Various software solutions are present in all industries, including the healthcare sector. For decades, medical institutions and practitioners have relied on different types of apps and platforms to streamline their everyday processes, gather and analyze data, archive patient records, and much more.
The potential that technology has to improve the outcomes of patient care is vast, and in recent years, hundreds of companies providing healthcare solution development services have tried to capitalize on this opportunity. It is not that easy, though: designing and developing software for the healthcare industry has many challenges, and one of the main issues is cybersecurity.
Our article aims to discuss the most common threats to data security that businesses providing healthcare software services face. Keep reading to learn what the experts have to say.
The cybercrime of today is more sophisticated than ever, so staying well-informed and aware of the current and emerging risks is an absolute must when developing software. This is especially important in the case of healthcare apps, as they often use sensitive data and can affect the lives of patients whose care relies on the software’s security. Even a seemingly small problem can start a chain of events that will unleash a very problematic situation. For example, identity theft is a high risk when patient data such as names and ID numbers or addresses are leaked, and this can be disastrous to the patient, who may find themselves suspect in a criminal situation despite not having done anything wrong.
Among the worst case scenarios are unauthorized individuals getting access to data that might actually affect the treatment of the patient. Hackers could then manipulate the information and harm the patient by prescribing them the wrong medicine, or delaying a medical procedure. This is very risky, and there is absolutely zero tolerance for any healthcare software that could fail to keep the patient safe by blocking access to their data.
This is why it is exceptionally important that software developers take extra care when creating any app or platform that requires the gathering and use of patient or practitioner data. High-end security measures should be implemented, and this particular aspect of software development is not the one to save resources on.
You need to know what to expect to better prepare yourself for the potential threats. We have compiled a list of 7 common threats, so you can familiarize yourself with them and have an easier time spotting them before they cause havoc. Take a look, and remember them, to ensure your safety.
This kind of crime is especially difficult to prevent, as it requires development companies to screen and keep an eye on every single person involved in the app design, development, deployment, and even marketing. Damage done by someone with direct access to the app’s code or stored data can be more harmful than that done by a random hacker, as the insider will know what the vital parts of the app are or what the password to the data storage is.
One of the most common threats, especially in industries that handle sensitive data, is the leaking of data. Whether done by accident or as a result of a deliberate attack, it is disastrous, and can cause harm to not only your software, but also the patient or practitioner whose data is compromised. Whether your app is a healthcare CRM or a prescription management tool, it is at risk, so make sure you have the best security measures in place and that the developers working on the app are trained in how to handle confidential information to prevent data leaks.
Malware (malicious software) is a serious threat, especially because there are many different types of it, each slightly different and requiring specific security measures to defend against. Some, like ransomware, may lock you out of your system until you pay, while others may steal your information without you even noticing. To keep your app safe from becoming infected with malware, use reliable antivirus software, and regularly update your safeguards.
Making sure that the servers and devices that the app data is stored on are fully secure is a basic step in preventing sensitive information breaches. Leaving your files susceptible to cyberattacks can result in significant damage for both your business and the app users. Always use the best security measures, and do not settle for subpar protection just for the sake of saving money or resources. Firewalls, extra access controls, and high-grade encryption are essential to keeping the data safe.
Not as common as data leaks, but still often overlooked, are failures on the side of third-party extensions, plugins, and other integrations. If you use any outside app or even snippets of code when developing your healthcare app, you need to be sure it is safe. If you can’t verify its
security, do not use it in your software, as doing otherwise could cause data leaks and compromise the privacy of its users.
This is another particularly dangerous threat, as its nature is psychological rather than technological. Social engineering involves people manipulating others to give them confidential information, let them into secured systems, gain access to restricted files, or do anything else that is usually not allowed. People skilled at social engineering can act perfectly, taking on any role they need to to gain the victim’s trust. To mitigate this, you need to make sure that everyone involved in the app development knows how to spot an attempt at social engineering and is trained to handle such situations.
Quite easy to mitigate, this threat exists only when known vulnerabilities like weak passwords or a system breach are not addressed immediately. Every minute a problem remains unfixed is a minute that potential attackers can use to their advantage. Therefore, it is crucial to solve every issue, however challenging it may be, as soon as possible. If a fix is not available, it is better to implement temporary solutions than wait for a full-scale one.
As you can see, the number of threats that can compromise your app’s security is vast, but if you keep vigilant and address any vulnerabilities as soon as they are noticed, you should be safe.
Security is a constant process, not a one-time event, so you need to stay vigilant at all times. Don’t wait for problems to arise before acting; monitor your application’s security regularly, fix any issues promptly, and stay updated about emerging threats and best practices in cybersecurity. Doing so is the only way to guarantee long-term app security.
Cary, NC, March 24th, 2025, CyberNewsWire INE Security, a global provider of cybersecurity training and…
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