Cybersecurity

Connecticut hospitals are dedicated to safeguarding the privacy of their patients’ medical information. As healthcare providers, hospitals and health systems have operated in a highly regulated information security environment for decades and continue to lead in this area. But even the most sophisticated data systems can be vulnerable to intrusion when attacked by motivated bad actors, which is why hospitals implement and continuously update cyber defenses and protections and test their readiness and capabilities.

Globally, healthcare has become a target for attacks. Defending against them is an integral part of all healthcare operations. Here in Connecticut, we’ve seen cyber attacks impact not only healthcare but other industries including banks, insurance companies, schools, and utilities.

The state’s creation of a collaborative Cybersecurity Task Force is encouraging and can build upon the work led by hospital teams to ensure high-quality care is matched with necessary security safeguards.

Best practices include constant and consistent review of security measures, including monitoring of information technology downtime procedures and policies to ensure that the preparedness plans are updated as needed and are readily available should the plans be requested by state regulators. Both operational and executive staff are engaged in the review and oversight of these measures.