Cybersecurity and Information Assurance for the Clinical Laboratory

Abstract

Background Network-connected medical devices have rapidly proliferated in the wake of recent global catalysts, leaving clinical laboratories and healthcare organizations vulnerable to malicious actors seeking to ransom sensitive healthcare information. As organizations become increasingly dependent on integrated systems and data-driven patient care operations, a sudden cyberattack and the associated downtime can have a devastating impact on patient care and the institution as a whole. Cybersecurity, information security, and information assurance principles are, therefore, vital for clinical laboratories to fully prepare for what has now become inevitable, future cyberattacks. Content This review aims to provide a basic understanding of cybersecurity, information security, and information assurance principles as they relate to healthcare and the clinical laboratories. Common cybersecurity risks and threats are defined in addition to current proactive and reactive cybersecurity controls. Information assurance strategies are reviewed, including traditional castle-and-moat and zero-trust security models. Finally, ways in which clinical laboratories can prepare for an eventual cyberattack with extended downtime are discussed. Summary The future of healthcare is intimately tied to technology, interoperability, and data to deliver the highest quality of patient care. Understanding cybersecurity and information assurance is just the first preparative step for clinical laboratories as they ensure the protection of patient data and the continuity of their operations.

Investigating the role of Cybersecurity's perceived threats in the adoption of health information systems

“…In addition, cyber attackers use different means to commit a cyberattack, and the employees have no skills or awareness to recognize them. They share and respond honestly, which leads to cybersecurity issues [ 52 ]. Therefore, in adopting information systems in healthcare organizations, the skills of the system users play a significant role.…”

Cybersecurity for Sustainable Smart Healthcare: State of the Art, Taxonomy, Mechanisms, and Essential Roles

“…Cybercriminals exploit weaknesses in IoMT devices when the firmware is not frequently updated, exposing healthcare users' devices to zero-day attacks since attackers may easily hack and steal sensitive patient medical data [85]. According to Capuano et al [90] and Patel et al [91], zero-day vulnerabilities in smart healthcare are security weaknesses in healthcare software, hardware, firmware, or systems that are unknown to healthcare service providers but are exploited by cybercriminals and for which no patch has been publicly released. The method that adversaries use to exploit healthcare software or system vulnerabilities is a zero-day exploit.…”

“…Medical IoT devices integrate sensors and actuators into SHSs, providing multiple benefits to healthcare professionals and patients regarding efficiency, convenience, and enhanced patient care. However, these devices are prone to critical susceptibilities that cyber criminals may exploit, posing significant risks to patient privacy, security, and safety [91].…”

The role of cybersecurity in facilitating sustainable healthcare solutions: Overcoming challenges to protect sensitive data

“…As healthcare organizations increasingly rely on digital technologies, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. The principles of cybersecurity in healthcare encompass a broad range of practices and strategies designed to safeguard sensitive health information from cyber threats and breaches (Patel et al, 2023). One of the primary principles of cybersecurity in healthcare is ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) of patient data.…”