According to the Vulnerability Reporting Service (VRS) in the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), analysis of data from 2022 indicated a notable number of vulnerabilities associated with outdated software. The percentage of such reports varied from 1.6 per cent to a peak of 30.7 per cent within a single month, over the course of the year. Additionally, their findings revealed that 70 per cent of vulnerabilities in outdated software stemmed from instances where the software was not updated for over 30 days.

The risks of outdated IT systems

Increased vulnerability to cyberattacks:

• Exploitable vulnerabilities: Outdated software and hardware often contain known vulnerabilities that have been addressed in updated software. Cybercriminals actively seek out these vulnerabilities to infiltrate systems, compromise data, or disrupt operations; and
• Malware threats: Cyber criminals exploit security weaknesses in outdated software to deploy malware, such as ransomware, which can encrypt critical pharmacy data, leading to data loss and financial harm.

Data breaches and patient privacy risks:

• Compromised patient data: Pharmacies store extensive amounts of sensitive patient information, including personal health records and payment details. Outdated systems are more susceptible to breaches, exposing this confidential data to unauthorised access and potential misuse; and
• Data protection compliance: Failure to adequately safeguard patient data can lead to consequences, including regulatory fines and reputational damage, as pharmacies must adhere to Irish data protection laws and GDPR regulations.

Regulatory compliance challenges:

• Adherence to standards: Healthcare regulatory bodies impose stringent requirements on the protection of patient data and the integrity of healthcare systems. Utilising outdated IT software and hardware may result in non-compliance with regulations, potentially leading to penalties and accreditation issues for pharmacies; and
• Risk of accreditation loss: Pharmacies risk losing accreditation or facing operational limitations if they fail to meet industry standards due to outdated IT systems.

Decreased operational efficiency:

• Disruption from downtime: Ageing hardware and software may experience more frequent failures and downtime, disrupting pharmacy operations and affecting customer service levels; and
• Impact on workflow: Outdated systems may struggle to keep pace with modern pharmacy workflows, resulting in slower transaction processing, prescription filing, and inventory management.

Lack of vendor support and updates:

• End-of-life challenges: System providers eventually cease support for older versions of their products, discontinuing the provision of security patches and updates. Without vendor support, pharmacies using outdated software are left vulnerable to attacks from cyber criminals with limited options available for protecting from these threats; and
• Compatibility concerns: Newer software releases may not be compatible with outdated hardware, restricting the pharmacy’s ability to upgrade systems and adapt to evolving technology trends.

Target for cyber extortion and fraud:

• Ransomware risks: Pharmacies operating outdated systems are attractive targets for ransomware attacks, where cybercriminals encrypt vital data and demand payment for its release. Giving into ransom demands does not guarantee data recovery, and it may encourage further attacks against the pharmacy, as well as potentially putting the business in breach of the terms of a cyber insurance policy.

Reputational damage:

When an organisation suffers a data breach or other security incident this can have a major impact on reputation. If your pharmacy is affected by a security incident due to unpatched software or out-of-date hardware, it could damage your reputation and make it difficult to rebuild and restore your customers’ trust in your pharmacy’s ability to safeguard their sensitive information.

Tips for addressing outdated IT systems and equipment

1. Regular updates and maintenance: Ensure that all software, including pharmacy management systems and security software, undergoes regular updates with the latest patches and security fixes to mitigate vulnerabilities. This includes staying current with updates mandated by Irish data protection regulations and GDPR compliance;

2. Hardware upgrades: ICT is an investment, not an expense. Assess the lifespan of hardware components such as servers, computers, and networking devices. Invest in upgrading or replacing outdated hardware to enhance performance and bolster security measures. Consider sustainability and energy efficiency when making hardware upgrade decisions;

3. Data security measures: Implement robust data security measures, including encryption, access controls, and secure backups, to safeguard patient data from unauthorised access and maintain confidentiality. Ensure compliance with Irish data protection laws and GDPR requirements when handling and storing sensitive information;

4. Staff training and awareness: Educate pharmacy staff about the significance of cybersecurity and data protection practices specific to Ireland. Provide training on password best practice, recognising phishing attempts, and incident response protocols to empower staff in safeguarding patient data and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards; and

5. Engage with IT professionals: Collaborate with experienced IT professionals specializing in healthcare cybersecurity and familiar with Irish data protection regulations. Work together to assess your pharmacy’s security posture, identify vulnerabilities, and implement effective risk mitigation strategies tailored to the Irish healthcare environment. Leverage their expertise to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and protect patient confidentiality effectively.

By prioritising cybersecurity and investing in modern IT solutions, Irish pharmacies can enhance patient privacy, maintain regulatory compliance, and safeguard their reputation. Regular assessments, updates, and staff training are essential components of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, ensuring that pharmacies can continue to deliver high-quality care in a secure digital environment.