Safeguarding Mobile Healthcare Apps: A Prescription for Security

The Growing Significance of Mobile in Healthcare

Today, mobile devices play a vital role in patient access to healthcare services and help healthcare organizations streamline their operations. There are over 350,000 healthcare-related mobile apps available for download, with 60% of mobile users installing health apps to enhance their lifestyles. Additionally, 43% of millennials prefer to access patient portals via smartphones, and 74% of patients credit wearables and mHealth tools to help them manage their health conditions.

Mobile devices are driving remote patient monitoring, telemedicine, and a wide array of healthcare functionalities. The impact of mobile applications on the healthcare sector is underscored by a remarkable shift: in 2020, 17% of respondents considered mobile apps "critical to business operations," a number that surged to 60% in 2022.

However, while these mobile healthcare applications offer convenience and benefits, they also introduce significant risks.

Mobile App Security in Healthcare

Stay ahead and learn how ASEE can help you circumvent the challenges present in the mobile healthcare industry.

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Why Mobile Healthcare Applications Are Vulnerable

1. Protected Health Information (PHI) Protection: Healthcare apps gather and transmit sensitive patient data, including PHI. Compliance with regulations like HIPAA (US), MDR, and GDPR (EU) requires stringent security measures to safeguard this data against unauthorized access and breaches.
2. Patient Safety: Vulnerable mHealth apps can compromise patient safety, allowing attackers to manipulate medical records and treatment plans, potentially causing harm.
3. Mobile Application Tampering: Mobile apps often connect to medical devices for monitoring and diagnosis. If not adequately protected, attackers can manipulate these devices, endangering patients.
4. Healthcare Fraud: Healthcare apps are susceptible to fraud, enabling attackers to access insurance or prescription data for illicit activities.
5. Legacy Systems: Some mHealth apps are built on top of outdated, unsupported legacy systems, making them vulnerable to security threats.
6. Third-party Integration: Integrations with third-party services introduce new security risks, such as attacks on third-party services or data breaches. Payment gateways, in particular, can expose sensitive personal and financial information.

Secure Your Healthcare Apps with ASEE's Mobile Application Security Suite

Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP)

This integral security component operates within the app's runtime environment, continuously monitoring for anomalies in the app's behavior. RASP defends against data breaches, mobile app security threats, and tampering, all without human intervention.

Code Obfuscation

Code obfuscation aims to obscure code logic, making reverse engineering difficult. Protecting intellectual property, this technique hinders application tampering and reverse engineering attacks.

Integrity Checking

This algorithm-based process calculates a secret value from the app's code, verifying its integrity. Any code alterations result in a mismatch, signaling tampering attempts.

Partner with ASEE: Your Trusted Cybersecurity Ally

ASEE stands as your trusted partner in the complex landscape of mobile application security. With over two decades of experience in cybersecurity, safeguarding your mobile applications against evolving threats and vulnerabilities is our latest mission. Our Mobile Application Security Suite, featuring solutions like Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP), Code Obfuscation, and Integrity Checking, empowers you to secure your apps and user data effectively.

Regardless of the industry you're operating in, ASEE provides tailored, end-to-end security solutions, ensuring your applications remain resilient, compliant, and trustworthy. Take the first step towards a secure future - contact us today for a free consultation and fortify your mobile application's defense.

Sources: Osterman Research, HIPAA, MDR, GDPR

Mobile App Security in Healthcare

Stay ahead and learn how ASEE can help you circumvent the challenges present in the mobile healthcare industry.

Download Use Case