Digital transformation in healthcare has brought about new challenges in keeping sensitive data and access to it secure, especially with expanding network boundaries where endpoints may now be the first and the last lines of defense against cyberattacks. Amplifying these challenges, healthcare networks often support a number of endpoints running antiquated applications and operating systems. These endpoints are difficult – sometimes impossible – to patch, making it costly to maintain adequate security posture.
Between medical devices, personal computers, vendor-supplied computers and the internet of things, the proliferation of different endpoint devices is also adding to this challenge as more devices are being connected to hospital networks. The public cloud’s ease of access has also contributed to expanding areas where IT and security have limited visibility and control, especially in healthcare organizations with sizeable research communities managing their own public cloud environments.
Endpoint security is a critical path to securing healthcare data and access to privileged hospital networks. Malicious, unauthorized activities on endpoints can lead to unwanted data exposure and theft, compromise of data integrity, and a back door to launch additional attacks. Fortunately, healthcare organizations can be protected against these swiftly changing threat environments. Traps provides comprehensive, effective endpoint security that enforces consistent policy, offers simple management that integrates with other enforcement points like network and cloud security, reduces the cost of operations, and improves productivity.
For more information on how Palo Alto Networks serves healthcare delivery organizations, visit our Cybersecurity for the healthcare page at http://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cybersecurity-for-healthcare
