Implementing BYOD Security in a Healthcare Enterprise Network
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Grand Canyon University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
307
Subject
Information Systems
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
6
Uploaded by ChancellorPheasant4029
Implementing BYOD Security in a Healthcare Enterprise Network
Emmett J Norris
Grand Canyon University
ITT-307
Joshua Gartner
2/18/2024
Implementing BYOD Security in a Healthcare Enterprise Network
Abstract
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) strategies enhance workplace flexibility but introduce significant security challenges within the healthcare sector, where patient data protection is paramount. This essay proposes a comprehensive BYOD security plan designed explicitly for healthcare networks. Key security concerns include HIPAA breaches, malware attacks, "shadow
IT" risks, and vulnerabilities posed by IoT devices. The plan employs robust healthcare-specific policies, network segmentation with zero-trust architecture, device management (MDM), application containerization, data loss prevention (DLP), mandatory security training, and AI-
assisted threat detection measures. A tiered network access strategy balances BYOD flexibility against the sensitivity of data and operations. This multi-pronged approach aims to mitigate risks
while optimizing staff agility within the strict regulatory landscape of healthcare.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) strategies enable flexibility and employee satisfaction in today's workplaces. However, within the healthcare sector, where patient data confidentiality is of paramount importance, BYOD introduces a distinct set of security risks (Kruse, Smith, Vanderlinden, & Nealand, 2017). This is a robust BYOD security plan tailored to a healthcare network, prioritizing compliance, tiered access restrictions, and advanced threat detection to mitigate risks while supporting staff agility.
There are few security challenges that will need to be faced and overcome to properly implement this plan. Starting with data theft and HIPAA Breaches. Sensitive patient data residing on personal devices drastically elevates the risk of costly HIPAA violations if devices are lost, stolen, or compromised (Santanen, 2020). The breach of even a single device could harm patients and inflict legal and reputational damage upon the healthcare provider. Then there is malware targeting medical records. This is because healthcare data has a high value on the black market. Threat actors target BYOD devices as entry points, with ransomware attacks aiming to cripple operations and extort significant payments (Kruse et al., 2017). There is also "shadow IT" through personal app
preferences. This is where healthcare staff, seeking convenience, may use unauthorized productivity and communication apps on BYOD devices. These unsanctioned tools undermine HIPAA compliance and create data integrity risks. Lastly there is the risk of unsecured medical IoT devices. Wearable patient monitoring devices and staff fitness trackers are often built with weak security. Vulnerabilities in these IoT devices provide adversaries with potential gateways into the healthcare network.
Even with these big risks to the network integrity, there are some plans that can be
implemented to counter these issues. Starting with a robust, healthcare-Specific, BYOD
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Policy. A detailed policy tailored to healthcare mandates is crucial. Beyond usual security
controls, it must specifically address HIPAA's "Security Rule" with provisions for secured data transmission, at-rest storage, clear incident reporting time frames, and strict breach sanctions (Gordon et al., 2020). There should also be network segmentation and zero-trust implementation. Strict network segmentation isolates BYOD devices, limiting their connectivity within the organization's network. A zero-trust architecture helps this by enforcing the "never trust, always verify" principle, requiring authentication and authorization before any access, even within the BYOD segment (Santanen, 2020). A MDM with app restriction should also be implemented. A Mobile Device Management (MDM) enables central enforcement of HIPAA-compliant device configurations. White listing authorized applications and preventing "sideloading" from untrusted app stores minimizes risks and provides centralized control. This also helps to prevent and shadow-
IT issues potentially. Application containerization and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) will also need to be implemented for this plan. Sensitive patient data must remain within secure "containers" on BYOD devices. DLP technology integrated within these containers monitors all outbound communication channels, preventing the accidental or malicious leakage of protected data (Gordon et al., 2020). This helps to make sure that the private health information stays private. Lastly, mandatory security training will also be implemented. Training programs must go beyond general cybersecurity awareness, delving into BYOD-specific threats in the healthcare setting. Phishing scams targeting patient data, risks posed by unvetted file-sharing tools, and recognizing vulnerabilities in apps must be central to the training content.
Establishing behavioral patterns within the BYOD network segment enhances proactive detection. AI-powered systems can learn typical usage patterns, aiding the identification of anomalies that might indicate malware activity or a compromised device.
With these plans, the challenges mentioned earlier should be able to be overcome. Within
the healthcare environment, a nuanced, risk-based network access approach is key. First, the devices should be given limited access. Basic connectivity for email, scheduling, and non-patient-facing applications, always within secure containers with organizational tools
being mandatory.
Second, the devices should also be assigned restricted access areas that they cannot connect to. Clinical areas with patient data access require additional safeguards like VPNs, two-factor authentication, and strict monitoring with strengthened DLP rules. Lastly, they will need areas designated as prohibit access areas on the network. Specific highly-sensitive systems or data categories might entirely exclude BYOD devices. For such resources, fully managed, organization-issued devices with even stricter controls provide maximum security.
This multi-layered security strategy strikes a balance between BYOD flexibility and stringent healthcare regulations (Santanen, 2020). It acknowledges the benefits of BYOD but prioritizes risk mitigation. Zero-trust principles and proactive threat detection are essential when facing adversaries directly targeting personal devices. Ongoing security training emphasizing real-world healthcare scenarios, coupled with continuous vulnerability assessments, create a dynamic, adaptable framework that aligns with this sensitive sector's evolving needs.
References
Gordon, W. J., Wright, A., Aiyagari, R., Corbo, L., Glynn, R. J., Kadakia, J., Kuziemsky,
C., & Landman, A. (2020). BYOD security in healthcare: challenges, solutions, and recommendations. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth, 8(11). https://mhealth.jmir.org/2020/6/e18175/ Kruse, C. S., Smith, B., Vanderlinden, H., & Nealand, A. (2017). Security techniques for the electronic health records. Journal of Medical Systems, 41(8), 127. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-017-0778-4
Santanen, E. (2020). Cybersecurity challenges with bring-your-own-device in healthcare. Health Management*, 20(2), 3-6.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help