Electronic Records, Technology / 09.10.2024

Hospitals, health care systems, doctors' office, medical labs and facilities are under increasing threat from cybercriminals.  These remote, often foreign agents hijack critical medical operating systems and records, holding these important systems operationally hostage until a ransom is paid. The ransom may be paid in cryptocurrency and kept secret to avoid bad publicity.  Therefore, medical systems must be on the forefront of cybersecurity, with advance phishing detection, staff education, and strict firewalls.  Learn more about the use of firewalls in protecting valuable health care systems and medical information below.

Key Takeaways:

  • Firewalls are crucial for network security and differentiate between safe and unsafe traffic.
  • Various firewalls, such as hardware and software firewalls, serve different functions.
  • Implementing a firewall is essential for protecting sensitive information and maintaining data integrity.

What is a Firewall?

In the realm of cybersecurity, understanding the role of a firewall is incredibly important. A firewall acts as a barrier between your network and possible threats from external sources. Its purpose is to supervise and manage network traffic, both incoming and outgoing, according to established security regulations. Consider it as a guardian that allows only approved traffic to move ahead. In medieval times, castles utilized moats and drawbridges as barriers to safeguard valuable assets from invaders, a practice that is not novel. Likewise, firewalls play a vital role in protecting against cyber threats in today's digital era. (more…)