Big data is becoming increasingly integral to the healthcare sector each year. By 2020, research suggested that the big data market in healthcare could reach approximately $78 billion by 2027, largely driven by the growing demand for analytics solutions.

This trend is beneficial for both healthcare institutions and patients. As we previously discussed in an analysis of significant technological challenges in healthcare, data utilization is a critical concern. Healthcare organizations must find ways to leverage information to enhance patient care and manage the transition to digital patient records. The ongoing investment in big data within healthcare promises advancements in these areas.

However, the collection and utilization of more data also pose security challenges. Healthcare data is exceptionally sensitive, making the industry a prime target for cybercriminals. A recent study by the CyberPeace Institute examined 235 cyberattacks across 33 countries from 2020 to 2021. Within this limited scope, over 10 million records were compromised, including social security numbers, patient records, financial data, and more.

Due to such risks, organizations—both large and small—are increasingly prioritizing information security. This shift begins with education in related fields. Present-day studies in management information systems now include practical experience in analytics and network security, preparing future administrators for data security roles. Consequently, most hospitals and healthcare facilities have expanded internal roles for information security analysis to counter and prevent threats.

Even with these changes in administrative staffing, hospital and healthcare management systems can take practical steps to safeguard data:

1. Staff Education: Information management and cybersecurity personnel should educate staff on best practices. All employees handling data—whether financial, patient-related, or internal—need to be aware of risks and updated practices.

2. Data Encryption: While not mandatory, encrypting healthcare data is highly recommended. Encryption protects electronically protected health information (ePHI) by converting it into unreadable code until decoded at the recipient's device.

3. Data Access Controls: Hospitals must implement strict data access controls to regulate which employees can access specific data. These controls ensure that staff only have access to necessary information for their roles and promptly revoke access for former employees.

4. Cloud Security: Many healthcare operations are moving to the cloud for efficiency and flexibility. Hospitals should secure cloud practices, including signing a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with cloud service providers to ensure patient data protection. Monitoring access and controlling data access in the cloud are crucial measures.

Incorporating these measures, healthcare and hospital management teams can enhance data security. As big data continues to grow in importance within healthcare, security measures must evolve alongside it.