Safeguarding Health: The Top 5 Reasons to Prioritize a Data Backup

Protect Patient Confidentiality and Data Loss

The latest report by the HIPAA Journal shows a concerning trend in healthcare data security. In 2021, there were 521 data breaches, affecting more than 39 million patient records. This highlights the urgent need for strong strategies to protect data. Research published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research adds that 32% of these breaches happen because of unintentional mistakes or errors made by people.

Creating reliable data backups is crucial to defend against these breaches. By regularly backing up data as a standard practice in health informatics, healthcare providers can create a safety net. This not only keeps patient information safe from cyber threats but also reduces the chances of losing data due to human error or technical problems. The dual benefit of data backups—protecting patient records from unauthorized access and ensuring they're still accessible in case of mistakes or glitches—makes them essential for healthcare data security.

Maintain Continuity of Care for your Patients

Recent data from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) shows that 70% of healthcare organizations experienced unexpected system outages last year, leading to disruptions in patient care with paper charts, sneaker lab delivery and even more impacts in every department. With immediate access to effective data backups, to quickly restore essential systems and ensure uninterrupted healthcare providers and can continue to provide patient care.

Another less thought of patient care continuity impact is when they change providers.   A survey conducted by PwC found that 88% of patients would consider changing healthcare providers if their personal data was compromised in a security breach. By implementing strong backup systems, healthcare facilities not only build patient trust but also safeguard their reputations. Taking a proactive approach to managing data security and backup protocols is crucial for maintaining seamless and reliable patient care.

Ensure Operational Resistance

In the healthcare setting, where even a minor interruption can result in life-or-death situations, the importance of operational resilience cannot be overstated. Recognizing this, the American Hospital Association (AHA) emphasizes the critical role of comprehensive data backup strategies. By safeguarding data against evolving threats such as cyberattacks and ransomware, these strategies not only bolster the resilience of healthcare organizations but also ensure that they can maintain seamless service delivery even during unexpected disruptions.

Similarly, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) highlights the urgent need for disaster preparedness within the healthcare sector, especially in light of increasing climate-related events and cybersecurity risks. Effective data backups are crucial—they act as a cornerstone of disaster recovery plans, enabling healthcare facilities to quickly recover and reduce the impact of any interruptions. This swift recovery is essential not just for the continuity of services but also for the overall well-being of the community they serve.

Minimize Risk to Your Margins

In today's digital age, the protection of sensitive healthcare data is paramount. The IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report reveals a concerning trend - healthcare data breaches now come at a staggering average cost of $9.23 million, a figure that continues to climb year after year. With the average US Hospital system at 2-4% annual profit margins, the cost of a breach is an unacceptable risk.  To mitigate financial risks, healthcare organizations must prioritize the implementation of robust data backup solutions. By doing so, they not only enhance their ability to swiftly recover from potential breaches but also significantly reduce downtime, ultimately safeguarding both their bottom line and their reputation.

Future Proof Your Healthcare data

With HIMSS predicting a continuous evolution in healthcare delivery methods, driven by technological progress and changing patient needs, healthcare facilities can future-proof their operations by embracing strong data backup solutions. This ensures readiness to tackle upcoming challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.