2024 State of Healthcare Security Report From HID®: Digital and Physical Security Integration is Critical for 77% of Respondents

An Increase in Cyber & Physical Security Attacks Creates a Demand for a Layered Security Approach 

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 29, 2024 – HID®, a worldwide leader in trusted identity solutions, has released its State of Healthcare Security Report based on input from more than 200 security and IT professionals working in a broad range of healthcare facilities. 

The State of Healthcare Security Report delves into the core concerns for the healthcare industry and upcoming innovations and technologies that address them. The survey uncovers seven themes, as follows:

1. Healthcare’s Surge in Both Cyber and Physical Security Attacks Instances of ransomware attacks on the healthcare sector have almost doubled according to The Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Additionally, a staggering 80% of nurses have encountered workplace violence within the past year according to National Nurses United, a prominent national union of registered nurses.

2. Notable 77% of Participants Believe it is Critical for Healthcare Facilities to Achieve Digital and Physical Security Integration Survey respondents believe that it is important for their facilities to achieve digital and physical security integration to fight the dramatic increase in cyber and physical security attacks.

3. Evolving Security Practices: From Physical to Digital Identity Management Conventional physical approaches such as ID badges are progressively being complemented, or in certain instances, replaced, by digital credentials such as mobile and biometric authentication. The survey indicates that 32% of healthcare facilities implement biometric authentication.

4. Securing Visitor Access: Enhancing Safety and Streamlining Compliance Efficiently and effectively managing visitors through these integrated systems is crucial. Presently, 38% of healthcare facilities continue to depend on paper forms and badges for visitor access management. 30% have implemented access control systems and 24% use electronic patient management solutions.

5. Manual vs. Automated Security: The Shift Towards Real-Time Responses The survey revealed that 56% of healthcare facilities utilize automated alert systems that provide real-time notifications of potential threats. These systems allow staff to respond efficiently to emerging situations, often before they escalate into full-scale incidents.

6. Barriers to Technological Adoption: Budget Constraints and Beyond The survey revealed that budget constraints are the most significant barrier, cited by 74% of respondents. However, the cost of inaction is likely to be far greater. The financial and reputational damage caused by a security breach can be devastating, not to mention the potential impact on staff and patient safety.

7. Looking Ahead: Embracing a Layered Security Approach The surge in violence within healthcare workplaces, coupled with the fact healthcare is now a prime target for cybercriminals, calls for a multi-layered security approach. This multi-layered security approach propels the adoption of integrated security management systems, real-time location systems, biometrics, and physical security measures such as duress badges and more.

The full report includes additional data and analysis. Read it in its entirety here.

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About HID

HID powers the trusted identities of the world’s people, places and things. We make it possible for people to transact safely, work productively and travel freely. Our trusted identity solutions give people convenient access to physical and digital places and connect things that can be identified, verified and tracked digitally. Millions of people around the world use HID’s products and services to navigate their everyday lives, and billions of things are connected through HID’s technology. We work with governments, educational institutions, hospitals, financial institutions, industrial businesses and some of the most innovative companies on the planet. 

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, HID has over 4,500 employees worldwide and operates international offices that support more than 100 countries. HID is an ASSA ABLOY Group brand. For more information, visit www.hidglobal.com

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Media Contact:

HID 

Matt Winn

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