The healthcare sector is one of the most critical sectors in any economy. It is also one of the most targeted by cyber criminals. In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Health has published a new guideline to help healthcare organizations build a competent workforce to protect patients' data from cyber threats.

The Abu Dhabi Healthcare Information and Cyber Security Workforce Guideline provides guidance on the competencies required for healthcare information and cybersecurity roles. It addresses challenges such as undefined job roles, competency criteria, and security governance. The guideline also offers a framework for workforce competency based on facility levels (basic, transitional, and advanced), guiding organizations toward meeting security requirements aligned with strategic objectives, compliance, and risk management.

Download the guideline Please click HERE

One of the key takeaways from the guideline is that healthcare organizations must have a clear understanding of the cybersecurity risks they face in order to protect patients' data. This includes identifying the specific threats and attack vectors that are most likely to be used against healthcare organizations, as well as the vulnerabilities in their systems and processes that could be exploited by cyber criminals.

The guideline also emphasizes the importance of training and education for healthcare employees on cyber security. Employees need to be aware of the risks they face and how to protect themselves and their patients from them. Organizations must provide regular training on cyber security topics, as well as opportunities for employees to learn more about the subject on their own.

Here are some of the key competencies that healthcare organizations should look for in their information and cybersecurity employees:

• Knowledge of healthcare regulations and standards for cybersecurity
• Understanding of cyber threats and attack vectors
• Ability to implement and manage security controls
• Ability to respond to cyber incidents
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences

By hiring employees with the right competencies and providing them with the right training, healthcare organizations can build a workforce that is well-equipped to protect patients' data from cyber threats.

The Abu Dhabi Healthcare Information and Cyber Security Workforce Guideline is a valuable resource for healthcare organizations in Abu Dhabi. It provides the guidance and support they need to build a competent workforce to protect patients' data from cyber threats.

Here are some of the key things that healthcare organizations can do to implement the guideline:

• Assess their current workforce competency in terms of information and cybersecurity.
• Develop a training plan to address any gaps in knowledge or skills.
• Implement security controls that are appropriate for their level of maturity.
• Test and monitor their security controls on a regular basis.
• Review the guideline regularly to ensure that they are compliant with the latest requirements.

By following these steps, healthcare organizations can implement the Abu Dhabi Healthcare Information and Cyber Security Workforce Guideline and protect their patients, systems, and reputation from cyber threats.

Nithin Ramesh