Healthcare security leaders know that the tools needed to combat threats are only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to protecting what truly matters within their organization. There are a number of factors for healthcare facilities to consider when it comes to identifying physical security challenges and aligning the goals of business operations.
Organizations must do everything they can to minimize the level of risk associated with the day-to-day operations of a busy hospital or healthcare facility. A forward-thinking plan for addressing these risks in a proactive manner is crucial to ensure the safety of patients, staff, data, and infrastructure.
With this being said, cloud-based solutions are emerging as a viable option for these organizations because of data protection, remote management, and cost predictability. Below we will be discussing four tips for healthcare organizations that are interested in moving to cloud-based video surveillance.
Tip 1: Evaluate the risk.
The healthcare vertical is both complex and evolving, bringing to light the management of
critical assets as well as the safety and security of some of the most vulnerable people among
us. The approach to risk in these facilities is multi-faceted and should include the safety of staff, patients, visitors, theft, sensitive patient data, and more.
This leads many to believe that the healthcare sector faces some of the most dangerous threats
compared to other markets. The heightened risk of emergency response within a healthcare setting requires its security leaders and consultants to uniquely determine the tools necessary to help mitigate threats in a proactive manner. Asking the right risk-based questions enables a manufacturer, consultant, or integrator to deliver the proper level of insight and recommendations when moving forward with technology investments.
Tip 2: Look beyond physical security.
One of the advantages of developing a risk-based approach within any sector is that
departments become less siloed and more dedicated to working together to solve a common
problem. IT departments are quickly becoming an integral part of physical security decisions,
which means that cloud-based solutions are considered even more viable given the
Constantly encrypted, professionally-managed infrastructure on which they’re built. The common concern for these departments is the potential vulnerability of networked devices, such as surveillance cameras, which can be used as an entry point for hackers to gain access to the broader network of a healthcare facility containing private personal information.
While the security of data in the cloud is a highly discussed issue, the fact of the matter is that
with proper protocols in place, the cloud can actually enhance data protection within a
healthcare environment. Organizations can reduce their security footprint through the cloud while keeping sensitive data protected via the cloud’s high-level encryption, inherent automatic updates, constant management, and instant backups.
Tip 3: Assess the available cloud-based solutions.
Despite the adoption of cloud-based services in multiple areas of organizations (saving files,
communicating with coworkers), many of these same businesses have held back on the adoption of cloud tech for physical security, especially within a healthcare environment – but why?
Most large-scale healthcare facilities have invested in more traditional, on-premise solutions under the assumption that they are more secure and trusted. These require the organization to use proprietary architecture to run the solution within its own data center. All security operations and monitoring take place in-house, allowing security leaders to be in control of all decision-making and data handling. Not only does this require significant investment in infrastructure, but these solutions also require consistent IT support and training for ongoing updates, maintenance, and operation.
Pure cloud solutions are quickly becoming ready for enterprise-level adoption, enabling centralized surveillance and data management across an organization. The cloud is an
optimal solution for organizations looking to experience scalability and flexibility
when it comes to streamlining security and business operations, as well as identifying the most
prominent risks facing the organization. Still, many healthcare facilities require a way to
fully embrace cloud technology, which is where the adoption of a hybrid cloud solution becomes a viable option.
Tip 4: Invest and continue improving.
Whether an organization invests in an on-premise, hybrid, or pure cloud solution, it’s imperative that the platform is continuously monitored to meet expectations, ensures the best possible
results, and proactively address the changing nature of the risks prevalent in our society today.
Additionally, many healthcare organizations find that security solutions are only as good as the
employees who use them – having an easy-to-use platform can help elevate the performance of these individuals in an emergency situation. For many hybrid and pure cloud solutions, the ongoing enhancements developed behind the scenes by cloud service providers have improved the technology while keeping it as intuitive and easy to use as possible.
Cloud-based video surveillance has numerous benefits for the healthcare market, including data security, centralization, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. If your organization is looking to adopt cloud-based surveillance, it’s important to remember the tips mentioned above. With so many advantages for healthcare facilities to consider, cloud-based solutions are flexible, long-term solutions that will help these facilities achieve their goals while efficiently managing and mitigating risks within the organization.
About Nigel Wateron
Nigel Waterton is Chief Revenue Officer for Arcules. Nigel Waterton leads the sales and marketing efforts for the company and has more than 22 years of experience building and managing large, high-growth technology organizations.
