How we empowered a healthcare workforce to combat cyber threats: A Case Study
A Premier Healthcare Provider at Risk
One of the nation’s leading healthcare organizations, with a vast network of renowned hospitals and healthcare services, found itself facing a growing cybersecurity problem. Despite its reputation for clinical excellence and innovation, the organization recognized that human error remained a significant vulnerability, particularly as cyberattacks targeting healthcare facilities were becoming more frequent and sophisticated.
With patient data at risk and the integrity of its services on the line, leadership understood that urgent action was needed to ensure the entire workforce was prepared to handle potential threats.
The Increasing Threats to Data Security
Healthcare providers are prime targets for cybercriminals, with vast amounts of sensitive patient information and critical systems at stake. The organization was no exception. As employees were working across a broad range of devices, networks, and environments, the potential for data breaches was immense. Leadership needed to confront the harsh reality: even the most advanced technological safeguards could be undermined by a simple mistake made by an uninformed staff member.
They faced a critical question: How could they equip every employee, from administrative staff to top surgeons, with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and their patients from cyber threats?
Crafting a Workforce-Driven Solution
To address this pressing issue, the organization partnered with FriggP2C, a cybersecurity and compliance consulting firm specializing in healthcare. Together, they launched a comprehensive cybersecurity training program aimed at empowering every employee to become the first line of defense against cyberattacks.
It began with a complete audit of the organizations current security & compliance exposure. Spread over several weeks, employees right from the CEO down to the front office staff were interviewed. Policies & protocols were reviewed, and in co-ordination with the senior management team gaps were identified that represented the greatest risk. A time bound project plan was drafted & signed off by the project management team consisting of team members from across the organization. This was setup on the insistence of FriggP2C’s experts to ensure ownership & more importantly buy in at all levels in the organization.
The audit report threw up some grave issues. The prime one was ignorance. Employees, while realizing the importance of cybersecurity risks, complained they didn’t have the knowledge or tools to combat it. A high percentage of employees failed preliminary tests designed to determine security awareness. It was a no-brainer that the solution was to, in the words of the CEO, – “Train-Train-Train”
The training initiative was designed to be more than just another mandatory course. It combined interactive modules, engaging real-world scenarios, and regular updates to keep pace with evolving cyber threats. Topics ranged from identifying phishing attempts to practicing safe data handling and creating secure passwords. Employees had access to a continuous learning platform, which offered support and resources to help them stay vigilant long after the initial training. The healthcare organization quickly realized the benefit of having dedicated consultants from FriggP2C, who were always on hand to educate, explain the nuances & hand hold the employees on their journey.
Compliance & regulation is difficult to understand
Dedicated guidance from FriggP2C’s experts helped stakeholders understand the ‘WHY’ of what they were doing & ‘WHAT’ they needed to do without getting lost in legal terminology & complex processes. The personal touch which is part of FriggP2C’s coaching framework made a huge difference in the ultimate success of the project.
The approach wasn’t just about compliance—it was about building a culture of security. The training sessions were structured to resonate with the daily realities of the healthcare workforce, making the lessons not only relevant but also actionable in their day-to-day operations.
A Shift in the Security Culture
The result of this initiative was transformative. With guidance from FriggP2C’s compliance & cybersecurity experts, the healthcare organization saw a marked reduction in security breaches caused by human error. Employees, who once viewed cybersecurity as someone else’s responsibility, became proactive defenders of patient data and institutional security. This newfound awareness didn’t just protect against cyberattacks; it also fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility across all levels of the organization.
The cultural shift toward cybersecurity was palpable. From the leadership team to the front-line staff, the emphasis on continuous education and proactive defense strategies reshaped how employees viewed their role in maintaining the organization’s security.
Before and After
The organization saw a 90% success rate in security awareness & compliance protocol tests within 30 days of the project being initiated. Key performance Indicators (KPI) were created & security champions pulled from all levels of the organization were allocated. Each champion was accountable & owned these performance metrics.
As the project was implemented, a high percentage of employees were able to correctly identify security risks (such as phishing emails, data storage gaps, compliance misses) post the training. A regular review calendar was put in place to review, vet & refresh (if needed) policies & protocols. An award program was also setup to incentivize & reinforce correct behavior, with the leadership team personally participating & publicly wishing winners. This was to communicate the seriousness & involvement of the C-suite, to the employees, in this initiative.
In an industry as critical as healthcare, where the stakes are incredibly high, the organization’s commitment to cybersecurity education proved to be a crucial investment in its future.
Takeaways
This case highlights how a well-structured cybersecurity training program, supported by FriggP2C’s expertise, can empower a healthcare workforce to take control of its own security. Through engaging and ongoing education, the organization not only mitigated the risk of data breaches but also cultivated a culture of security awareness that will help protect patient and institutional data for years to come.
Related Reading: Change Healthcare Massive Breach due to ‘Low Level Employee’ password being compromised
Why FriggP2C
We at FriggP2C Business Solutions understand the compliance minefields you play in. You are governed by laws, rules, and regulations of not only your industry but of the Union and the State as well. Not to forget managing privacy and security frameworks along with regulations such as GDPR, SOC2, HIPAA, HITECH, HITRUST, NIST, PCI DSS, ISO, and FedRAMP.
We know it is difficult to keep on top of the ever changing regulatory & cybersecurity space. Therefore, we offer solutions which are effective, yet simple, easily deployable and manageable. We get the job done for you.
Our claim to fame is our customized & personal approach to every project. Unlike other players, you will always find a human responding to your every question, fear & requirement. We believe every organization is different & needs a solution designed specifically for it. Our experts have decades of experience, probably seen it all & have been in the trenches solving (similar) issues that currently affect you. Their insights reduce your learning curve, solve challenges quicker, are cost effective & protect you from future dangers.
At Frigg Business Solutions, we provide
- Deep organizational security & compliance audits,
- Certification services (Regulatory & Commercial)
- Creating watertight, enforceable compliance policies specific to your organization
- Information security trainings,
- Vulnerability assessment by undertaking risk analysis,
- Services to help you create strong documentation to establish due diligence,
- Process re-engineering services, and
- Cloud migration debugging solutions, amongst other services.
Let us take care of your business. So you can take care of yours.
About the Author
Amit Sarkar (amit.sarkar@friggp2c.com) is the Founder of Frigg Business Solutions at Sheridan, Wyoming, USA, and Hyderabad, Telangana, India. A seasoned writer whose multiple articles have been published in HCCA and SCCE. He is a former CEO of a US Healthcare Regulatory Compliance service organization, and a senior global leader in HIPAA Compliance, IT Security, Risk Management, and Compliance Governance.
