Protecting trial data requires an ongoing investment
Keeping pace with data security requirements can seem like a never-ending battle, but for ECG core labs, identifying and addressing security risks is absolutely critical.
Investing time and resources into software, systems, and data security can protect healthcare organizations from a crisis like a data breach, ransomware attack, or destruction of critical trial data. While most patient data is anonymized, there is an inherent risk in any healthcare interaction whether you are going to the doctor, visiting your local pharmacy, or participating in a clinical trial. Proactively addressing and protecting against potential security threats can save clinical trial sponsors millions of dollars and lost time, while ensuring that the development of potentially lifesaving pharmaceuticals and medical devices does not get derailed.
Guarding against such attacks means keeping pace with threats that evolve constantly while finding ways to protect multiple layers of data and systems. This requires an ongoing reevaluation of risks and vulnerabilities as security threats evolve. From increasing technical protections such as firewalls to establishing data security and protection committees, to staff education about phishing and other social engineering attacks, core labs are making data security an ongoing priority.
And while the natural instinct may be to hold things close to the vest when it comes to security, in some cases, the best recourse is to engage outside experts, such as data security specialists who can assess your current security environment, make recommendations to better protect your data, and provide updates as threats evolve.
–The landscape for data and systems security is ever changing, but one thing is certain: Improving data and systems security to prevent an attack is a far better option than managing recovery after the fact.