The cybersecurity imperative: Securing healthcare’s golden hour

Interoperability and a multiplicity of care sites are increasing the attack vector, and providers need to strengthen their defensive posture.



This interview and article is a summation of a 3-part series by Nick Kathmann. View the full series here

Time is often a life-or-death matter in healthcare. The “golden hour,” a term borrowed from emergency medicine, underscores the first 60 minutes after a traumatic event, when timely care dramatically affects outcomes. 

However, in today’s digitally intertwined healthcare systems, this golden hour is under siege — not by medical challenges but by cybersecurity vulnerabilities. 

Nick Kathmann, chief information security officer at LogicGate, recently spoke on this growing threat, likening the healthcare industry’s cybersecurity woes to a clock ticking on affecting patient safety. In this interview, Kathmann delved into the complex landscape of healthcare’s cybersecurity challenges, shedding light on how leaders can navigate these treacherous waters while safeguarding the essence of patient care. 

How cybersecurity gaps erode critical time 

The golden hour is not just a metaphor; it’s a harsh reality in the event of cybersecurity breaches. Kathmann highlighted a chilling scenario — a ransomware attack that shuts down hospital operations. If one hospital is incapacitated and the nearest alternative is 40 minutes away, the critical first hour of care could be lost entirely — a devastating outcome for patients with life-threatening conditions like strokes or cardiac events. 

Even in the absence of full-blown system outages, smaller inefficiencies compound to erode precious time. “Every practitioner in a healthcare setting must navigate layers of security protocols to verify their identity and access the information they need,” Kathmann explained. When multiplied across multiple touchpoints — each requiring logins, multi-factor authentication, and permissions — the cumulative delay can shave off significant minutes from patient care. 

The expanding attack surface 

Modern healthcare systems are marvels of connectivity, but this interconnectedness comes at a price — it gives cybercriminals an ever-expanding attack surface ripe for exploitation. Kathmann identified three critical drivers of this sprawling vulnerability. 

Software supply chain dependencies. The limited pool of electronic medical record vendors creates a homogeneity in security architecture across healthcare systems. “Attackers know these environments well before they even arrive,” Kathmann remarked, making them easier targets. 

Vendor lock-in with legacy systems. Expensive medical devices, like MRI and CT scanners, often operate on outdated software that vendors deprecate before their expected lifespans end. Hospitals are left juggling costly maintenance agreements and slow security updates — leaving them sometimes months behind in making critical patches. 

Increased interconnectivity. Data-sharing agreements among hospitals, insurance providers and third-party vendors amplify the potential entry points for cyberattacks. As Kathmann noted, “Every additional partnership or acquisition widens the digital footprint and introduces new vulnerabilities.” 

Designing security without sacrificing care 

For healthcare leaders, the balancing act between robust cybersecurity and seamless patient care is daunting. Kathmann offered a practical framework for navigating this tension — design security controls that act as tools, not taxes. 

“Security shouldn’t feel like a burden,” he emphasized. For example, implementing single sign-on (SSO) solutions can enhance both security and user convenience. By consolidating access points, SSO minimizes the need for repetitive logins, reducing the risk of workarounds for users, who sometimes revert to employing sticky notes with passwords — an all-too-common vulnerability. 

On the other hand, when restrictive measures are unavoidable, transparency is key. Kathmann advised healthcare leaders to clearly communicate the purpose and necessity of such measures to their teams, ensuring buy-in and mitigating frustration. 

Building a future-ready framework 

In an industry where technological evolution outpaces regulatory oversight, proactive design is paramount. Kathmann urged organizations to look three to five years ahead, considering scenarios like mergers, acquisitions or the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. 

By adopting resilient, flexible architectures today, healthcare systems can avoid the pitfalls of retrofitting outdated infrastructure to meet future needs. “Design choices made now should anticipate the inevitable complexities of tomorrow,” Kathmann stressed. 

Kathmann outlined actionable strategies for bolstering cybersecurity without compromising operational efficiency. 

Strengthen identity and access management. Simplify and secure user authentication processes with tools like SSO and centralized identity management. 

Segment networks strategically. Isolate sensitive systems to limit the spread of potential breaches. 

Enhance data backup protocols. Regularly update and test backups to ensure quick recovery in the event of an attack. 

Audit vendor relationships. Evaluate third-party security practices and push for adherence to rigorous standards. 

Healthcare’s golden hour is no longer just a matter of clinical speed — it’s a race against cyberthreats that jeopardize patient safety and operational integrity. Kathmann’s insights are a stark reminder that the stakes have never been higher. As healthcare leaders navigate this perilous landscape, the key lies in harmonizing innovation with security. By designing systems that prioritize both, organizations can safeguard their mission — delivering timely, lifesaving care while fortifying protection against an increasingly hostile digital world.


This interview and article is a summation of a 3-part series by Nick Kathmann. View the full series here

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