Affiliations: Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Clemens Scott Kruse, 601 University Drive, College of Health Professions, rm 254, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA. Tel.: +1 210 355 4742; E-mail:scottkruse@txstate.edu
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Recent legislation empowering providers to embrace the
electronic exchange of health information leaves the healthcare industry
increasingly vulnerable to cybercrime. The objective of this
systematic review is to identify the biggest threats to healthcare via
cybercrime. OBJECTIVE: The rationale behind this systematic review
is to provide a framework for future research by identifying themes and
trends of cybercrime in the healthcare industry. METHODS: The authors conducted a systematic search through the
CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases to
gather literature relative to cyber threats in healthcare. All authors
reviewed the articles collected and excluded literature that did not focus
on the objective. RESULTS: Researchers selected and examined 19 articles for common
themes. The most prevalent cyber-criminal activity in healthcare is identity
theft through data breach. Other concepts identified are internal threats,
external threats, cyber-squatting, and cyberterrorism. CONCLUSIONS: The industry has now come to rely heavily on digital
technologies, which increase risks such as denial of service and data
breaches. Current healthcare cyber-security systems do not rival the
capabilities of cyber criminals. Security of information is a costly
resource and therefore many HCOs may hesitate to invest what is required to
protect sensitive information.
