Ultrasound Data & Patient Data Security

Tackling the patient data security challenge

The Healthcare industry is increasingly reliant on connected computer networks to help deliver better care, to more patients, at a lower cost. And while the benefits for care providers and their patients are clear – so is the growing technology risk.

Healthcare providers face a significant threat from patient data security breaches – research shows that over a two year period, 94% of hospitals were exposed by a breach¹. Not only does this present a clear patient data security threat, but it can also significantly damage the provider held responsible – with reports suggesting that providers could lose $305 billion in patient revenue over the next five years due to cybersecurity attacks².

¹ Third Annual Benchmark Study on Patient Privacy, Ponemon Institute, December 2012

² The $300 Billion Attack, Accenture, October 2015

Our approach to Ultrasound security

As key assets within a hospital’s network, Ultrasound devices are vulnerable to data security breaches – however most Ultrasound systems are developed only for clinical capability, not security. Not at Philips. Our portfolio of EPIQ, Affiniti, CX50, and SPARQ Ultrasound systems are built around the defense-in-depth principle and deliver an outstanding set of data security features comprising of five core layers;

Illustration of 5 concentric circles representing five core layers of data securty: firewall, operating system hardening, malware protection, access controls, patient data encryption

Access controls

To help you control access to data on your Philips Ultrasound systems, you can choose from three access control levels – No Restrictions, Locked Patient Data, and Complete System Lock.

By clicking on the link, you will be leaving the official Royal Philips Healthcare ("Philips") website. Any links to third-party websites that may appear on this site are provided only for your convenience and in no way represent any affiliation or endorsement of the information provided on those linked websites. Philips makes no representations or warranties of any kind with regard to any third-party websites or the information contained therein.
I understand
Operating system hardening

Operating system (OS) hardening involves identifying all unnecessary services and functions that are included within the operating system and disabling those not required by the ultrasound systems. OS hardening reduces the attack surface by eliminating those services that may become vulnerable over time.

By clicking on the link, you will be leaving the official Royal Philips Healthcare ("Philips") website. Any links to third-party websites that may appear on this site are provided only for your convenience and in no way represent any affiliation or endorsement of the information provided on those linked websites. Philips makes no representations or warranties of any kind with regard to any third-party websites or the information contained therein.
I understand
Firewall

Strict firewall policies that block all unnecessary ports to inhibit communication with unauthorized computers, limiting the attack profile that a malicious hacker may try to exploit.

By clicking on the link, you will be leaving the official Royal Philips Healthcare ("Philips") website. Any links to third-party websites that may appear on this site are provided only for your convenience and in no way represent any affiliation or endorsement of the information provided on those linked websites. Philips makes no representations or warranties of any kind with regard to any third-party websites or the information contained therein.
I understand
Malware protection

Philips has implemented the McAfee Application Control solution. This solution, known as whitelisting, protects your systems from malware by allowing only known and trusted applications and libraries to function. Because whitelisting doesn’t require constant updating like traditional AV software, it requires less maintenance and fewer updates.

By clicking on the link, you will be leaving the official Royal Philips Healthcare ("Philips") website. Any links to third-party websites that may appear on this site are provided only for your convenience and in no way represent any affiliation or endorsement of the information provided on those linked websites. Philips makes no representations or warranties of any kind with regard to any third-party websites or the information contained therein.
I understand
Patient data encryption

Enables you to encrypt Ultrasound hard drive data according to your facilities’ specific requirements, as well as giving you the ability to encrypt your patient data in transit, dependent on the functionality of your PACS system.

By clicking on the link, you will be leaving the official Royal Philips Healthcare ("Philips") website. Any links to third-party websites that may appear on this site are provided only for your convenience and in no way represent any affiliation or endorsement of the information provided on those linked websites. Philips makes no representations or warranties of any kind with regard to any third-party websites or the information contained therein.
I understand

Pioneering ultrasound security strategy

When it comes to medical device security – Philips is recognized as an industry leader. We understand the importance of securing your medical devices and protecting your patient data. Together we can maintain a secure environment by remaining vigilant and identifying the ever-changing cybersecurity threat landscape. We are committed to meeting the needs and requirements of our customers.

Defense layers can include security policies, procedures, access controls, technical measures, training, and risk assessments which are combined to help protect you against hackers, malware, and prevent unauthorized access.

Insights to protect your Ultrasound data

We recognize that as a Healthcare professional it is not uncommon to feel vulnerable to data threats. To keep up-to-date with the latest developments that can help your facility to operate a robust, sustainable approach to security – download our best-practice materials here:

Download white paper (486.0KB)

Screenshot of Philips white paper on patient data security

Our Ultrasound portfolio

EPIQ

Affiniti

CX50

SPARQ

Talk to our experts

For more information about how Philips can support your Ultrasound security needs, contact one of our expert team to discuss the best approach for your organization.

Contact us

Talk to our Philips security experts about your data protection needs

How can we help you?

*

Contact information

* This field is mandatory

Country

*

First name*

First name (phonetic)

*

Last name*

Last name (phonetic)

Salutation

Academic title

*

Email address*

Business phone

*

Company*

Job title

Industry

*

Function

*

Specialty

*

Department

*

State or Province

City

Address

Zip or Postal Code

By specifying your reason for contact we will be able to provide you with a better service.

We work with partners and distributors who may contact you about this Philips product on our behalf.

Follow up information

*

Preferred method of contact

Best time to call

Estimated time of purchase

*

Comments

I hereby consent to processing of my personal data and sensitive personal data (if any) and transfer of such data abroad, in accordance with the Privacy Notice that can be found here.

What is cross border data transfer?

I agree on cross-border transfer of personal information.

I hereby agree to receive by email or telephone information about Philips products, services, events and promotions, including information by mail that is appropriate to me, taking into account my activities and preferences, including the Expectations I have indicated / and in this form.

I agree that Philips may share my personal information with authorized resellers of its Philips products and equipment in order to meet my expectations as stated in this form.

I would like to receive marketing related electronic communications about Philips products, services, events and promotions that may be relevant to me based on my user preferences and behavior. I can revoke my consent at any time.

Final CEE consent

How safe is your ultrasound data?