In 2023, an average of 364,571 healthcare records were breached every day in the U.S.1
Ranked as the second most targeted sector in cyberspace, pharmacies in particular have seen an increase in the size and scope of cyberattacks.2 For example, a February 2024 cyberattack targeting Change Healthcare exposed serious vulnerabilities in our nation’s healthcare infrastructure. It not only left pharmacies unable to fill prescriptions and process insurance claims, but also left the protected health information of up to 1 in 3 Americans open to theft.3
A Crippling Impact
Pharmacies manage a vast amount of patient data, including prescription details, medical history, contact information and more. Having the proper cybersecurity measures protects a pharmacy operationally and financially. Without them, cyberattacks can cause massive disruptions to the quality of patient care, cost a significant amount of money to fix, and, in extreme cases, can have fatal consequences.4
When cyberattacks force pharmacy operations to a halt, the impact goes beyond the ability to fill prescriptions. The attack may leave pharmacies unable to access systems commonly used for medical billing and insurance claims. A significant consequence is desperate patients having to choose between paying out of pocket for essential medications or forgoing them entirely. This issue can be a matter of life or death for those who depend on insulin or cancer treatments that can cost more than $16,000 per month out of pocket.5
Steps to Assess Vulnerability
In this heightened threat environment, pharmacies need to stay updated on regulatory requirements, technological advancements and industry standards to ensure the ongoing protection of patient data. This involves regularly reviewing and implementing the latest security protocols, investing in advanced software solutions and training staff on best practices for data privacy and cybersecurity.6 It’s essential for pharmacies to identify key vulnerabilities to maintain resiliency in the event of a cyberattack. Here are some solutions pharmacies can implement:7
- Server Security
Pharmacies should choose vendors with experience in managing healthcare data and rigorously evaluate their cybersecurity measures. In addition, they should patch their operating systems software and firmware as soon as manufacturers release updates.
- Patient Data Disposal
For patients who no longer use the pharmacy, it is essential to securely remove their data from databases. Ensuring the safe removal of this data will reduce the risk of an unauthorized individual from trying to access this data when it is discarded by the pharmacy.
- Staff-education
Training staff about the importance of cybersecurity during the onboarding process is not enough for them to recognize the signs of an attack. Having routine meetings and trainings are essential to keep staff informed about what to watch for. This will also help them recognize any suspicious behavior from colleagues that could pose an internal threat.
- Response Team and Operations Plan
A pharmacy should work closely with its IT personnel to identify methods for protecting data and develop an action plan for responding to attacks. Pharmacies should also evaluate their ability to maintain operations offline.
- Patient Contingency Plan
Collaborating with other pharmacies allows patients to still receive their medications if their primary pharmacy experiences an unexpected disruption. Creating a network of pharmacies is a great proactive approach to ensure patient quality of care.
Innovatix®: Your Source for Cybersecurity Solutions
Working with our parent company, Premier, Innovatix is dedicated to helping our members and partners achieve significant cost savings when they utilize contracts from our extensive supplier portfolio. As your go-to partner for diverse business needs, Innovatix helps ensure all facets of your pharmacy are covered, including cybersecurity.
As a member of Innovatix, you receive access to our cybersecurity suppliers who offer solutions to you at a significant discount. Our suppliers include e360, GE Healthcare, Konica Minolta, All Covered, Renovo and Sensato. Each of these trusted suppliers have hardware, software, systems and services that can help your organization protect information and networks from major cyber threats or attacks. Their solutions can proactively protect and support your organization during critical times after a security breach has been identified and can assist you in improving your detection, response and containment capabilities.
In addition to our suppliers, Innovatix members also have access to a central hub for cybersecurity-specific resources. Our PINC AI™ platform offers recommendations, news, updates and staff education so you can stay up to date on cybersecurity threats and how to combat them. Contact us today to learn more about how Innovatix can assist your pharmacy with its cybersecurity needs.
