Fortifying Northern Health: Cyber security measures in 2024

As we continue to navigate the digital landscape, it’s important to remain vigilant against cyber threats. Recent cyber-attacks on various service providers have underscored the importance of maintaining a strong cyber security posture.

According to the latest data, there has been a significant increase in cyber incidents globally, with the Australian Cyber Security Centre reporting a rise in cyber-attack reports. This highlights the ever-present risk of cyber threats and reinforces the need for heightened awareness and preparedness.

As Northern Health’s Chief Information Officer, David Calvo, has emphasised,” Hospitals are increasingly reliant on technology, making us potential targets for cyber-attacks. A breach could compromise patient data, disrupt hospital operations, and erode patient trust.”

To mitigate these risks, Northern Health is committed to providing comprehensive cyber security training. Our cyber security training module is regularly updated to address the latest threats, including scams and phishing attacks. Phishing remains a prevalent threat, with attackers using fraudulent emails to deceive recipients into divulging sensitive information or clicking on malicious links.

The ICT team is collaborating with the Department of Health to launch a phishing awareness campaign in the coming months. This campaign will educate our staff on identifying and mitigating email-based security threats.

“We all have a role to play in safeguarding the hospital against cyber threats. By staying informed and vigilant, we can help protect our patients’ information and ensure the integrity and availability of our services. Cyber Security is not only the responsibility of the ICT Cyber Security Team, but from every member of the Northern Health community,” said Mr Calvo.

“Please take the time to complete the cyber security training module and familiarize yourself with our cyber security policies and procedures. Together, we can enhance our cyber security posture and protect our organization from potential threats.”

Thank you to all our staff for your continued dedication to maintaining a secure and resilient cyber environment.