Securing Capital Assets: The Vital Role of Cybersecurity in Healthcare

October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time for organizations across all industries to reassess their digital security protocols. In healthcare, cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting patient data—it’s also about safeguarding your capital assets, which are the backbone of your operations. From MRI machines to infusion pumps, modern capital equipment is increasingly interconnected, expanding your network’s vulnerability to cyber threats.

At HANDLE Global, we understand the critical intersection of capital assets and cybersecurity. Our Capital Cycle Management (CCM®) platform offers cutting-edge features that help healthcare organizations mitigate cybersecurity risks while ensuring compliance with ever-evolving regulations. Let’s explore how focusing on cybersecurity for capital assets can safeguard your healthcare operations.

Why Cybersecurity for Capital Assets?

While traditional cybersecurity efforts often concentrate on protecting patient data and IT networks, medical equipment itself has become a key target. These devices frequently collect, store, and transmit data, making them potential cyberattack entry points. A breach in one medical device could lead to network-wide vulnerabilities, putting both operational efficiency and patient safety at risk.

Healthcare organizations face rising threats, from ransomware to data theft, which can disrupt essential services. As capital assets become more interconnected, keeping them secure is a critical element of maintaining the integrity of your entire healthcare system.

How CCM® Mitigates Cybersecurity Risks

CCM® provides a unique approach to cybersecurity by integrating features specifically designed to protect capital assets. Here’s how:

• Customizable Risk Scores: Our platform includes built-in risk mitigation features like customizable risk scores. These scores can assess cybersecurity vulnerabilities, taking into account the asset's lifecycle, usage, and exposure to networked environments. This allows healthcare organizations to prioritize maintenance and cybersecurity efforts for high-risk equipment.
• Comprehensive Asset Tracking: The more data you have, the better prepared you are. CCM® provides real-time tracking of your assets, helping you stay informed about any potential risks. If a device requires immediate attention due to a security concern, the platform can issue alerts so you can act quickly to mitigate the threat.
• End-to-End Lifecycle Management: Managing the entire lifecycle of an asset means taking cybersecurity into account from acquisition to disposition. Our platform ensures that sensitive data can be wiped clean before decommissioning an asset, preventing potential data breaches through discarded equipment.

Staying Ahead of Cyber Threats

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and healthcare organizations need proactive solutions that address the full scope of their assets’ vulnerability. HANDLE Global offers a proactive, data-driven approach to mitigating cybersecurity risks, ensuring that your organization not only meets regulatory requirements but also protects its critical infrastructure from potential attacks.

As we focus on cybersecurity this month, now is the time to evaluate how well your capital assets are protected. With CCM®, you can confidently secure your organization’s equipment and strengthen your cybersecurity posture.