How to Secure Key Health Information

In recent times, there are several major network security threats that are posing challenges to organizations of all sizes and types. Threats such as malware, spyware, Denial of Service (DoS), phishing and many other malicious elements can cause damage to organizations that are not well-equipped. Hence, centralized healthcare network security appliances need to be deployed in order have a comprehensive data security system.

There are four major challenges that are specifically creating problems for the healthcare industry. These risk factors are securing/provisioning network access for medical devices, protecting network access for visitors, securing patient information, and compliance with the regulatory standards. 

                          

Let’s know how security appliances help resolve these four major issues:

Provides Security to Medical Devices

The presence of an increasing number of medical devices on the network creates risks in terms of securing network access for these devices. Web appliances ensure that that only familiar and authorized devices will be able to connect to the network, and that unauthorized devices are denied access.

Network Access Security for Visitors

A large number of healthcare professionals as well as patients visit a network daily for fetching information. High-end web appliances enable administrators to ensure network security and reduce the administrative responsibilities at the same time.

Secured Access to Patient Information

Administrators use security appliances as tools for validating user identity before providing access. This is a crucial task which ensures that users get access only to the resources they are authorized for.

Web appliances secure a network through the following functions:

• Provides email security with anti-spam and monitoring system;
• Web filtering;
• Securing data integrity and confidentiality of patient records;
• Preventing threats like virus, spyware or other web hazards from getting access;
• Keeping up with the latest web policies and regulations being enforced.

Healthcare organizations need to have a centralized security system in place, which is easy to manage, and can integrate various web appliances on a single platform. For that purpose, availing professional services for installing essential appliances can provide a strong and cost-effective network platform for complete security.

Equip your Healthcare Business for Combating the Web Threats

With the increased security threats due to malicious virus, spyware activities, healthcare organizations are struggling to secure their business environments. Having conventional internet security system isn’t enough. There can be major security threats such as data leakage may result in major losses and other repercussions. Hence, healthcare organizations can’t afford to be complacent about their security infrastructure and allow hostile network traffic to run amok and ruin their data security. In addition to that, the advent of cloud computing has made the situation more complicated. More and more users access the network for storing and utilizing sensitive data. On the other hand, hackers are on the prowl to breach the existing security shield and have access to this data. Hence, the security administrators need to go beyond the outdated web security concept and look for high-end Healthcare network appliances for fool-proof protection.

The network security system in the healthcare industry needs an overhaul to find a comprehensive security solution. Hiring professional firm for installation can provide these organizations a robust, cost-effective and integrated platform to combat email and web threats. Advanced network security appliances enable this industry to take on the challenges by providing:

• A comprehensive network security;
• Email security with anti-spam and monitoring email content;
• Filtering web content;
• Protection for data integrity, confidentiality of all patient information that is stored, maintained, and utilized; 
• Security against all kinds of probable threats such as malware and spyware or hazards of this information;
• Protection against any misuse or disclosure of health-related information that are not permitted according to the privacy policies;
• Compliance with the web policies and regulations that are updated frequently.

There is need for a centralized security control that is convenient to manage, yet highly effective in terms of managing and integrating multiple appliances on a single platform. It is equally applicable for remote healthcare locations. This security mechanism also helps managing bandwidth effectively, and for providing authentication through Layer 8 identity-security system.

A centralized network and data security can also enable virtual appliances can have both physical and virtual ports assigned to the appliance. Flexibility like this, allows the administrators to place the virtual appliances logically for effective usage within a network.  Moreover, security system integrated with a single appliance is less expensive than a physical security server.