As we gear up for the DirectTrust 2024 Annual Conference: The Future of Trust in Health, cybersecurity stands out as one of the most pressing topics on the agenda. In a recent pre-conference discussion presented by conference sponsor Surescripts, Kathryn Ayers Wickenhauser, Chief Strategy Officer of DirectTrust was joined by top industry leaders, including Judy Hatchett from Surescripts, John Glaser from Harvard Medical School, and Erik Decker from Intermountain Health for a candid discussion on why cybersecurity remains a critical focus for healthcare organizations.
Highlights of the Conversation
The conversation kicked off with the four experts talking about the ever-present urgency in cybersecurity. Erik Decker highlighted that while cybersecurity threats have been escalating for years, the increasing interconnectivity within the healthcare ecosystem has amplified the risks. He pointed out that cyber actors are becoming more sophisticated, not necessarily in their attack methods, but in their ability to scale operations and exploit the interconnected nature of healthcare systems.
John Glaser added that these cyber events are not only dramatic and widespread but also highly personal. He went on to stress how the impact of a cyber-attack can ripple across the entire healthcare ecosystem, causing widespread disruption and significant anxiety among both healthcare professionals and patients. The interconnectedness of today’s healthcare infrastructure means that a single breach can have far-reaching consequences, affecting multiple organizations and even putting patient care at risk.
Judy Hatchett brought attention to the alarming trend of increased “dwell time” — the period during which cyber attackers remain undetected within a system. Hatchet explained how these bad actors are no longer just seeking financial gain but rather they are increasingly focused on disrupting care, making cybersecurity not just a technical challenge but a critical patient safety issue.
The group also discussed the importance of a collective defense strategy, echoing the sentiment that “you have to beat all of us to beat one of us.” This approach emphasizes the need for collaboration and information sharing across the industry to effectively combat cyber threats. Decker shared successful examples of rapid information dissemination during recent cyber incidents, underscoring the potential for a united front in defending against attacks.
Looking Ahead
As the team of thought leaders looked ahead, the conversation touched on the evolving landscape of healthcare, with a growing emphasis on interoperability and the proliferation of health apps. These developments, while beneficial for patient care, introduce new cybersecurity risks. Both Hatchett and Decker stressed the need for patient education on the value and protection of their health data, similar to how consumers have become vigilant about their financial data.
This information only scratches the surface of the key insights provided by Hatchett, Decker, and Glaser. To learn more about the state of cybersecurity, as well as actionable next steps you can take, watch the full conversation here.
Learn More at the Conference
As we approach the conference, it’s clear that cybersecurity will be a central theme, with discussions focusing on practical steps healthcare organizations can take to enhance their defenses. The emphasis will be on implementing essential cybersecurity practices, sharing information across the industry, and educating patients about the risks and protections related to their health data.
There’s still time to join us this September in St. Louis for the DirectTrust 2024 Annual Conference. Register here and secure your spot at an event that will delve deeper into these critical conversations by exploring the strategies that will shape the future of healthcare. This is an opportunity to learn from industry leaders and collaborate with peers as we work together to protect our healthcare systems and the patients they serve.