How SOC Outsourcing Helps Healthcare Providers Mitigate Cyber Risks

In the healthcare industry, safeguarding sensitive patient information is paramount. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, healthcare providers must ensure robust security measures. One effective solution is SOC operations outsourcing, which offers numerous benefits to mitigate cyber risks.

Enhanced Security Expertise

Outsourcing SOC operations provides healthcare providers access to a team of dedicated cybersecurity experts. These professionals possess specialized knowledge and experience in dealing with a variety of cyber threats. By leveraging their expertise, healthcare organizations can strengthen their defense mechanisms and stay ahead of emerging threats.

Cost-Effective Solution

Establishing and maintaining an in-house Security Operations Center (SOC) can be prohibitively expensive. It involves significant investments in technology, infrastructure, and skilled personnel. SOC operations outsourcing, on the other hand, offers a cost-effective alternative. Healthcare providers can benefit from top-tier security services without the financial burden of building and managing an internal SOC.

24/7 Monitoring and Response

Cyber threats can occur at any time, and timely detection and response are crucial. SOC operations outsourcing ensures round-the-clock monitoring and incident response. With continuous surveillance, any suspicious activity is promptly identified and addressed, minimizing potential damage and downtime. This level of vigilance is vital in protecting sensitive patient data and maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.

Advanced Threat Detection and Mitigation

Outsourced SOC providers use state-of-the-art technology and methodologies to detect and mitigate threats. They employ advanced analytics, machine learning, and threat intelligence to identify and neutralize potential risks before they escalate. This proactive approach significantly reduces the likelihood of data breaches and other cyber incidents.

Focus on Core Healthcare Services

By outsourcing SOC operations, healthcare providers can focus on their primary mission: delivering quality patient care. Delegating cybersecurity responsibilities to experts allows healthcare staff to concentrate on clinical tasks, improving overall efficiency and patient outcomes.

Regulatory Compliance

The healthcare sector is subject to stringent regulations regarding data privacy and security, such as HIPAA in the United States. SOC operations outsourcing ensures that healthcare providers remain compliant with these regulations. Experienced SOC providers stay updated on the latest compliance requirements and implement necessary measures to safeguard patient information.

Conclusion

SOC operations outsourcing is a strategic move for healthcare providers aiming to mitigate cyber risks. By enhancing security expertise, offering cost-effective solutions, providing 24/7 monitoring, utilizing advanced threat detection, and ensuring regulatory compliance, outsourcing SOC operations empowers healthcare organizations to protect sensitive data and focus on their primary goal of providing quality healthcare services.

Embracing SOC operations outsourcing is not just a tactical decision; it is a critical step towards fortifying the healthcare sector against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

Thanks and Regards,

Priya – IARM Information Security

SOC Operation Outsourcing || Low Cost SOC Operation || India-Based 24/7 SOC Operation

5 Common Security Risks in Embedded Systems for Medical Devices

In the rapidly evolving landscape of medical technology, ensuring the security of embedded systems in medical devices is paramount. These devices, critical for patient care, are increasingly targeted by cyber threats. Here, we explore five common security risks associated with embedded systems in medical devices and discuss the importance of robust embedded systems security.

1. Unauthorized Access

Unauthorized access is a significant threat to medical device security. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in embedded systems to gain unauthorized control, potentially manipulating device functions or stealing sensitive patient data. Implementing stringent access control mechanisms and regular security audits can mitigate this risk.

2. Unencrypted Communication

Many medical devices communicate sensitive information over networks. If this data remains unencrypted, malicious actors can intercept and read it. Ensuring that all data transmitted by medical devices is encrypted using strong encryption protocols is essential to protect patient information and maintain device integrity.

3. Software Vulnerabilities

Embedded systems often run on specialized software, which may contain vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Routine software updates and patches are essential for addressing these vulnerabilities. Additionally, adopting secure coding practices during the development phase can significantly reduce the risk of software vulnerabilities.

4. Inadequate Authentication

Weak or inadequate authentication mechanisms can allow unauthorized users to access medical devices. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security, making it more difficult for attackers to gain access to critical systems.

5. Lack of Physical Security

Physical security is often overlooked in the context of embedded systems security. Medical devices can be physically tampered with, leading to compromised functionality or data breaches. Securing the physical environment of medical devices, using tamper-evident seals, and monitoring for unauthorized access can help mitigate these risks.

Conclusion

The security of embedded systems in medical devices is a critical component of overall medical device security. Addressing these common risks through robust security measures and continuous monitoring is essential to protect patient safety and data integrity. By prioritizing embedded systems security, healthcare providers can ensure the reliable and secure operation of their medical devices.

For more insights on medical device security and best practices in embedded systems security, stay tuned to our blog and connect with our experts at IARM.

Thanks and Regards,

Priya – IARM Information Security

IoT Products Security || Medical Device Security || Embedded Systems Security

Cyber security for Startups

The majority of startups are in the same position in cybersecurity hygiene. They are a attack for hackers and do it with ease. Statistics have proven that most startups are in the process of launching for lengthy durations of time, and then end up losing their intellectual assets to a rivals or indirectly provide information for the dark web.

Cyber Security Hygiene and Posture are no longer dormant in new companies.

How and where to begin the attention upon Cyber Security Controls?

Prioritise what you have to safeguard! Know and understand the Cyber impact on your company and prioritise these based on the importance of your service. To achieve this conduct a complete Cyber Risk Evaluation of your company. Prioritise the risk identified that may harm the image of the company or cause the business close in the event of non-compliance to the regulations.

• A Cyber Risk Assessment can assist you in planning the process of completing the technical vulnerability assessment. Don't restrict your assessment of vulnerability to technical aspects on IT Assets! Include your database, application as well as your Network applications, too.
• The importance of compliance is to not compromise. Implement Cyber Security Controls to ensure the operation's sustainability and enhancement not only for the certificate hanging on the wall. Determine the Compliance standards that constitute the foundation of your solution and service. Implement and make sure to keep working on improvements to ensure that you maintain and increase your cyber security capabilities.
• Make use of the Cloud Service, but protect your Information on the Cloud. The myth is that all information stored in cloud is secure in the cloud and cloud service providers are the only ones who Cloud Service Provider safeguards your data. What's in the cloud is the responsibility of the customer! Check your cloud environment frequently.
• Clients sign up to purchase products or services that are based on due diligence in cyber security. Customers should evaluate these Cyber Security Controls as a strategy, not only as an operational procedure. Develop Cyber Security by default as your business plan.
• Examine your cybersecurity controls of the service provider. Include them on your company's general risk assessment list.
• Make an impact. Increase awareness among your employees as well as contractors and consultants. Make it a continuous effort, not a one-time effort.
• Utilize Virtual CISO Services (vCISO) that can assist with setting up an Cyber Security standard at a professional level within your company.
• Allocate Budget exclusively to Cyber Security Services and is not part of IT.
• Add Business Continuity Service. Examine the impact of disruption on business operations caused by Cyber Security Events and Incidence. Implement an incident and crisis response strategy.

Do you want to learn more about ways to improve your company's cybersecurity position and hygiene! Our group comprised of Cyber Security Experts will help you in conquering your Cyber Security Challenges, creating solid cyber security safeguards and developing a better cyber security program to help propel your business ahead! We can be reached via email: info@iarminfo.com

Article Written by Mr.Vaidyanathan Rajan Senior Consultant of IARM Information Security Pvt.Ltd.

Cyber Security in Shipping Industry: Protect the devices and sensors from Cyber threat

The increasing use of digitalisation, digitalisation and integration by ships means that cyber risk management is required onboard. Information technology (IT), and operational technology (OT), onboard ships are becoming more interconnected and increasingly connected to the internet. Unauthorised access to or malicious attacks on ship's networks and systems can be a greater risk. Personal accessing systems aboard, such as by installing malware via removable media, can also pose a risk.

IARM is a leading company's security system that helps maintain cyber security onboard ships and in companies. We help companies to understand, manage and communicate cyber risk. Help to prioritise and identify actions that can be taken to reduce cyber risk.

Cyber safety and cyber security are critical due to the potential effects they can have on personnel, ship, environment and cargo. IT Cyber security Services refers to the protection and management of IT, OT, data and information from unauthorised manipulation, disruption, and access. Cyber safety is concerned with the potential loss or corruption of safety critical data and/or OT.

A cyber-security incident that undermines the availability and integrity of the OT can result in cyber-safety issues. For instance, chart data corruption in an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), a failure occurring during maintenance and patchi, or loss or manipulation of external sensor data that is critical to the operation of a vessel. While cyber security in shipping incidents may have different causes than cyber safety incidents, both can be addressed with training and awareness.

Cyber risk management should identify and define the roles and responsibilities users, key people, management, both ashore, and the systems, assets, data and capabilities that could pose a threat to ships.Safety and Operations: Establish technical and procedural safeguards that prevent cyber attacks and ensure operation continuity. Also, implement activities to respond to and prepare for cyber attacks.

Cyber risk is unique to the ship, company, operation and/or trade. Companies must consider all aspects of their operations which could make them more vulnerable to cyber incidents when assessing the risk. Lets have a look of Cyber threats types, and how its works - Cyber Security in Shipping Industry

Cyber-threats: Types

• Malware is malicious software that can access or damage computers without the owner's permission. There are several types of malware: trojans, ransomware and spyware, viruses, worms, and more. Ransomware locks down data on systems until payment is made. Locally, the ransomware may allow the user to execute malicious code, sometimes through email attachments, or via malicious websites.

• Phishing: Sending emails to many potential targets asking them for confidential or sensitive information. A link included in an email might also be used to request that the recipient visit a fake website.

• Water holding is a technique that allows you to create a fake website and then compromise a real website to make it more attractive to visitors.

• Scanning entails randomly attacking vast portions of the internet.

• Social engineering is the process of manipulating people's emotions. Potential cyber-attackers utilise a non-technical way to persuade insiders to violate security rules.

• Brute force: An attack using multiple passwords in the hopes of getting it right. The attacker checks every possible password until they find the right one.

• Denial-of-service (DoS): This is when legitimate and authorised users are prevented from accessing data, often by flooding a network. Distributed denial of service (DDoS), an attack that takes control of multiple computers or servers to launch a DoS attack.

• Spear-phishing: This is similar to phishing, but individuals are sent personal emails that contain malicious software and links that download it automatically.

• Subverting supply chains - Attacking a ship or company with compromised software or equipment.

The rapid adoption of new communication protocols and working practices in cyber security has led to some very interesting operational priorities. These are in contrast to cyber security in other sectors, such as the maritime industry. Our cyber security experts have had to quickly develop their skills and take advantage of our experience in protecting every industry, from spacecraft to maritime to renewable energy plants and banks.

Our cyber security services and technologies are constantly being improved to meet the demands of the industry. Our in-depth knowledge and foundation in cyber security have helped us secure some of the most important cyber security systems in the world.

IARM brings with them the same threat of remote attack that any other vessel connected to the Internet faces. They also have other important soft spots that must be protected, including the owners and clients of high net worth who are on board. We offer a range of services to help shipping industries, IT Services, crew and management companies.

About Author, 

Dharshini, a security consultant from IARM. She is the individual who will enthusiastically take initiative, goal-oriented senior professional with solid experience in Information and Cyber Security Services. 

Industrial Cyber Security Solutions | CISO Dashboard Solution | Penetration Testing Services | Cyber Security Solutions |  Cyber Security Services | VAPT Services | OT Cyber security company