the rise of technology and digitalization in the medical industry, it has become easier for hackers to target sensitive information stored by medical offices. Recently, there have been several high-profile cyber attacks on healthcare organizations, resulting in the theft of millions of patient records.

In this article, we will discuss the types of information that hackers typically steal from medical offices and how a managed IT service can help prevent and mitigate these attacks.

Types of Information Stolen by Hackers

Personal Identifiable Information (PII) – PII includes sensitive data such as patient names, addresses, social security numbers, and dates of birth. This information is highly valuable to hackers, who can use it for identity theft and other fraudulent activities.

Medical Records -** Hackers also target medical records, which contain sensitive information such as diagnosis, treatment plans, lab results, and prescription details. This information can be used by cybercriminals for insurance fraud or to sell on the dark web.

Payment Information -** Many patients pay their medical bills online, making it a prime target for hackers. Credit card numbers, bank account details, and other payment information can be stolen and used for financial gain.**

Employee Information – Hackers also target employee information such as salaries, social security numbers, and other personal data. This information can be used for identity theft or to gain access to the medical office’s network.

How a Managed IT Service Can Help

Advanced Encryption – A managed IT service can help protect sensitive information by implementing advanced encryption methods, making it difficult for hackers to access and decipher the data.

Regular Data Backups – In case of a cyber attack or data breach, a managed IT service can ensure that all important data is regularly backed up. This ensures that the medical office has a secure copy of all information and can continue operations without major disruption.

Network Security Monitoring – A managed IT service will monitor the medical office’s network 24/7, identifying any potential threats or breaches in real-time. This allows for prompt action to be taken, preventing hackers from gaining access to sensitive information.

Employee Training – A managed IT service can also provide training to employees on how to identify and handle potential cyber threats. This helps create a culture of cybersecurity awareness within the medical office, making it less vulnerable to attacks.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation – Managed IT services conduct regular risk assessments to identify any vulnerabilities in the medical office’s systems and infrastructure. They then take proactive measures to mitigate these risks and ensure that the office’s data is secure.

Conclusion

The theft of sensitive information from medical offices by hackers is a growing concern. However, with the help of a managed IT service, medical offices can take preventative measures to protect their data and mitigate any potential damage from cyber attacks. From advanced encryption methods to regular backups and employee training, a managed IT service can provide comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to keep medical offices safe from cyber threats.  

So, it is important for healthcare organizations to invest in a reliable managed IT service to protect their sensitive data and maintain the trust of their patients.  While technology continues to advance and hackers become more sophisticated, having a strong cybersecurity strategy in place is crucial for all medical offices.