Dissertations@Portsmouth - Details for item no. 13610
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Cherian, Alice (2020) Cyber security in the digital age: the double-edged nature of technological advancement within the healthcare industry: a literature review. (unpublished BSc dissertation), University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth
Abstract
The adoption of electronic health records (EHR) and interconnected medical devices in the healthcare industry is reflective of a new revolution of emerging technologies, poised to transform healthcare by assisting in better diagnoses and treatment of patients. Consequently, this increase in connectivity has resulted in concerns over the security of medical devices and data. This literature review considers cyber security in the healthcare industry with an emphasis on the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom (UK) following the ‘WannaCry’ ransomware attack in 2017. This attack was significant in demonstrating overall poor levels of cyber resilience and also highlighted the significant impact cyber attacks can have on patients, many of whom became implicated. This review therefore considers the need for cyber security to reflect patient safety. There is a focus on key vulnerabilities, namely issues of investment and inadequate response plans, before the role of the human is emphasised, who is deemed the overall weak link and the root of a robust cyber security strategy. Finally, suggestions are made that look towards a cultural change within healthcare, looking at the implementation of security culture as a means of increasing security awareness. The effect of low personal resilience within the healthcare environment is argued as a significant explanation for decreased cyber security awareness. Therefore, it is concluded that increasing the personal resilience of workers will increase cyber security awareness and reduce cyber security vulnerabilities. Lastly, it is underlined that cyber security must be woven into the fabric of healthcare so as to effectively mitigate cyber threat.
Course: Crime and Criminology - BSc (Hons) - C2113P
Date Deposited: 2020-11-23
URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13610.html