Security of mobile applications is a top concern for healthcare CISOs, according to a HIMSS survey of 200 IT executives. Beyond that, IT leaders are also concerned about what cybercriminals could do to their patients and organization's brand in the event of a breach.
According to a Veracode infographic based on the HIMSS survey, the top security-related fear of a cyber breach is the potentially fatal ability to compromise networks or medical devices. If a hacker gains access to a wireless network to which medical devices are attached, the hacker could theoretically manipulate the medical device in a malicious manner.
IT leaders also fear brand damage due to the theft of patient information after a breach and regulatory enforcement.
To combat these fears, CISOs are investing in security controls. Sixty-five percent have invested in security technologies, 51 percent have invested in employee education and 44 percent are encouraging the CEO to be an advocate for IT security policies.
Approximately 200 healthcare IT executives were surveyed.
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