There’s no doubt that technology has simpliied the healthcare industry. Electronic records, wearable health tracking devices, robotic surgeon assistants, telehealth, and more have vastly improved patient care and provider eficiency. Unfortunately, the integration of technology opens the door for digital threats that have become increasingly sophisticated. Now more than ever, the importance of cyber security in healthcare cannot be overstated.
The right cyber security partner can play a crucial role in protecting sensitive patient data and ensuring healthcare operations function smoothly. To help ofice administrators and IT managers make informed decisions, we outlined ive key questions to ask when vetting potential cyber security companies.
5 Questions To Ask Potential Cyber Security Partner
You can make informed decisions about partnering with cyber security companies by asking these ive questions during the vetting process:
1. What experience do you have with cyber security in the healthcare industry?
Begin the vetting process by assessing a cyber security company’s experience within your specific sector. Healthcare organizations have unique challenges and regulatory requirements, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States.
Inquire about the company’s track record in dealing with healthcare-specific cyber threats and their understanding of compliance standards. A company with a proven healthcare focus is more likely to tailor its solutions to the industry’s specific needs, providing a more efective and comprehensive defense against potential threats.
2. How do you stay on top of the latest threats and technologies?
Cyber threats are dynamic, and new attack methods are constantly emerging. It’s essential to partner with a cyber security company that proactively stays ahead of the curve with a commitment to continuous learning, participation in industry conferences, and engagement within the cybersecurity community. A company that invests in ongoing education and research is better equipped to adapt its strategies to the evolving cyber landscape.
3. Can you provide references from similar healthcare clients?
Speaking with current or past clients can oer valuable insights into the company’s performance. As a smaller non-proit organization, your security needs are dierent from those of a private clinic or large hospital. Validate the cyber security company’s claims by requesting references from other healthcare organizations with similar profiles.
Ask the references about their overall experience, the company’s responsiveness, and the specific outcomes they have achieved in terms of threat prevention and incident response. This firsthand information will give you a better understanding of what to expect when partnering with the cyber security firm.
4. What layers of security solutions do you offer?
Effective cyber security in the healthcare industry is not a one-size-its-all solution; a layered approach addresses vulnerabilities from multiple angles. Ask about the company’s range of security solutions, including network security, endpoint protection, threat intelligence, and employee training.
Understanding the depth and breadth of the cyber security company’s offerings will help you assess its ability to provide a holistic and tailored solution for your unique requirements.
5. How does your cyber security services company handle incident response and recovery?
Despite robust preventive measures, top cyber security companies are always prepared for a security incident. A reliable partner should have a well-defined and tested plan, including processes for identifying, containing, eradicating, recovering, and learning from security incidents.
Additionally, ask about how they communicate with clients during a security incident, as transparency is key in healthcare settings. Patient trust is essential, and you need to be able to relay important messages to anyone who has been or may be affected by a breach.
Finding a Reliable Cyber Security Company
As you vet potential partners for cyber security in healthcare, remember to prioritize experience with similar organizations, excellent references, a commitment to staying current, incident response capabilities, and the ability to customize security solutions.
With these considerations in mind, you’ll be better equipped to select a cyber security partner that aligns with the unique needs of your non-profit healthcare organization.
Choose SmartBase – An Expert in Healthcare Cyber Security
SmartBase is committed to being more than just an IT service provider; we aim to be your strategic ally in the ongoing battle against evolving cyber threats.
Contact SmartBase to discover how our managed IT solutions can advance your defenses and protect patient data.
