Community pharmacies stand as protectors of sensitive patient data and crucial healthcare services. In the digital age, as we increasingly rely on technology for operations, from patient records to medication management systems, the risk of cyberattacks has escalated. The IPU has developed a comprehensive Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan, alongside a practical Incident Response Form, to support pharmacies against the ever-evolving cyber threats. In this article, Anne Marie O’Donnell, Cyber Security Consultant at BH Consulting, delves into the importance of these documents and guides community pharmacists on when and how to employ them effectively.
Cybersecurity is not just a concern for large corporations; it is a pressing issue for community pharmacies too. Pharmacies hold a wealth of personal health information, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals.
In 2022, ThriveDX identified that an estimated 77 per cent of organisations worldwide did not have an Incident Response Plan (IRP) in place, and 60 per cent of small businesses close their doors within six months of a cyber-attack.
According to Statista, statistics published in 2023 showed that the average number days to identify a data breach was 204 days, and the average time companies need to contain this breach was 73 days.
Cyber threats such as ransomware attacks, data breaches, and malware infections pose significant risks to pharmacies, such as compromised patient confidentiality, disrupted pharmacy operations, damaged reputations, and eroded trust. The IPU’s Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan provides a structured response mechanism to help pharmacies mitigate these risks.
At its core, the Response Plan serves as a blueprint for managing cyber incidents. It underscores the necessity of preparation, identifying a dedicated Incident Response (IR) Team, and establishing clear communication channels. Essential to this plan is the understanding that a rapid and coordinated response can significantly reduce the impact of an attack, safeguarding both data integrity and pharmacy operations.
The Incident Response Form is an essential tool designed to guide pharmacies through the immediate aftermath of a cybersecurity incident. It functions as a comprehensive checklist, covering incident identification, containment, eradication, recovery, and post-incident review. The form facilitates systematic documentation, vital for legal compliance, assessing the incident response’s effectiveness, and identifying improvement areas.
Pharmacies should fill out this form upon detecting a cybersecurity incident, detailing actions taken at each response stage. This record-keeping is crucial for compliance with cybersecurity standards and regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring that pharmacies not only respond effectively to incidents but also adhere to legal requirements and uphold their ethical responsibilities and maintain the trust of their patients.
Preparation is key: Prior to any incident, familiarise yourself with both the plan and form. Ensure that all staff members are aware of their contents and know the procedures to follow.
Immediate response: Upon detecting a cybersecurity incident, refer to the Incident Response Form to document and guide your actions. Concurrently, follow the structured response outlined in the Response Plan to manage and mitigate the incident.
Post-incident analysis: After addressing the immediate threats, use the insights from the form to conduct a thorough review as suggested in the plan. This analysis is critical for refining your cybersecurity posture and preventing future incidents.
Cybersecurity is an ongoing challenge that requires vigilance, preparation, and the willingness to adapt. The IPU’s Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan and Form offer a solid foundation for community pharmacies to protect themselves and their patients against cyber threats. By incorporating these tools into their cybersecurity strategies, pharmacies can ensure they are better prepared to face and overcome the challenges of this digital age.
”Cyber threats such as ransomware attacks, data breaches, and malware infections pose significant risks to pharmacies, such as compromised patient confidentiality, disrupted pharmacy operations, damaged reputations, and eroded trust.”
Access the Incident Response Plan, the Incident Response Form and more cybersecurity articles, posters, and guides at ipu.ie/cybersecurity.
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