Data Security Council of India and HIMSS will undertake a national-level analysis of healthcare cybersecurity in India.
Last week, the organisations signed a memorandum of understanding to write a cybersecurity report and market analysis of India’s cybersecurity posture.
A non-profit industry body, DSCI works with government, law enforcement, and industry sector agencies to promote data protection through public advocacy, thought leadership, capacity building, and outreach initiatives.
WHY IT MATTERS
“As an industry body on data protection, we feel that there is an urgent and vital need to strengthen the global health ecosystems to make them ready for the future possibilities of cyberattacks,” said DSCI CEO Vinayak Godse during the MOU signing on 24 April.
Under their MOU, DSCI and HIMSS will share access and speaking opportunities for executive events. DSCI members will have access to HIMSS’ professional seminars, masterclasses, and educational courses on workforce development.
Moreover, they intend to engage the Indian government to forward regulatory policies that support the digital transformation of the healthcare industry.
“Together with DSCI, we will empower health systems across India to adopt emerging technologies responsibly while ensuring patients’ highest standards of privacy and security,” commented Simon Lin, HIMSS Asia-Pacific managing director.
“The partnership between DSCI and HIMSS will be instrumental in furthering the agenda of safe, secure, and resilient healthcare systems,” Godse also said.
THE LARGER CONTEXT
Healthcare remains the top-targeted industry by cyber criminals in India. Cybersecurity and privacy are also major concerns among healthcare providers who have been making cautious yet increasing investments in health IT, committing to digital transformation.
Major cyber attacks reported around India over the past five years involved hospitals, including AIIMS Delhi and Safdarjung Hospital.