‘Trust’ is the biggest threat to a health care organization’s cybersecurity — here’s why

Cyberattacks are advancing at a frightening rate. Regardless of the size or area of specialization, no medical organization, from a doctor’s office to a huge health system, is safe from the perils posed by skilled cybercriminals and internal risks. Often, it’s confidential patient information; sometimes, it’s critical financial data. Malicious actors are always after any valuable data they can exploit.

Older security approaches that depend on a fortified network edge often operate under the flawed assumption that everything within that boundary is “secure.” This perspective is dangerously outdated, especially when a single stolen password can grant access to an entire system.

A zero-trust approach offers a modern and far more resilient solution by mandating ongoing verification of every user, device and action. Let’s explore why this framework is crucial and how to implement it within your organization.

What is zero trust?

The concept of zero trust, in simple terms, means “never trust, always verify.” Historically, organizations assumed that once you were inside the network (physically or via virtual private network), you were trustworthy. However, insider threats — either malicious or unintentional — along with sophisticated external hacks have proven this assumption wrong. Practices dealing with confidential patient or client data cannot afford to gamble on traditional perimeter defenses alone.

Adopting zero trust acknowledges that data breaches can happen at any point. Instead of granting sweeping access, every user, device or application must pass through checkpoints of authentication and authorization. This approach radically shrinks the attack surface. Even if a system is compromised, the adversary is contained within micro-segments and cannot freely hop from one database to another.

Assess existing security defenses

Every successful cybersecurity initiative begins with a candid and thorough review of existing defenses. Without understanding where your practice currently stands, you risk building on a shaky foundation. Begin by examining all channels through which data enters and leaves your organization. Sometimes, it’s the patient intake forms, remote work connections or integrated third-party platforms. Many practices acquire technology piecemeal over the years, so certain legacy tools or processes might be outdated, easily exploitable or poorly integrated.

An accurate assessment also demands looking at staff policies and procedures. Identify whether remote access protocols, password requirements and guidelines for reporting suspicious emails are clear and actually enforced. Should you find your team unable to spot phishing scams or improperly saving confidential data on their personal, unapproved devices, immediate intervention is mandatory. Simply having rules isn’t sufficient; your people require ongoing reinforcement, education and a fundamental grasp of how weak security leads directly to serious security failures.

Visibility and least privilege in zero trust

Zero trust is predicated on thorough visibility, which means knowing exactly who and what connects to your network. Take an inventory of all devices — company-owned workstations, personal mobile phones used by staff for work, specialized medical tablets and even office printers that could become stepping stones for attackers. Incomplete awareness of these end points creates blind spots that hackers can exploit.

Equally important is defining user roles and the level of system access each role requires. A receptionist logging appointments rarely needs to view the practice’s financial reports, just as an accountant may not require direct access to electronic medical records. Adopting a “least privilege” philosophy ensures that any single breached account has minimal reach within your systems. This granular control over permissions can contain a threat quickly, keeping cybercriminals from moving laterally throughout your network. By recognizing where each staff member fits into the workflow — and aligning that with precise data access rights — your practice strengthens every barrier an intruder might try to bypass.

MFA: Why single passwords aren’t enough

Even the best firewall becomes irrelevant the moment an attacker uses a compromised password to log in. Depending solely on one form of authentication exposes your entire organization to danger, particularly with the constant advancement of phishing techniques designed to trick users into divulging their credentials. This is precisely why multifactor authentication (MFA) is a prerequisite to zero trust. Mandating extra verification methods like a temporary code, biometric authentication or a physical security key gives your organization an added security layer that can significantly hinder attackers.

The introduction of MFA will initially feel like an inconvenience to your staff — which is perfectly understandable — but clear communication and thorough instructions can ease this transition. Often, simply showing employees how easily criminals can obtain or guess passwords is enough to convince them that MFA is a vital protection.

Monitor and maintain security measures

The effectiveness of a zero-trust approach is directly tied to the sustained effort behind it. Because cyber threats are constantly changing and adapting, your security measures must do the same. One of the most straightforward yet frequently neglected actions is keeping up with software patches. Cybercriminals commonly take advantage of known weaknesses in outdated software, so promptly updating operating systems, applications and firmware can prevent a large number of these attacks.

Real-time monitoring tools provide another essential layer of proactive defense. When you scrutinize network activity for anomalies (high-volume data transfers late at night, unauthorized logins from unexpected locations or repeated access attempts), you get the upper hand in mitigating these risks earlier. Rapid detection can make the difference between an intrusion and a crippling data breach. Periodic security audits and penetration tests also become important.

Security awareness must permeate your entire practice. While technology can repel or contain many threats, human error remains a significant vulnerability. Ongoing training sessions help your teams stay alert and develop safe digital habits. Open communication channels further encourage employees to report incidents quickly, without fear of negative judgment. This collective vigilance reinforces the zero-trust concept and ensures that everyone understands that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility.

Bridget O’Connor, a seasoned operations and management professional, serves as the chief operating officer at Fortalice Solutions. She is crucial in stabilizing and guiding the organization’s growth by managing employee hiring and retention initiatives. She represents the firm to clients and business partners with her characteristic dynamic, personable and professional white-glove approach.