The breach of valuable health information in Australia is increasing each year. This rise is attributed to advanced hacking techniques and inadequate cybersecurity practices among health professionals.
Dr Tafheem Wani, Lecturer of Digital Health at La Trobe’s School of Psychology and Public Health, contributes to the research of national importance, such as the development of healthcare cybersecurity frameworks and the enhancement of Victoria’s virtual care capabilities, Dr. Tafheem Wani commented on the growing problem of health data breaches, such as the leaking of confidential health information. Dr Wani said,
“Healthcare experiences the highest number of data breaches globally and in Australia, over all other industries. With advancements in healthcare technology and digitisation of health services, cybersecurity risks have significantly increased and can grow even further.
“Hackers are especially interested in health records because they can sell the data for high prices on the black market. They can use the information for medical identity theft, to disrupt health services through non-state actors, and for espionage.
“Healthcare cybersecurity is mostly not given the attention it deserves, and I believe it is about time that all stakeholders – government agencies, healthcare organisations, professionals, and patients alike, recognise and understand their rights and responsibilities in securing health data.
“A significant proportion of data breaches in healthcare are attributed to human or internal errors.* We need a holistic and tailored approach in understanding and developing measures for healthcare cybersecurity. Apart from investments in cybersecurity technology, we also need to invest in initiatives such as developing customised cybersecurity training and awareness programs for healthcare staff, streamlining enforcement of cyber policies and health data privacy regulations, and establishing a proactive cybersecurity culture in healthcare organisations.”
*Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) for the June December 2023
