In today’s digital era, easier access to personal data creates serious challenges, especially in healthcare. Digital healthcare services improve access to information. However, they also increase the risk of exposing sensitive patient data. Hospital information systems, electronic medical records, and healthcare applications can become targets for cybercriminals. ISO/IEC 27701 can support a structured approach to managing privacy risks.
Recent findings highlight the growing threat to healthcare data. According to the 2025 Breach Barometer report, healthcare data breaches affected more than 300 million patient records in 2024, a 26% increase from the previous year.
Threats to healthcare data are becoming more serious and complex. Patient records contain more than medical information. They also include sensitive personal and identity data. Under Indonesia’s Law No. 24 of 2013, personal population data that must be protected includes:
- Information about physical and/or mental disabilities.
- Fingerprints.
- Iris scans.
- Signatures.
- Other data elements that may cause personal disgrace.
This situation requires hospitals and healthcare institutions to adopt a more comprehensive approach to information security. Traditional security measures alone may not be sufficient. Organizations need structured systems to manage information security risks. Failure to address these threats can cause significant financial losses. It can also affect patient health and safety and lead to legal consequences.
Preventive Measures for Hospitals and Individuals
For Hospitals
- Audits and Certification: Conduct information security audits and consider certification to ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27701, or ISO 27799 to strengthen information security and privacy management.
- Employee Training: Provide regular cybersecurity training to help staff recognize threats and respond appropriately.
- Security Technology Implementation: Use encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems to protect patient data.
For Individuals
- Privacy Awareness: Understand the importance of protecting personal information and exercise caution when sharing it.
- Use of Official Applications: Use trusted and official healthcare applications to reduce the risk of data exposure.
- System Updates: Keep software and applications up to date to benefit from the latest security protections.
Read also: The Importance of Privacy and the Role of ISO/IEC 27701 Certification in Protecting Personal Data.
Conclusion
As cyber threats increase, hospitals and individuals must take proactive steps to protect personal data. Data breaches threaten individual privacy and can damage an organization’s reputation and financial position. They may also put patient safety at risk.
Therefore, healthcare institutions need to implement effective information security management systems. They should also adopt appropriate technologies and continuously improve their security controls.
CBQA Global’s Role in Risk Mitigation
CBQA Global offers certification, training, and gap audit services to help organizations strengthen information security and protect patients’ personal data. The following ISO standards are relevant to the healthcare sector.
| Standard | Main Focus | Relevance to Healthcare |
|---|---|---|
| ISO/IEC 27001 | Information Security Management System (ISMS) | Helps protect hospital data and administrative processes against cyber threats and data loss. |
| ISO/IEC 27701 | Privacy and personal data protection | Supports structured personal data management and privacy governance, helping organizations address applicable regulatory requirements and strengthen public trust. |
| ISO 27799 | Healthcare information security | Provides healthcare-specific information security controls, including guidance relevant to electronic medical records and biometric data. |
CBQA Global, together with its experienced team, is ready to support hospitals and healthcare institutions in strengthening their information security management systems.
Email: info@cbqaglobal.com
Marketing Email: marketing.cbqaglobal@gmail.com
WhatsApp: 0811 8468 777
Phone: +62 21 2781 4200
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