Imagine a hospital’s IT system being locked out in the middle of a critical surgery because of a ransomware attack. Or a patient’s confidential record being leaked through a simple phishing email. These are not rare incidents, they happen every single day across the world.
Hospitals rely on fast communication and internet-based systems for patient care, billing, and records. But these very tools, email and internet, are also the biggest cybersecurity risks.
In this blog, we’ll explore safe email and internet practices in hospitals, practical steps your teams can implement today to reduce cyber risks without disrupting patient care.
The Cybersecurity Threat Landscape in Hospitals
The healthcare sector is one of the most targeted industries for cybercrime. Why? Because:
- Patient records are worth 10–20x more than credit card details on the dark web.
- Hospitals often run on legacy systems with weaker defenses.
- Staff are focused on saving lives, not spotting phishing emails.
A single compromised email account or a careless internet click can lead to:
- Ransomware Attacks that shut down critical systems.
- Data Breaches exposing patient confidentiality.
- Regulatory Penalties for failing compliance (HIPAA, DPDP, etc.).
- Financial & Reputation Loss for the hospital.
Also Read: Ways to Stop Ransomware in Healthcare
Safe Email Practices in Hospitals
1. Recognize Phishing Emails
Phishing remains the number one email threat. Train staff to look for:
- Spelling mistakes or odd grammar.
- Suspicious links or attachments.
- Unusual sender addresses (like @gmails.com instead of @gmail.com).
Consultant’s Tip: Run phishing simulation drills regularly to test staff readiness.
2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Even if a hacker gets a doctor’s password, MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second step (like a mobile OTP or authentication app).
Enforce MFA for all staff, especially for email and patient record systems.
3. Encrypt All Email Communications
Hospitals often exchange sensitive data like lab results, diagnoses, or insurance details over email. Use end-to-end encryption to ensure data isn’t exposed in transit.
4. Limit Email Attachments
Hackers love sending malicious attachments disguised as invoices, reports, or prescriptions. Hospitals should:
- Block risky file types (.exe, .bat, .js).
- Use secure cloud portals for file sharing instead of attachments.
5. Monitor and Audit Email Activity
IT admins must have monitoring tools to detect unusual patterns, like bulk emails sent at odd hours or logins from foreign IPs.
Safe Internet Practices in Hospitals
1. Restrict Non-Medical Browsing
Unrestricted internet access exposes staff to malware. Limit browsing to medical resources, official portals, and research websites.
Consultant’s Tip: Implement a web filtering solution to block malicious or irrelevant sites.
2. Use Secure Wi-Fi Networks
Public Wi-Fi or unsecured hotspots should never be used for hospital systems. Always:
- Separate guest Wi-Fi from the hospital’s internal network.
- Use WPA3 encryption.
- Regularly change Wi-Fi passwords.
3. Keep Systems Updated
Legacy systems in hospitals are a hacker’s dream. Apply security patches and software updates regularly, especially for browsers, operating systems, and EMR/EHR platforms.
4. Install Endpoint Protection
Every device connected to the hospital network (doctors’ laptops, nurses’ tablets, reception PCs) must have:
- Updated antivirus/EDR solutions.
- Firewalls enabled.
- Device encryption activated.
5. Safe Use of Cloud & Remote Access
With telemedicine growing, hospitals often access data remotely. Best practices include:
- Using VPNs for remote access.
- Ensuring cloud providers are compliant with healthcare regulations (HIPAA, DPDP).
- Disabling remote desktop protocols (RDP) unless absolutely necessary.
Building a Security-First Culture in Hospitals
Technology is only half the battle. The other half is people and processes.
- Regular Awareness Training: Doctors, nurses, and staff need ongoing cybersecurity training tailored for healthcare.
- Incident Response Plans: Hospitals should know exactly what to do if an email account is compromised or malware spreads.
- Leadership Buy-In: Cybersecurity must be a board-level priority, not just an IT issue.
Conclusion
Hospitals cannot afford to treat email and internet security as an afterthought. The stakes are simply too high, patient safety, privacy, and hospital reputation depend on it.
By following safe practices like encrypting emails, enforcing MFA, restricting browsing, and training staff, hospitals can significantly reduce their cyber risk.
At Ascella Infosec, we specialize in healthcare cybersecurity consulting. From safe email practices to full-scale security audits, we help hospitals secure their systems without slowing down patient care.
👉 Get in touch today to safeguard your hospital against the growing wave of cyber threats.