The Risks Of Outdated Hospital IT Systems: Why IT Health Audits Matter

Data underpins virtually all procedures and interventions in the healthcare sector, but outdated IT systems pose significant risks, not only to the efficiency of care but to the security and integrity of sensitive patient data. At a time in which cyberattacks are increasingly sophisticated, the healthcare sector is a prime target due to the wealth of personal information it holds and the potential for lengthy disruption. Regular IT health audits are critical to identify and address vulnerabilities, ensuring hospitals remain secure and efficient. In this article, we’ll discuss why your hospital needs an up to date security audit.

The Chaos Of Cyberattacks

Healthcare organisations are high-value targets for cybercriminals because of the sensitive data they store, including patient records, billing information, and patient medical histories. A cyberattack has the potential to unleash unmitigated chaos if the control of hospital systems is seized: only recently, the NHS in London was targeted by overseas criminals, rendering IT infrastructure impotent. These outdated systems can pose significant security risks as they are often incompatible with newer security protocols and lack support for regular updates. Also, they tend to be slow and inefficient, hindering medical professionals in delivering timely and effective care. By identifying and replacing legacy systems through IT health audits, hospitals can reduce these risks and improve overall system performance.

Unpatched Software Vulnerabilities

A common issue uncovered during IT health audits is unpatched software – software that hasn’t been updated with the latest patches and, therefore, is vulnerable to known security exploits. An unpatched system or software is the healthcare equivalent of an unlocked door which cybercriminals can easily take advantage of to steal critical data or spread malicious viruses, such as ransomware, that restrict access to IT systems. Regularly scheduled audits ensure that all software within the hospital’s IT infrastructure is up-to-date, reducing the risk of criminal exploitation and reinforcing the security of patient data.

Insufficient Network Security

Hospital networks often suffer from inadequate security measures, such as unprotected Wi-Fi networks or poorly configured firewalls. These gaps create easy entry points for unauthorised users to gain access to sensitive information. IT health audits can identify vulnerabilities, allowing hospital IT managers and technicians to strengthen their network security, for example by implementing stronger encryption methods or properly configuring firewalls, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorised access. Backup data recovery solutions, too, can ensure that critical data is recovered in the worst-case situation.

Segmentation Issues

Finally, another critical area that is often overlooked in IT infrastructure management is network segmentation. Without proper segmentation between different network zones, such as separating administrative networks from clinical networks, the risk of lateral movement during a breach significantly increases. Once an attacker gains access to one part of the network, they could potentially move laterally to more critical areas. IT audits can reveal segmentation issues, enabling hospitals to reconfigure their networks to minimise the impact of potential breaches.

Protect Your Hospital’s Critical Data

At Nexstor, we can help you to safeguard your hospital’s critical IT infrastructure by conducting a comprehensive IT health check audit that ensures your systems are protected against cybercrime and disasters. Get your FREE infrastructure audit with Nexstor.