Monitoring Industry Vital Signs: Enhancing Healthcare Cybersecurity with the Healthcare Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Collaboration Center (HCISC)

technology failures as major public health events. Experts emphasize real-time monitoring and specialized response plans are crucial for patient safety.">

August 30, 2025

San Diego, CA – A growing chorus of experts is demanding a paradigm shift in how hospitals approach technology failures, with calls to classify them as serious public health threats akin to mass casualty events. This follows mounting evidence demonstrating the far-reaching consequences of downtime, from ransomware attacks to simple software glitches, on patient care and regional healthcare capacity.

The Rising Threat of Digital Disruption

Recent analysis indicates that disruptions in healthcare technology aren’t isolated incidents. They create ripple effects across entire regions, straining resources and potentially endangering lives, according to research conducted by the Center for Healthcare Cybersecurity. A 2023 study revealed that a ransomware attack on one health system led to emergency departments experiencing increased patient loads, extended wait times, and a surge in ambulance diversions-levels exceeding those seen during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This shift in understanding has prompted a move away from viewing technical glitches as mere inconveniences to recognizing them as clinical safety events. The goal now is to proactively monitor and mitigate these risks before they escalate into full-blown crises.

Monitoring “Digital Vital Signs”

The Center for Healthcare Cybersecurity is pioneering a new approach: actively monitoring hospital systems for disruptions. Working under the ARPA-H Healthcare Ransomware Resiliency and Response program, the center maps hospital networks and tracks endpoint availability across the United States. A recent widespread software outage in July 2024 provided a real-world test case, allowing researchers to observe the impact of a non-malicious failure at a national scale which demonstrates the need for constant monitoring.

This monitoring isn’t about identifying problems hospitals already know about; it’s about providing early warning signs to regional authorities, neighboring health systems, and federal agencies. The hope is to anticipate surges in patient volume and logistical bottlenecks before they overwhelm local resources.

The Paradox of Measurement

One challenge lies in accurately measuring the impact of downtime on patient safety. Conventional quality and performance metrics frequently enough rely on digital systems that are unavailable during outages.This has led to a search for alternative indicators, coupling clinical data with independent signals of disruption.

Building Resilience: Governance and Playbooks

Experts urge healthcare leaders to adapt conventional disaster preparedness frameworks to account for prolonged technology-driven outages, potentially lasting days or even weeks. The recommended approach involves establishing a hospital incident command structure with a dedicated cyber-savvy clinical liaison responsible for translating technical status into actionable insights for bedside care. Some institutions are even experimenting with the role of a “ransomware resiliency specialist” to manage communication, workflow, and safety decisions in real time.

Readiness must be tailored to specific clinical specialties. A cardiologist’s needs during an extended outage will differ greatly from those of an oncologist or surgeon. The Center is developing open-source, specialty-specific downtime procedures to facilitate this customization. Existing procedures, frequently enough geared towards short-term EHR maintenance, are inadequate for managing prolonged disruptions.

Even brief interruptions can have significant consequences for time-sensitive conditions like stroke, heart attack, and sepsis. During regional events, diversion options might potentially be limited if neighboring facilities are also affected, intensifying the need for rapid, role-specific workarounds and clear transfer criteria.

Did You Know? According to a 2024 report by the Ponemon Institute, the average cost of a healthcare data breach now exceeds $10.93 million, highlighting the financial stakes of cybersecurity preparedness.

CIO Action Plan: Prioritizing Coordination

Executives are urged to foster collaboration between Chief Information Officers (CIOs), chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), emergency management teams, business continuity planners, and frontline clinicians. This includes clearly defining command authority, conducting regular drills under uncertain conditions, and establishing patient-safety thresholds that trigger adjustments to care pathways. Redundant communication systems-such as cell phone trees and radio communication-and offline staffing schedules are also essential.

Regional coordination is critical.Early detection of cluster disruptions allows public health agencies and neighboring systems to anticipate potential surges in emergency departments, transfer bottlenecks, and imaging backlogs. The surveillance system also provides insights into system mitigations, such as intentional shutdowns to contain risks.

Pro Tip: Regularly test and update “no-tech” operational procedures. Staff should be proficient in paper-based workflows and alternative communication methods to ensure continuity of care during outages.

“Digital vital signs” surveillance isn’t foolproof, but it represents a significant step toward proactive risk management. The goal is to provide credible early indicators that enable informed decision-making and coordinated responses before clinical risks escalate.

Threat Type	Potential Impact	Mitigation Strategy
Ransomware Attack	Data breach,system downtime,patient safety risks	Robust cybersecurity measures,incident response plan,data backups
Software Glitch	System outages,disrupted workflows,delayed care	Regular software updates,monitoring systems,contingency plans
Power Outage	Loss of critical systems,interrupted care	Backup power generators,emergency procedures

Looking Ahead: The Future of Healthcare Resilience

The increasing reliance on interconnected digital systems in healthcare presents both opportunities and vulnerabilities. Continuous investment in cybersecurity, robust monitoring capabilities, and comprehensive disaster preparedness plans are essential for ensuring patient safety and maintaining the integrity of the healthcare system. The focus must shift from reactive responses to proactive resilience,anticipating and mitigating potential disruptions before they impact patient care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Cybersecurity

• What is healthcare cybersecurity? Healthcare cybersecurity involves protecting sensitive patient data and ensuring the reliable operation of digital health systems against cyber threats.
• Why is cybersecurity so important in healthcare? Cyberattacks can disrupt patient care, compromise sensitive data, and lead to financial losses for healthcare organizations.
• what are some common healthcare cybersecurity threats? Common threats include ransomware, phishing attacks, and data breaches.
• How can healthcare organizations improve their cybersecurity posture? Implementing robust security measures, conducting regular risk assessments, and training staff are crucial steps.
• What is the role of monitoring in healthcare cybersecurity? Monitoring systems can detect and alert organizations to potential threats in real-time,enabling rapid response.
• How can hospitals prepare for technology failures? Developing comprehensive incident response plans, establishing clear lines of communication, and testing backup systems are essential.
• What is a “digital vital sign” in the context of healthcare? It refers to a key metric that indicates the health and availability of critical digital systems within a healthcare institution.

What steps is your organization taking to bolster its digital resilience? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How does the HCISC’s industry-operated model enhance trust and agility in data exchange compared to government-led initiatives?

Monitoring Industry Vital Signs: Enhancing Healthcare Cybersecurity with the HCISC

The Evolving Threat Landscape in Healthcare

Healthcare organizations face a uniquely challenging cybersecurity surroundings. The sensitive nature of Protected Health information (PHI), coupled with the increasing reliance on interconnected medical devices and electronic health records (EHRs), makes them prime targets for cyberattacks.Ransomware attacks, data breaches, and phishing scams are increasingly common, disrupting patient care and causing significant financial and reputational damage. Proactive healthcare threat intelligence is no longer optional – it’s essential. This is where the healthcare Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Collaboration Center (HCISC) plays a critical role.

Understanding the specific threats facing healthcare is paramount. These include:

ransomware: Targeting critical systems and demanding payment for data recovery.

Data Breaches: Compromising patient data, leading to identity theft and regulatory penalties (HIPAA violations).

Medical Device Vulnerabilities: exploiting weaknesses in connected medical devices (infusion pumps, pacemakers, imaging systems).

phishing Attacks: Tricking healthcare staff into revealing credentials or downloading malware.

Supply Chain Attacks: Compromising third-party vendors who have access to healthcare systems.

What is the Healthcare Cybersecurity information sharing and collaboration center (HCISC)?

The HCISC is a non-profit, member-driven organization dedicated to improving the cybersecurity posture of the healthcare industry. Established in 2017,it serves as a central hub for sharing threat intelligence,best practices,and collaborative defense strategies. Unlike government-led initiatives, the HCISC is industry-operated, fostering a more trusted and agile environment for information exchange. Its core function is to facilitate the timely dissemination of actionable cyber threat information among its members.

Key features of the HCISC include:

Information Sharing platform: A secure platform for members to share Indicators of Compromise (IOCs), threat reports, and vulnerability information.

Threat Intelligence Feeds: Curated threat intelligence feeds providing insights into emerging threats and attack trends.

Collaboration Forums: Opportunities for members to connect and collaborate on cybersecurity challenges.

Incident Response Support: Assistance with incident response planning and execution.

Vulnerability Disclosure Program: A mechanism for responsible disclosure of vulnerabilities in healthcare systems.

How HCISC Enhances Cybersecurity Monitoring

The HCISC significantly enhances cybersecurity monitoring capabilities for healthcare organizations in several ways:

1. Early Threat Detection: By sharing real-time threat intelligence, the HCISC enables members to proactively identify and mitigate threats before they cause damage. This includes identifying malicious IP addresses, domain names, and malware signatures.
2. Improved Situational Awareness: The HCISC provides a comprehensive view of the threat landscape,helping organizations understand the risks they face and prioritize their security efforts.
3. Enhanced Incident Response: Access to shared incident response plans and best practices can definitely help organizations respond more effectively to cyberattacks. The HCISC also facilitates collaboration during major incidents, allowing members to share information and resources.
4. Proactive Vulnerability Management: Information about newly discovered vulnerabilities in healthcare systems and medical devices allows organizations to patch systems and mitigate risks before they are exploited.
5. Collective Defense: The HCISC fosters a “collective defense” approach, where members work together to protect the entire healthcare ecosystem.

Integrating HCISC Intelligence into Your Security Operations Center (SOC)

Effectively leveraging HCISC intelligence requires integration with your existing security Operations Center (SOC). Here’s how:

Automated threat Feed Integration: Integrate HCISC threat intelligence feeds into your Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system and other security tools. This allows for automated detection and blocking of malicious activity.

Threat Hunting: Use HCISC intelligence to proactively hunt for threats within your network. This involves searching for IOCs and other indicators of compromise.

Vulnerability Scanning: Prioritize vulnerability scanning based on HCISC alerts about newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Incident Response playbooks: Incorporate HCISC best practices into your incident response playbooks.

Regular Participation: Actively participate in HCISC forums and working groups to stay informed about the latest threats and collaborate with other members.

Benefits of HCISC Membership

Joining the HCISC offers numerous benefits for healthcare organizations:

Reduced Cybersecurity Risk: Proactive threat intelligence and collaborative defense strategies help reduce the risk of cyberattacks.

Improved Compliance: Demonstrates a commitment to cybersecurity best practices, aiding in compliance with regulations like HIPAA.

Cost Savings: Sharing resources and best practices can reduce the cost of cybersecurity.

Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrates a commitment to protecting patient data, enhancing trust and reputation.

Access to Expertise: Provides access to a network of cybersecurity experts and resources.

Real-World Example: Mitigating a Nation-State Sponsored Attack

In late 2023, the HCISC played a crucial role in alerting members to a sophisticated, nation-state sponsored cyberattack targeting healthcare research institutions. The HCISC