Healthcare Sector Depends on Constant IT Asset Management
In the past few years, a rising number of business leaders around the globe have gradually adopted cloud computing as a means of streamlining standard operations. They recognize the many advantages of the technology and have accordingly adjusted their business models. That said, security issues linger.
Preparing the network for potential threats
The most common reasons for cloud adoption is its ability to ease the processes of data storage, access, sharing and backup. It is also widely cited as an effective technology for globalizing a workforce, cutting infrastructure costs and significantly reducing a company’s carbon footprint.
However, as more and more IT managers commit data center resources to the cloud, the risk of data breaches continues to grow. High-profile cyberattacks against Sony Pictures, Home Depot and Target have renewed the widespread fears of cybersecurity deficiencies. Lower-profile data breaches against political agencies, for example, have had equally damaging ramifications.
Few industries have been hit harder than the healthcare sector. While there are many different methods of cybersecurity, such as data encryption, biometrics and decentralization, tech professionals would be wise to consider offline IT assets as well. Through AssetAware technology, data center managers can ensure that valuable information will stay safe, even when it goes offline.
The state of security in healthcare
The healthcare industry has a long way to go before it secures its vast array of confidential data. A recent report by Vormetric, a data security firm, found that 49 percent of IT decision makers in the sectors feel very or extremely vulnerable to data breaches.
“Healthcare data has become one of the most desirable commodities for sale on black market sites, yet U.S. healthcare organizations are failing to secure that data,” said Alan Kessler, the CEO of Vormetric. “An overreliance on compliance requirements and a cursory nod to data protection point to system failures that are putting patient data at risk.”
Anthem breach alerts the industry
A recent data breach against Anthem, a health insurance company, gave hackers access to the files of up to 80 million Americans, according to The Los Angeles Times. The data breach serves as a signal to the rest of the sector that all information – active or offline – must be properly secured with the right kind of data loss prevention technology.
“There are steps you may take to guard yourself against identity theft or fraud,” Anthem said in a statement according to the news outlet. “We urge likely impacted members to stay alert for incidents of fraud and identity theft.”