Cyber Security: A Call for Regulatory Focus Research Paper (Research Paper Sample)

Cyber Security-A Call for Regulatory Focus
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Cyber Security-A Call for Regulatory Focus
With advancements in technology, the healthcare industry is heavily relying on digitization and automation techniques of data such as electronic health records (EHRs) to provide more efficient and effective patient care. Even though healthcare organizations have been able to reap a wide range of benefits from EHRs, their computer systems and data remains vulnerable to cyber-attacks (Coventry & Branley, 2018). The vulnerabilities exert substantial risks with potentially devastating consequences for the healthcare facilities, their patients, and their business partners. In 2016 and 2017, many hospitals were attacked by ransomware leading to DoS (denial of service) attacks, and theft of PHI (protected health information) among other threats. The ransomware attacks implied that cybercrimes could trigger emergencies and adversely impact patient care (Coventry & Branley, 2018). The paper comprehensively reviews how the use of EHRs exposes the patient data to cybercrime and some of the strategies for regulating cybersecurity in the clinical settings.