A critical review of the state of computer security in the health sector

Abstract

There is growing concern about IT security in the healthcare sector due to the number of cyberattacks. The objective of the review is to analyze the state of adoption of computer security in the healthcare sector and provide valuable knowledge to researchers and health organizations interested in this field of study. An exhaustive search of international and regional articles on computer security in healthcare organizations was conducted using Scopus, Dimensions, and pubMed databases. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement was used for the selection of articles published between 2018 and 2022. The final number of articles considered is 50. The review explored approaches related to computer security types, mechanisms, and technologies. The findings reveal that blockchain is the most widely used technology to protect medical information. In addition, network, software, and hardware security approaches are employed, using mechanisms such as data encryption, authentication, and access control. Based on these findings, a perimeter security model for the protection of medical information is proposed. In conclusion, these results highlight the importance of adopting robust security measures in terms of networks, software, and hardware, as well as adopting blockchain technology to improve data security in the healthcare sector. © 2023 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.