Healthcare Cybersecurity & Privacy Program

Associate of Science in Healthcare Cybersecurity & Privacy - 100% Online - Classes Provided by Our Atlanta Campus

Overview
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Highlights
Resources
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Program Overview

Our Healthcare Cybersecurity & Privacy program covers a wide range of topics designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to protect sensitive health information and ensure the integrity of healthcare systems. This comprehensive program prepares students to navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape in healthcare, balancing technical skills with an understanding of regulatory and ethical issues.

Protecting Our Digital Health

From medical data tracking and electronic health records to bedside life support systems or remote patient monitoring, information communication technology has streamlined healthcare delivery and made healthcare more reliant on technology. These digital tools and technological advancements have revolutionized medical care, but they have also introduced new challenges, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity.

Why is Cyber Health Security Important?

Cybersecurity threats pose a significant risk to the healthcare industry. Healthcare organizations handle sensitive personal health information (PHI), which can be a lucrative target for cybercriminals. Cyberattacks can disrupt critical healthcare services, leading to delays in patient care, potential harm to patients, and a loss of trust in healthcare providers and organizations.

Online Classes Offer a Range of Benefits

Online courses offer flexible learning options for working professionals and often eliminate costs associated with housing and campus fees. Students can learn at their own pace and on their own schedule, allowing them to balance studies with work or personal commitments. Online classes can be accessed from anywhere, reducing the need for travel and allowing for learning in a comfortable environment.

If you are interested in exploring a career in cyber health security, Cambridge would love to be a part of your path to success. We invite you to fill out the Request Info form to get more information or give us a call at 1-877-206-4279. We look forward to helping you reach your career goals!

Healthcare Cybersecurity & Privacy Career Opportunities

Health Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand to help organizations ensure operational security and resilience, and maintain public trust in the digital age.

Graduates of our Healthcare Cybersecurity programs can pursue roles such as:

Healthcare Security Analyst
Health Information Security Specialist
Compliance Specialist
IT Security Technician
Network Security Administrator
Data Privacy Specialist
Incident Response Coordinator
Medical Records Auditor
Clinical Systems Security Engineer
Healthcare IT Support Specialist

Program Highlights & Focuses

Regulatory Frameworks

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
HITECH (Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act)
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

Risk Management

Identifying and assessing risks in healthcare environments
Risk mitigation strategies

Cyber Threats and Vulnerabilities

Types of cyber threats (e.g., ransomware, phishing, insider threats)
Vulnerability assessment techniques

Security Technologies

Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption
Secure network design and architecture

Incident Response and Management

Developing and implementing incident response plans
Post-incident analysis and recovery

Data Protection and Privacy

Best practices for safeguarding patient data
Data access controls and user authentication

Ethical and Legal Considerations

Ethical dilemmas in cybersecurity
Legal implications of data breaches

Practical Components

Hands-On Labs: Students engage in practical exercises, such as penetration testing and security assessments.
Case Studies: Analysis of real-world breaches and the lessons learned.
Internships: Opportunities to work in healthcare settings, gaining real-world experience.

Skills Development

Technical Skills: Network security, system hardening, and cybersecurity tools.
Analytical Skills: Critical thinking and problem-solving in security contexts.
Communication Skills: Effectively communicating security policies and incidents to non-technical staff.

Program Resources

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Since 2004, the president of the United States and Congress have declared October to be Cybersecurity Awareness Month, helping organizations and individuals protect themselves online as threats to technology and confidential data become more commonplace.

What We Learned: Change Healthcare Cyber Attack

Americans deserve to have their sensitive health information protected. Energy and Commerce Republicans have been actively working since the February 21st cyberattack on Change Healthcare to understand how it happened, how it can be prevented in the future, and how to help Americans continue to access care.

Senators Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Healthcare Cybersecurity

The Health Care Cybersecurity and Resiliency Act of 2024 would provide grants to help healthcare organizations strengthen prevention and response – and push for better coordination between HHS and CISA.

92% Of U.S. Healthcare Organizations Experienced a Cyberattack in the Past Year

Virtually all healthcare organizations have experienced at least one cyberattack in the past 12 months, according to a recent survey by the Ponemon Institute on behalf of Proofpoint.

Should Government Play a Bigger Role in Healthcare Cybersecurity?

According to a 2023 report by the US Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center, the number of cyberattacks on the healthcare sector doubled in 2023 from the year prior. So far in 2024 that accelerated trajectory shows no sign of slowing down.

A Prescription for Health Sector Cybersecurity

The Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center (HC3) was created by the Department of Health and Human Services to aid in the protection of vital, controlled, healthcare-related information, and to ensure that cybersecurity information sharing is coordinated across the health and public health sector.

What is healthcare cybersecurity?

Healthcare cybersecurity involves protecting sensitive patient data, medical records, and healthcare systems from cyber threats, such as data breaches, ransomware, and unauthorized access.

Why is cybersecurity important in healthcare?

Healthcare organizations handle vast amounts of personal and sensitive data. A breach can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and compromised patient care, making robust cybersecurity essential for patient safety and trust.

What are common cybersecurity threats in healthcare?

Common threats include ransomware attacks, phishing scams, insider threats, malware, and denial-of-service attacks. Each can disrupt operations and jeopardize patient data.

What regulations govern healthcare cybersecurity?

Key regulations include the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the U.S., which sets standards for protecting patient information, and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, which encourages the adoption of health information technology.

How can healthcare organizations improve their cybersecurity?

Organizations can improve cybersecurity by implementing strong access controls, conducting regular security assessments, training staff on cybersecurity best practices, using encryption, and ensuring robust incident response plans are in place.

Recent Healthcare Cybersecurity & Privacy News

Preparing for a Career in Healthcare Cybersecurity
There has never been a more acute need for trained professionals in healthcare cybersecurity. With sensitive patient data constantly under threat, hospitals, and health care organizations are looking to experts to help them protect their systems, maintain patient privacy and ensure continued operations. For those seeking opportunities to test their skills against a pressing demand in tech, Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology’s Healthcare Cybersecurity program provides a curriculum with a diversified career.
Best Practices for Healthcare Organizations to Avoid Cyber Attacks
Cyberattacks against healthcare organizations are increasing in sophistication, frequency, and scope, with a focus on exploiting sensitive patient information and crippling mission-critical functions. This underscored the importance of health care providers developing holistic strategies for securing electronic health records (EHRs), protecting the trust of patients, and fulfilling stringent compliance requirements. Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology’s Healthcare Cybersecurity program prepares students to take charge of guarding healthcare systems against these growing threats.
Why Healthcare Needs Cybersecurity Experts Now More Than Ever
There is an unprecedented wave of cyber threats aimed at the healthcare sector. As we become increasingly reliant on digital systems, the prospect of destructive data breaches, ransomware attacks, and operational disruptions looms larger. Cybersecurity experts have gone from optional to essential in healthcare, not just to safeguard patient data, but to protect organizational operations and ensure trust in the healthcare system. At Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology, we understand this urgency and equip students to meet these challenges through its groundbreaking Healthcare Cybersecurity program.

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