“Crowdsourcing Confidence: How Community Data Lowers Cyber Risk”
Post Summary
Healthcare cybersecurity is under attack, with patient safety and finances at stake. In 2024, over 276 million patient records were compromised, and the average cost of a breach hit $11 million. Traditional, isolated defenses aren't enough - collaboration is the key. By sharing threat data, healthcare organizations can detect risks faster, cut response times, and protect critical systems. Platforms like Censinet RiskOps™ and networks like Health-ISAC enable secure data sharing, helping hospitals prevent cyber threats and safeguard patient care.
Key Takeaways:
- Shared Intelligence: Community-driven data sharing strengthens defenses.
- Cost Savings: Collaborative cybersecurity can reduce costs by 25%.
- Faster Responses: Detection times cut by 50%, containment down to 73 days.
- Tools in Action: Platforms like Censinet RiskOps™ automate risk management.
The future of healthcare cybersecurity lies in working together, sharing knowledge, and leveraging specialized tools to protect patients and systems.
HIPAA 2.0, Minimum Viable Hospitals, and Strategies for Cyber Resilience within Healthcare
What is Community Intelligence in Healthcare Cybersecurity?
Community intelligence marks a transformative approach in how healthcare organizations tackle cybersecurity. By pooling collective knowledge, it helps create a stronger, more unified defense against cyber threats.
Understanding Community Intelligence
To make the most of community intelligence, healthcare organizations need to adopt strict data-sharing protocols. This approach involves collecting, analyzing, and sharing information about current and potential cyber threats [5]. By collaborating, organizations gain a broader and more detailed understanding of threats - something no single entity could achieve alone.
This method shifts cybersecurity from being reactive to being proactive [4]. Traditional strategies often deal with threats only after a breach has occurred, leaving systems exposed to ever-changing attack methods [4]. In contrast, intelligence-driven solutions use real-time threat data from a global network to identify and neutralize potential risks before they cause damage [4]. Key differences include:
- Reactive incident responses versus proactive, intelligence-based defenses
- Rule-based protocols versus advanced data analytics to detect emerging patterns
- Isolated organizational defense versus collaborative, network-wide protection
The results are impressive: detection times have been cut by 50%, containment times reduced from 287 days to just 73, and threat analysis times shortened by 80% [4].
Community intelligence also evolves alongside new cyber threats and technologies, ensuring healthcare organizations can stay ahead of emerging risks [5]. This adaptability underscores the importance of robust data-sharing practices, which are crucial for fully leveraging the benefits of community intelligence.
Requirements for Effective Data Sharing
For community intelligence to work effectively, secure and trustworthy data-sharing practices are essential. In healthcare, this means prioritizing trust, data privacy, and compliance with U.S. regulations like HIPAA. These safeguards ensure that sensitive patient data remains protected while enabling organizations to exchange valuable threat intelligence.
Trust is the foundation of any successful data-sharing initiative. It’s built through transparent governance, clear agreements on how data will be used, and a shared commitment to mutual security. Healthcare organizations must feel confident that shared information will be handled responsibly and used for the greater good.
Data privacy is equally critical. Organizations must implement strong encryption, restrict access to authorized personnel, and conduct regular system audits to keep sensitive information secure [7]. Compliance with HIPAA is non-negotiable, as it prevents the exposure of patient data and ensures adherence to legal standards.
Policy management plays a key role in supporting these efforts. Clear protocols must outline what information can be shared, how it should be transmitted, and who can access different types of intelligence. Effective collaboration among stakeholders is essential to develop, monitor, and enforce these policies [6].
However, the healthcare sector faces unique challenges in meeting these requirements. Differences in cybersecurity maturity, limited resources, regulatory complexities, and communication barriers often complicate collaboration [6]. Additionally, the growing use of machine learning and artificial intelligence is reshaping how organizations address cybersecurity, while placing greater responsibility on individual entities and their leadership teams [6].
Despite these challenges, intelligence-driven solutions can lower cybersecurity costs by 25% [4]. Achieving these savings, however, requires a strong focus on building the secure and effective foundations that make community intelligence possible.
Tools and Platforms for Community Data Sharing in Healthcare
Sharing cybersecurity intelligence in healthcare requires platforms designed to meet strict compliance and security standards. The right tools can transform isolated vulnerabilities into collective defenses against cyber threats. Below, we explore platforms tailored for healthcare cybersecurity, starting with Censinet RiskOps™.
How Censinet RiskOps™ Supports Secure Data Sharing
Censinet RiskOps™ is a platform built specifically for healthcare cybersecurity collaboration. It connects over 100 provider and payer facilities through the Censinet Risk Network, creating a broad system for sharing threat data [8].
Its Digital Risk Catalog™, which includes data on over 50,000 vendors, gives organizations a clear view of supply chain risks [8]. This resource helps healthcare organizations evaluate cybersecurity benchmarks and address vulnerabilities before they become critical.
The platform allows vendors to securely share risk data using standardized questionnaires and the Cybersecurity Data Room™ [8]. It simplifies risk management with features like automated scoring, risk flags, and corrective action plans [8].
As Matt Christensen, Senior Director of GRC at Intermountain Health, points out:
"Healthcare is the most complex industry... You can't just take a tool and apply it to healthcare if it wasn't built specifically for healthcare" [9].
The platform’s impact is clear. Terry Grogan, CISO at Tower Health, highlights operational improvements:
"Censinet RiskOps allowed 3 FTEs to go back to their real jobs! Now we do a lot more risk assessments with only 2 FTEs required" [9].
Censinet’s AITM feature speeds up risk assessments by enabling vendors to complete security questionnaires in seconds. It automatically summarizes vendor evidence and generates detailed risk reports. By combining automation with human oversight, it supports scalable, proactive defenses that reduce detection and response times.
In February 2025, Renown Health became the first organization to screen for IEEE UL 2933 compliance for new AI vendors. Chuck Podesta, Chief Information Security Officer at Renown Health, worked with Censinet to automate this process, enabling efficient vendor evaluations while upholding rigorous safety and security standards.
Other Data-Sharing Networks
In addition to dedicated platforms, established networks play a key role in healthcare cybersecurity.
- Health-ISAC (Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center): This network enables healthcare organizations to exchange cyber threat information, helping members anticipate and address emerging risks through collective intelligence [1].
- Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center (HC3): This government-backed initiative provides real-time cybersecurity alerts and monthly threat briefings tailored to healthcare organizations [3].
- CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency): Working with HHS and the HSCC Cybersecurity Working Group, CISA offers tools, resources, and training to improve cybersecurity across healthcare and public health sectors [3].
These networks encourage voluntary information sharing about cyber incidents and threats, broadening the understanding of the threat landscape [3].
"Not only did we get rid of spreadsheets, but we have that larger community [of hospitals] to partner and work with" [9].
Comparing Data Sharing Methods
Different platforms and networks offer unique advantages for sharing cybersecurity data in healthcare. Here's a comparison:
| Platform Type | Strengths | Primary Focus | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Censinet RiskOps™ | Healthcare-specific design, large vendor database, AI-powered assessments | Third-party risk management, vendor assessments | Organizations needing in-depth vendor risk management tools |
| Health-ISAC | Peer-to-peer threat sharing, real-time intelligence | Threat intelligence sharing, incident response | Organizations focused on collaborative defense |
| CISA/HC3 | Government-backed, free participation, regulatory resources | National threat awareness, compliance guidance | Organizations seeking government-supported resources |
The choice of platform often depends on an organization’s specific needs and resources. Brian Sterud, CIO at Faith Regional Health, notes:
"Benchmarking against industry standards helps us advocate for the right resources and ensures we are leading where it matters" [9].
Many healthcare organizations are adopting hybrid approaches, participating in multiple networks to maximize their access to threat intelligence. This strategy combines vendor-specific risk data with broader threat landscape insights, resulting in a stronger overall security posture.
Costs for these solutions vary widely. Government-supported networks like CISA are free to join, while platforms like Censinet RiskOps™ offer custom pricing based on organizational needs. Despite the investment, these tools often pay off by improving efficiency and reducing breach-related costs - critical in an industry where data breaches averaged $10.93 million in 2023, the highest across all sectors [11]. Together, these platforms and methods lay the groundwork for effective community data sharing in healthcare.
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Steps to Use Community Data for Cyber Risk Reduction
Healthcare organizations can significantly improve their cybersecurity by following a three-step approach: joining trusted networks, setting up internal protocols, and utilizing specialized platforms. Here’s how to implement this strategy effectively.
Joining Trusted Data-Sharing Communities
Start by becoming part of well-established, HIPAA-compliant information-sharing networks that have strong security measures and rigorous member verification processes.
For example, Health-ISAC is a leading community dedicated to healthcare cybersecurity collaboration. According to Health-ISAC:
"Health-ISAC empowers health sector organizations to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber and physical security events" [2].
"Without Health-ISAC, the [member organizations] would not be in the same defensive posture as they are right now" [2].
Another valuable resource is the Critical Infrastructure Intelligence Initiative (CI3), which provides monthly classified cyber threat intelligence briefings for critical infrastructure operators through secure video at state and local fusion centers [13].
To join such communities, organizations typically need to submit credentials, demonstrate HIPAA compliance, and designate authorized points of contact.
Creating Internal Risk Management Protocols
Once part of a trusted network, the next step is to establish clear internal risk management protocols. These protocols ensure that external threat intelligence is effectively integrated into your organization’s security operations.
A useful starting point is the "Observe, Act, Report" framework:
- Observe: Monitor cyber activity using community-shared intelligence.
- Act: Apply local mitigation measures based on the intelligence.
- Report: Share relevant findings and outcomes with the community [3].
Organizations should also develop risk assessment criteria, maintain severity scoring systems, and document threats, actions, and outcomes. Clear escalation procedures and thorough documentation not only improve security responses but also support compliance audits.
Staff training is key to making these protocols effective. As the American Hospital Association points out:
"The cybersecurity culture of the organization – the people, are the best defense or weakest link, and the most cost effective defensive measure" [12].
To enhance collaboration, establish clear communication channels between internal security teams and community networks. Integrate community data into tools like SIEM systems and incident response platforms to streamline operations.
Using Platforms like Censinet RiskOps™
Specialized platforms can further enhance cybersecurity by seamlessly integrating community data into your operations. For instance, Censinet RiskOps™ offers healthcare-specific tools that automate risk assessment workflows and leverage shared threat intelligence.
This cloud-based platform connects organizations to a network of shared vendor risk and threat intelligence. It automates processes such as evaluating vendor security questionnaires and generating risk summary reports, reducing manual workloads and enabling faster, more consistent threat responses [14].
A real-world example comes from Baptist Health, which successfully implemented Censinet RiskOps™. They chose the platform for its workflow automation capabilities and focus on fostering a collaborative risk network [15].
By automating workflows, routing critical threats efficiently, and providing real-time dashboards, platforms like this help organizations improve compliance and operational efficiency.
Combining trusted community networks, robust internal protocols, and advanced platforms creates a powerful and collaborative defense strategy, turning isolated security efforts into a united front against cyber threats.
Building a Trust-Based Cybersecurity Network
Creating a strong cybersecurity framework in healthcare requires more than just advanced tools - it demands genuine trust and collaboration within organizations and across the broader healthcare community. Trust becomes the foundation for combining technology with human expertise to manage cyber risks effectively.
Maintaining Trust in Data-Sharing Communities
Trust in healthcare cybersecurity starts with clear and honest communication about how data is collected, stored, and shared, all while adhering to HIPAA regulations. Linda Perryclear, Senior Director of Product at Availity, underscores this point:
"Lead with trust. And the way to do that is through transparency – communicate your security practices." [16]
Transparency involves openly sharing security measures to reassure patients about how their data is safeguarded. Regular security audits and continuous staff training further strengthen an organization’s cybersecurity stance.
Another key aspect of trust is adopting a zero-trust architecture. Anand Naik, Co-Founder and CEO at Sequretek, explains:
"Trust in healthcare hinges on how well patient data is protected, requiring a multi-layered security strategy built on zero-trust architecture (ZTA)." [16]
Zero-trust architecture operates on the principle that no user, device, or network is inherently trusted. This approach involves strict access controls and constant monitoring to ensure data security at every level.
Balancing Automation and Human Oversight
Once trust is established, the next step is finding the right balance between automation and human expertise. Effective cybersecurity combines smart automation with human oversight. Platforms like Censinet AITM exemplify this approach by automating critical tasks - such as validating evidence, drafting policies, and mitigating risks - while ensuring human involvement at key decision points.
Configurable rules allow risk teams to retain control, ensuring automation enhances rather than replaces decision-making. These platforms also improve teamwork by acting as central hubs for risk management, where findings and tasks are routed to the right stakeholders for review and approval via user-friendly dashboards.
Long-Term Benefits of Collaboration
Collaboration in cybersecurity offers advantages that extend far beyond immediate threat response. By sharing experiences and learning from one another, organizations can build stronger defenses and adopt better security practices more quickly. Jay Adcock, Chief Information Security Officer at AdhereHealth, highlights this:
"Ensuring patient data security is fundamental to building trust, and without trust, engagement suffers. Healthcare IT systems must go beyond basic compliance to proactively protect sensitive health information." [16]
This collaborative approach not only strengthens immediate defenses but also fosters long-term resilience. Over time, it creates cost savings, simplifies regulatory compliance through shared best practices, and builds a collective knowledge base. The network effect of collaboration enhances the overall security intelligence available to all participants, making the entire community stronger against cyber threats.
Conclusion: The Future of Community Data in Healthcare Cybersecurity
The healthcare industry is at a turning point where working together on cybersecurity is no longer optional - it's critical. With nearly 74% of healthcare breaches stemming from hacking and IT incidents, and 90% of affected individuals impacted by these events, it's clear that traditional, isolated security measures just aren't cutting it anymore [1].
Community data sharing offers a promising way forward. By pooling information about cyber incidents, healthcare organizations can build a shared intelligence network that helps everyone stay ahead of threats [3].
The stakes couldn't be higher. For instance, 60% of rural hospitals have reported a cyber incident in the past three years, and hospitals hit by cyberattacks have seen a 20% spike in patient mortality rates due to delayed care [10]. These numbers highlight the very real consequences of cyber threats disrupting healthcare services.
"Ransomware attacks on hospitals are not white collar crimes, they are threat-to-life crimes because they directly threaten a hospital's ability to provide patient care, which puts patient safety at risk."
- John Riggi, National Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk at the AHA [18]
This quote underscores the urgent need for a unified approach to managing cyber risks in healthcare.
Looking ahead, healthcare organizations must treat cybersecurity as a cornerstone of patient safety, not just an IT concern. Tools like Censinet RiskOps™ make it possible to securely share data while maintaining human oversight. By blending AI-driven automation with human expertise, these platforms allow organizations to scale their risk management efforts without compromising accuracy or safety.
Participation in initiatives like Health-ISAC and collaboration with agencies like CISA for regional cybersecurity support are already paving the way for a stronger, more resilient healthcare system [1][17]. Platforms like Censinet RiskOps™ and networks like Health-ISAC provide the tools needed to observe, act on, and report cyber events effectively. This protects patients, safeguards trust, and ensures care continues uninterrupted in an increasingly digital world.
The path forward for healthcare cybersecurity is clear: we must commit to sharing knowledge, learning from one another, and defending together. The tools and frameworks are already in place - it’s time to put them to work.
FAQs
How does leveraging community intelligence help healthcare organizations stay ahead of cyber threats?
Community intelligence gives healthcare organizations the tools to move from simply reacting to cyber threats to actively preventing them. By pooling threat data, reporting vulnerabilities, and leveraging collaborative analytics, these organizations can pinpoint risks early and act before any damage is done.
This collective effort bolsters security across the entire industry, enabling healthcare providers to anticipate attacks and safeguard sensitive information more efficiently. It’s a smart strategy for staying prepared in the constantly changing world of cyber threats.
What do healthcare organizations need to safely share data while staying compliant with regulations like HIPAA?
Healthcare organizations have a responsibility to ensure all data-sharing practices align with HIPAA regulations. This means data can only be shared for specific, approved purposes like treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. In cases where patient authorization is necessary, it must be properly obtained. To guard against unauthorized access, organizations should implement strong protections like encryption and access controls.
It's also crucial to keep detailed records of all data exchanges and be fully aware of the rules governing disclosures for public health purposes, research, or fraud investigations. Regular staff training and routine audits are practical steps to ensure compliance and safeguard sensitive patient data.
How does Censinet RiskOps™ help healthcare organizations work together to improve cybersecurity, and what are the key benefits of using it?
Censinet RiskOps™ empowers healthcare organizations to work together more efficiently by enabling secure sharing of risk and threat information across the healthcare community. It simplifies risk assessments, automates workflows, and provides real-time insights, helping teams make quicker decisions and respond to threats more effectively.
Some standout advantages include clearer visibility into risks, quicker threat responses, less manual effort, and a more resilient cybersecurity framework. With shared intelligence, healthcare organizations can tackle vulnerabilities head-on and strengthen their defenses against cyberattacks.
