Patient data breaches, disruptions to critical services and even increased mortality rates underscore the urgent need for robust data security measures. At the heart of this critical challenge lies the importance of a digital identity and access management( IAM) strategy.

During 2024, a staggering 92 % of healthcare organisations grappled with at least one cyberattack, solidifying the sector’ s position as one of the most targeted globally. Here in Australia, the OAIC reported that healthcare was the leading sector with the most notifiable data breaches reported during the 2024 calendar year, with 19 % of health service providers taking more than 30 days to publicly notify authorities. 72 % of breaches were caused by malicious or criminal attacks while 41 % were due to human error.

Meanwhile, the average cost of a healthcare data breach in the US reached US $ 9.77 million – nearly double the average across other industries. Another chilling statistic reveals that more than 20 % of healthcare organisations reported increased patient mortality rates following cyberattacks.

These figures paint a grim picture, highlighting the devastating impact of cyberattacks on patient safety, operational efficiency and the trust between patients and healthcare providers.

In an era of increasing digitisation and interconnected systems, robust digital identity management has emerged as the cornerstone of effective healthcare data security.

Shasta Turney, Director of Healthcare Solutions, Ping Identity, explores how Identity and Access Management( IAM), Zero Trust principles and passwordless authentication can help providers protect sensitive data and maintain compliance.

Healthcare breaches frequently exploit vulnerabilities within identity systems. The OAIC reported malicious or criminal attacks as the leading source of breaches affecting health service providers during 2024, with phishing( compromised credentials) making up a large proportion of incidents. Phishing attacks, password spraying and insider threats pose significant risks.

Digital identity solutions play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with stringent regulations such as HIPAA in the United States. By implementing identity verification measures, including multi-factor

Shasta Turney, Director of Healthcare Solutions, Ping Identity

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