Healthcare cyberattacks don’t just steal data; they endanger lives.
As hospitals connect more devices and digitize every record, their attack surface expands, and so do the stakes. Cybercriminals know this. That’s why healthcare remains the most breached industry for 14 straight years, with
average data breach costs nearing $10 million.
In this guide, we break down 10 proven healthcare cybersecurity best practices to help you lock down patient data, minimize operational risk, and stay ahead of evolving threats.
Why is cybersecurity important in healthcare?
Cybersecurity is important in healthcare because it protects patient privacy, prevents operational disruptions, and ensures regulatory compliance.
Electronic Health Records (EHRs), diagnostic systems, and connected medical devices store sensitive information that, if compromised, can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, or even life-threatening care delays.
According to IBM's 2024 Cost of a Data Breach report, the average cost of a healthcare data breach was $9.77 million, the highest across all industries for the 14th consecutive year
Healthcare cybersecurity risks include
ransomware attacks,
phishing,
insider threats, and unpatched vulnerabilities. With
telemedicine and
IoT adoption on the rise, threat actors now target a larger attack surface, making proactive cybersecurity measures non-negotiable.
The National confirmed that the
UAE cybersecurity council reported blocking over 71 million cyberattacks across the UAE in the first three quarters of 2023, including significant ransomware mitigation efforts.
What are the best practices for healthcare cybersecurity?
The best practices for healthcare cybersecurity are a set of actionable strategies that protect patient data, reduce risk, and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations. These practices include risk assessments, multi-factor authentication, encryption, patch management, staff training, IoT security, and regulatory alignment. 1. Conduct regular risk assessments
Conducting regular risk assessments in healthcare helps identify and mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities before they are exploited. Risk assessments evaluate threats across IT systems,
EHR platforms, and connected medical devices. This includes
assessing third-party vendors, internal workflows, and data transmission protocols. Organizations should perform these assessments quarterly or biannually and act swiftly on the findings.
2. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Implementing multi-factor authentication in healthcare systems adds a critical layer of defense against unauthorised access. MFA requires users to verify their identity using two or more credentials, such as passwords, biometric data, or mobile tokens. This is especially vital for accessing
EHR systems and admin panels with elevated privileges.
In North America, the Change Healthcare ransomware attack in February 2024 was directly attributed to missing MFA on remote-access systems. The incident highlighted how vital MFA is in hospital environments.
3. Encrypt data at rest and in transit
Encrypting healthcare data at rest and in transit ensures that even if data is intercepted or stolen, it cannot be read or misused. Use AES-256 encryption for stored data and TLS for transmitted data. This includes patient records, lab results, and imaging files shared between departments or across telehealth platforms.
4. Regularly update and patch systems
According to PwC’s 2025 Global Digital Trust Insights, 92% of organizations in the UAE reported at least one successful phishing attack in 2023, putting unpatched systems at high risk for breach attempts.
Regularly updating and patching healthcare software protects against known vulnerabilities that hackers often exploit. Patch management should extend to EHR systems, operating systems, network infrastructure, and IoT devices. Automate updates where possible and prioritise high-severity CVEs.
5. Provide ongoing cybersecurity training
Providing ongoing cybersecurity training in healthcare helps staff recognize and respond to threats such as phishing, malware, and insider risks. Human error is a leading cause of data breaches. Mandatory quarterly training, simulated phishing campaigns, and easy-to-report incident channels help reduce risk.
6. Secure mobile and IoT medical devices
Securing mobile and IoT medical devices prevents unauthorised access and protects data integrity across remote care environments. Implement device access controls, conduct regular firmware updates, and segment these devices on separate networks to minimize risk exposure.
Network segmentation effectively limits lateral movement during attacks. A
recent healthcare security analysis recommends isolating IoT and medical devices from critical systems to “reduce the risk of lateral movement during an attack”.
7. Establish incident response plans
Establishing a healthcare-specific incident response plan enables fast containment and recovery in the event of a cyberattack. The plan should include designated roles, communication workflows, legal response protocols, and data recovery steps.
Run tabletop exercises regularly to test its effectiveness.
8. Limit access based on roles
Implementing RBAC significantly reduces unauthorized access attempts. A 2024 ResearchGate study found that organizations using role-based access control (RBAC) achieved a 35% reduction in unauthorized access incidents within six months.
Limiting access based on roles ensures that healthcare staff can only access the data necessary for their job functions. Use Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to enforce least-privilege principles. Monitor privileged accounts and review access logs frequently.
9. Monitor networks continuously
Continuously monitoring healthcare networks helps detect anomalous behavior and prevent threats before they escalate. Use
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), and endpoint detection solutions to ensure real-time visibility.
10. Ensure compliance with healthcare cybersecurity regulations
Ensuring compliance with healthcare cybersecurity regulations protects organisations from legal penalties and reputational damage. Compliance frameworks such as
HIPAA, HITECH, and
GDPR mandate strict data protection requirements. In the GCC, entities must also align with
NESA and
SAMA frameworks.
What is the role of cybersecurity in healthcare?
The role of cybersecurity in healthcare is to protect patient data, maintain system integrity, and ensure operational continuity.Cybersecurity enables hospitals and clinics to defend against ransomware, secure telemedicine platforms, and preserve patient trust.
It also ensures organizations meet compliance standards such as HIPAA or NESA.
What are the biggest challenges in healthcare cybersecurity?
The biggest challenges in healthcare cybersecurity are legacy systems, budget constraints, staff awareness gaps, and the expanding attack surface. Many hospitals still use outdated systems that cannot support modern security protocols. At the same time, the rapid adoption of IoT, cloud, and remote care increases complexity. Limited IT budgets and a shortage of cybersecurity professionals further weaken defense.
Mitigating cyber risk remains a top priority in the Middle East. In fact,
55% of regional organisations surveyed in PwC’s
Global Digital Trust Insights 2025 report said they will focus on digital and technology risk mitigation over the next 12 months. They stated that legacy systems are a central concern.
Final thoughts: In healthcare, hesitation is a vulnerability
Cyber threats targeting healthcare aren’t slowing down. They’re evolving faster, smarter, and more ruthlessly.
Ransomware doesn’t just lock data; it locks hospital doors. Unpatched systems don’t just pose a risk; they jeopardise lives. Staying secure in 2025 demands precision, speed, and relentless execution.
Whether you’re battling insider threats, securing IoT devices, or preparing for your next audit, the time to act is now. Not after the breach.
Take control before attackers do.
Partner with Microminder Cyber Security to implement zero-trust policies, secure your infrastructure, and comply with NESA, HIPAA, and global healthcare frameworks. No downtime and no compromises.
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