Protect Your Lab with Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures

Several key lessons have emerged in the year since Change Healthcare - a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group - suffered a disastrous cyberattack.

On top of a $22 million ransom payment to BlackCat, the February 2024 data security breach resulted in the theft of sensitive personal information, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and healthcare records. It also disrupted claims processing and billing systems, causing significant delays in patient care and provider payments while affecting approximately 190 million individuals at an estimated cost of over $2.9 billion. 

Learn More: One Year Later: Lessons Learned from the Change Healthcare Cyberattack

In addition to confirming the ransom payment when speaking to the U.S. Senate’s Finance Committee in May 2024, UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty said the hackers gained access to Change Healthcare through a server not protected by multi-factor authentication (MFA). 

The large-scale cyberattack on Change Healthcare underscores the urgent need for clinical labs and pathology groups to implement strong cybersecurity measures. They must act now to safeguard sensitive data and maintain operational integrity, especially as the healthcare sector remains a prime target for cybercriminals seeking financial gain through disruption.

Key Lessons for Medical Laboratories

1. Strengthening Security Protocols

The Change Healthcare breach emphasized that robust security measures are essential, not optional. Labs must implement basic safeguards like multifactor authentication, endpoint security, and regular software updates to protect against cyber threats.

2. Organizational Cybersecurity Culture

Cybersecurity should be a top-down priority, integrated into daily operations. Leadership must drive initiatives, and all employees should undergo regular cybersecurity training to recognize and prevent threats.

3. Transparent Communication During Cyber Incidents

Timely and clear communication is vital during a cyberattack. Keeping stakeholders informed ensures better crisis management and helps maintain trust within the healthcare ecosystem.

4. Incident Response and Disaster Recovery Planning

Labs must establish and regularly test incident response and disaster recovery plans to minimize downtime and mitigate the impact of cyber incidents.

Essential Cybersecurity Strategies for Labs

Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring two forms of authentication (such as a password and a mobile confirmation code).

Benefits:

• Mitigates phishing attacks by preventing unauthorized access, even if passwords are compromised.
• Protects against brute-force attacks (such as automated attacks attempting to guess passwords).
• Ensures compliance with HIPAA and other regulations.

Leverage Immutable Backups

Immutable backups prevent data from being altered or deleted, making them essential for ransomware protection.

Advantages:

• Allows data restoration without paying a ransom.
• Ensures data integrity.
• Helps meet regulatory compliance requirements.

Develop a Comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP)

A Disaster Recovery Plan ensures business continuity in the event of a cyberattack.

Key Components:

• Risk Assessment: Identify vulnerabilities specific to lab operations.
• Recovery Objectives: Define acceptable downtime and data loss limits.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Assign response duties to team members.
• Communication Plan: Establish internal and external communication protocols.
• Regular Testing: Conduct simulations and updates to address emerging threats.

Employee Training and Awareness

Human error contributes to many cybersecurity breaches. Labs should conduct regular training to educate staff on best practices.

Training Strategies:

• Phishing Simulations: Test employees with mock phishing emails.
• Security Policies: Implement clear guidelines on password management and data handling.

Regular Software Updates and Patch Management

Keeping laboratory software systems up to date closes vulnerabilities that hackers could otherwise exploit.

Best Practices:

• Enable automatic updates when and where possible.
• Establish a regular schedule for reviewing and applying software patches.

Network Segmentation

Dividing a network into separate segments limits the potential spread of malware and unauthorized access.

Implementation Steps:

• Isolate critical lab systems from general office networks.
• Use firewalls to control traffic and enforce strict access permissions.

Endpoint Security Solutions

Protecting lab devices such as computers and mobile devices is crucial.

Security Measures:

• Install and regularly update antivirus and anti-malware software.
• Encrypt data on devices to prevent unauthorized access.

Secure Remote Access

With remote work on the rise, secure remote access is essential.

Solutions:

• Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to encrypt data.
• Implement a Zero Trust security model requiring continuous verification for all users and devices.

Cybersecurity Insurance

Cyber insurance can mitigate financial losses from cyberattacks.

Key Considerations:

• Ensure the policy covers ransomware, data breaches, and business interruptions.
• Verify compliance requirements, as insurers may mandate certain security measures.

Act Now and Protect Your Organization

The surge in cyberattacks on laboratories highlights the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures. As the Change Healthcare example demonstrates, implementing a comprehensive plan with robust security protocols is no longer a “nice to have” enhancement but a “must have” requirement. 

By learning from this incident, healthcare providers - and medical labs in particular - can strengthen their cybersecurity posture, enhance resilience against future threats, and better protect patient trust.

LigoLab’s Commitment to Cybersecurity and Data Protection

As a trusted laboratory information system (LIS system) provider, LigoLab prioritizes the security and integrity of its all-in-one medical LIS and lab billing (lab revenue cycle management) platform, ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations and industry best practices. 

Its security framework is built on core principles such as confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with continuous enhancements to safeguard sensitive data at every level. 

LigoLab’s dedicated security team collaborates closely with lab partners to extend these protections into customer environments.

Learn More: What You Need to Know Before Contracting with a Laboratory Information System (LIS) Company

Key Security Measures Implemented by LigoLab

Robust Security Program

LigoLab’s information security program incorporates multiple layers of protection, including:

• Secure development protocols
• Data encryption and storage safeguards
• Network security measures
• Audit services
• Endpoint security and access controls
• Backup and disaster recovery strategies
• Incident response and threat management systems

For an in-depth look at LigoLab’s Enterprise Java technology stack, platform architecture, and detailed security policies, please click the link below.

Learn More: LigoLab Security Stance and Architecture

Enhanced Backup Services

Recognizing the increasing risk of cyber threats, LigoLab now offers Enhanced Backup Services to help labs ensure data security, immutability, and rapid recovery if an attack occurs. These services include:

• Automated, regular backups to secure off-site storage
• Rapid restoration capabilities to minimize downtime (~4 hours)
• Tailored support and consultation for customized backup solutions

Pricing starts at $300/month, with the final cost depending on data volume. For more details, partner labs can contact Support@LigoLab.com.

Partnership with Law & Forensics for Audit Services

LigoLab has joined forces with Law & Forensics, a renowned cybersecurity and compliance firm, to enhance its security solutions. Through this partnership, partner laboratories gain access to:

• Comprehensive security audits tailored to their specific needs
• Regulatory compliance assessments to ensure industry standards are met
• Risk mitigation strategies to identify and address vulnerabilities

Labs interested in these services can contact Support@LigoLab.com for more information.

Ongoing Commitment to Cybersecurity

LigoLab continuously refines its security stance, offering best practices and next-gen solutions to help labs enhance their defenses against cyber threats. 

By investing in proactive security measures, LigoLab empowers its lab partners to protect sensitive data, mitigate cyber risks, and ensure uninterrupted operations in an increasingly digital healthcare environment.