Why Traditional Antivirus Is No Longer Enough
Today’s Cybersecurity Risks Demand Endpoint Detection and Response Technology
By Rick Passero and Jan Koster
Even casual readers of healthcare news recognize that the industry has faced an unprecedented wave of cyberattacks in recent years. 2023 was even declared as the worst year in healthcare security breaches by The HIPAA Journal with 725 reported incidents involving 500 or more patient records, affecting more than 133 million individuals. That means more than 1 out of 3 Americans’ protected health information (PHI) was compromised last year in a security breach.
For decades, an essential tool for detecting malicious software (malware) on devices and networks was an antivirus application. The stalwart cybersecurity tool works by scanning files on IT systems, looking for anomalies, and then deleting known viruses or quarantining potentially concerning files for review by the user.
Traditional antivirus software applications, however, are failing to meet the needs of hospitals and health systems today faced with increasingly sophisticated types of malwares that can evade these safeguards. In the current high-risk environment, healthcare providers need a more aggressive security posture that involves identifying suspicious activity to prevent viruses from finding their way into mission-critical systems.
Around-the-Clock Surveillance
Amid these growing threats, leading healthcare organizations have implemented Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions that continuously collect data from endpoints – computers, devices and servers – on a network in real-time to detect suspicious activities associated with cyberattacks. An EDR solution alerts the user, cybersecurity team, or other designated individuals about the activity, but can also autonomously respond to potential threats by quarantining files and blocking the affected computer or other infected device from the network.
Through this continuous data collection, the EDR system creates a baseline for an organization and then responds to deviations from the norm. For example, if an endpoint laptop that rarely downloads files from a server suddenly begins offloading enormous amounts of data, that behavior would likely be detected. Or, if a new, unapproved application was downloaded from the web, which often occurs when a user clicks on a file or link that contains malware, that activity would be spotted by the EDR.
By proactively responding to suspicious behavior, the EDR can often determine intent and discover malicious software much faster than traditional antivirus tools that must scan through huge volumes of stored files. In some cases, the antivirus program may not spot malware before it has already spread infected code or programs throughout a network, making it more difficult, disruptive and costly to identify and remove.
Keeping Humans in the Loop
An EDR solution relies on machine-learning algorithms, so it is often able to respond faster and more accurately to credible threats with fewer false alarms over time due to its accumulated
familiarity with an organization’s endpoint behaviors. Yet just installing the software and letting it run in the background will not typically deliver the level of protection critical healthcare data requires.
Rather, partnering with Anatomy IT, a healthcare-specialized managed IT services leader with decades of cybersecurity expertise, enables healthcare organizations to maximize the value of their EDR solutions while alleviating staff from time-consuming system monitoring, maintenance and optimization. Anatomy IT can equip organizations with the most appropriate EDR solution for their organizations along with other security solutions, including Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), end-user training, and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), as part of a holistic strategy.
While no IT solution can prevent every single cyberattack, a comprehensive security suite managed by Anatomy IT is the foundation of an enterprise-wide plan to protect against the vast majority of cyber threats, while ensuring that staff is prepared to respond effectively and safeguard your patients, data and organization against attacks.
Take Action to Protect Your Healthcare Organization
Don’t wait for a breach to take action. Upgrade your cybersecurity with Anatomy IT’s expert-managed Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions. Schedule your free consultation today to fortify your defenses and safeguard your data. Contact us now to get started!
