How cyber inequities compromise healthcare security
Cyber inequities refer to the disparities and imbalances in access to, use of, and impact from digital technologies and the internet. The recent CrowdStrike software update flaw confirm that even the most sophisticated enterprises are vulnerable.
However, the greatest damage is done in smaller healthcare businesses and medical practices where the bench of IT staff is not deep or in many cases non-existent. And lest we forget the damage at the individual level where the delivery of critical healthcare services collapses.
Where inequity and cybersecurity intersect
- Digital Divide: The gap between individuals who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who do not has a definite effect on security. Needless to say, one who has no technology is less likely to get hacked. But those who have inferior technology can be prime targets and the financial hack could have a devastating effect on the disadvantaged. Rural and indigenous populations may have limited access to high-speed internet and advanced digital devices that could provide more secure computing and communications platforms.
- Digital Literacy: The ability to effectively use digital tools and navigate the internet varies significantly among different groups. Individuals with lower digital literacy may struggle to benefit from online resources, participate in digital economies, or protect themselves from cyber threats. Consider that thousands of the most digitally literate are hacked every day.
- Cybersecurity Risks: Vulnerabilities in cybersecurity can disproportionately affect certain populations. For example, individuals with limited knowledge of online security practices may be more susceptible to phishing attacks, identity theft, and other cybercrimes.
- Data Privacy: There are disparities in how different groups are affected by data collection and surveillance practices. Marginalized communities may face greater risks of privacy violations and misuse of personal data. On the other hand, there are equity issues in gathering the proper data about marginalized populations in order to make population health and security issues accurate. History shows that many of these data universes are not representative of the real world.
- Representation in Tech Industry: Underrepresentation of women, people of color, and other minority groups in the technology sector can lead to implicit and explicit biases in the development and implementation of digital tools and services. This can result in technologies that do not adequately address the needs or concerns of diverse populations.
- Education and Learning: The availability of online educational resources and e-learning platforms is not equal across all demographics. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds may lack the necessary tools and internet access to benefit from remote learning, exacerbating educational inequities.
- Health Disparities: Telehealth services and digital health resources can improve healthcare access, but only for those who can utilize them. People without reliable internet access or digital literacy may miss out on these benefits, leading to poorer health outcomes.
Addressing these cyber inequities requires coordinated efforts from governments, private sector entities, non-profits, communities and surely healthcare providers to ensure that everyone can fully participate in and benefit from the digital age.