Cyber incidents targeting an organization's computer networks are on the rise, especially with organizations that retain some of the most sensitive types of personal data. These organizations go beyond financial identifiers (e.g., Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, etc.) and retain for each patient an extensive and complete medical history including diagnosis history, treatments provided and any other health related detail required at the time of their care. When any medical or personal data is compromised, the impact to the patient and employee cannot be alleviated and often cannot be reversed. Recent events, such as the access of email accounts used by employees of Saint Anthony Hospital in Chicago, lay bare the challenge with timeliness of communication and the continued effort to improve communication after a breach of protected health information.
Timely Notification Matters
When a cyber-related incident occurs which causes medical or personal data to be compromised, timeliness matters. The longer the incident is not reported to affected patients or employees (as in Saint Anthony's Data Breach Case) the more damage will be possible for the bad actors who use that data for any purpose. Early notification allows patients or employees to take protective actions (monitor credit reports, freeze financial accounts, change insurance numbers, etc.) when their protected data is exposed. Late notification heightens uncertainty, and potentially increases risk.
Healthcare Data Is Invaluable
Medical records include lifelong information that cannot simply be replaced, unlike the digits on a credit card that can be stopped. Criminal groups will often target healthcare providers to:
- Sell medical identities for high street value on illegal markets
- Use fraud by prescription and insurance claims quicker than it can be detected
- Use health histories for extortion or blackmail
Victims may face the potential of financial losses, not being able to receive services due to falsified records about their medical care, emotional stress, and reputational damage.
Regulations Require Prompt Breach Notice
Under U.S federal law, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), healthcare entities must notify victims and regulators without unreasonable delay. While regulations have a general compliance time-frame of up to 60 days, many experts believe that 60 days is outdated because of how quickly cyber-attacks can happen. If a breach has occurred, immediate disclosure promotes transparency, builds public trust, and lowers the overall risk.
The Importance of Trust in Healthcare
Providers in healthcare run on trust—the idea that personal information is secure and valued. When organizations are slow or vague, they risk damaging relationships with patients and employees while also potentially exposing themselves to regulatory penalties and liability challenges. On the other hand, clear communication and proactive assistance translate into accountability.
The Next Step: Faster Notification, Stronger Protection
Fast notification is only one component of a successful incident response approach. Healthcare organizations must also enhance:
- Surveillance of cybersecurity threats
- Training staff and phishing defenses
- Evaluation of third-party vendors
- Encryption and/or multi-factor authentication
- Preparedness and crisis communications
As threats evolve, the healthcare sector must shift its priority to people, not just systems. Patients need to understand when their information is compromised, and providers need to respond quickly and thoughtfully to preserve trust.
