Cybersecurity in Senior Living: Best Practices to Protect Your Facility

Senior living facilities not only face unique challenges when it comes to cybersecurity, they are increasingly becoming targets for cybercriminals. As custodians of sensitive personal and health information, these organizations must prioritize cybersecurity to protect their residents and maintain operational resilience. Here’s how you can safeguard your senior living community against the growing threat of cyberattacks.

Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape

Senior living facilities, like other healthcare organizations, hold a significant amount of personally identifiable information (PII) and protected health information (PHI). This makes them lucrative targets for cybercriminals who aim to exploit vulnerabilities for financial gain.

According to industry experts, the healthcare sector has seen a notable increase in cyberattacks, particularly ransomware and phishing schemes.

• Ransomware attacks involve locking down critical systems and demanding a ransom to restore access. For senior living facilities, this can mean the loss of access to essential medical records and operational data, crippling the facility’s ability to function.
• Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a form of phishing in which attackers gain unauthorized access to business emails, often leading to fraudulent fund transfers. This is particularly dangerous in senior living facilities, where financial transactions and sensitive communications are frequent.
• Many senior living facilities rely on third-party vendors for essential services. A breach in one of these vendors can result in significant business interruptions, even if the facility itself is not directly targeted.

Cybersecurity Best Practices

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a critical first line of defense. By requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access to sensitive systems, MFA adds a layer of security that can deter unauthorized access. However, it’s important to note that while MFA is a strong preventive measure, it is not infallible. Continuous updates and vigilance are required to maintain its effectiveness.

Secure Remote Access

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work, presenting new cybersecurity challenges. Ensuring that secure remote access protocols are in place is vital. This includes using VPNs with Zero Trust solutions and avoiding risky tools like Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), which can be easily exploited if not properly configured.

Regular Software Updates and Patching

Keeping software and systems up to date is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent cyberattacks. Zero-day vulnerabilities—flaws that are exploited as soon as they are discovered—pose significant risks, and outdated software can be an easy target. Establishing a regular patching schedule ensures that your systems are protected against the latest threats.

Phishing Awareness and Training

Phishing remains one of the most common methods for cybercriminals to gain access to sensitive information. Training staff to recognize phishing attempts and regularly conducting phishing simulations can significantly reduce the risk of a successful attack.

Develop and Test an Incident Response Plan

A well-defined incident response plan should outline the steps to take in the event of a cyberattack, including who to contact, how to contain the breach, and how to recover. Regular tabletop exercises can help ensure that everyone knows their role and can act quickly to mitigate damage.

Consider Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Services

For senior living facilities with limited IT resources, partnering with a managed detection and response (MDR) service can provide enhanced security monitoring and response capabilities. MDR services combine advanced tools with 24/7 monitoring by cybersecurity professionals, offering a higher level of protection against emerging threats.

The Importance of Active Insurance

Traditional insurance policies may not provide the comprehensive coverage needed to fully protect against cyber risks. An active insurance approach, as offered by some providers, integrates risk assessment, protection, and response services. This model provides financial coverage in the event of a breach and helps proactively prevent incidents through continuous monitoring and real-time vulnerability management.

Senior living facilities can significantly enhance their cybersecurity posture by taking these proactive steps. Whether you are currently reviewing your cyber risk management strategies or seeking new insurance coverage options, these practices will help ensure your organization is well-protected against the growing tide of cyber threats.