The treatment for healthcare security calls for a converged approach

Disconnected cyber and physical security systems are paving the way for data breaches

The healthcare industry is facing an increasingly complex threat landscape. The threat of cyber–attacks, theft of patient information, and physical security breaches poses a significant risk to healthcare organizations. The traditional approach of securing healthcare facilities with physical security measures is no longer sufficient. In today’s digital age, healthcare organizations must take a holistic approach to security that integrates cyber–physical security, physical identity access management, and visitor management to address the evolving security threats and gaps.

The prescription: Bringing together cyber and physical security

According to the 2023 SIA Security Megatrends report, security convergence is still top of mind for security leaders as it once again lays claim to the throne. There are three ways to look at it: you can keep your systems disconnected, choose not to connect but create strongly interrelated teams, or go the cyber–physical convergence route. If you chose the last one, you’re already a step ahead.

The new heart of healthcare security is Identity

Physical identity access management (PIAM) is a critical component of healthcare security. PIAM systems provide centralized management of access to physical spaces, devices, and data. With PIAM, healthcare organizations can ensure that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive information, equipment, and areas. By integrating PIAM with other security systems, healthcare organizations can create a seamless and secure environment that ensures only the right people have access to the right information.

Closing the healthcare visitor security gap

Visitor management is another key aspect of healthcare security. Hospitals and healthcare facilities receive a large number of visitors every day, including patients, family members, vendors, and other service providers. With visitor management systems, healthcare organizations can ensure that visitors are properly identified, authenticated, and authorized before they are granted access to sensitive areas. Visitor management systems can also provide real-time tracking of visitors, which can be useful in emergency situations. 

Urgent care: 4 healthcare security gaps that need attention

Healthcare organizations must take a comprehensive approach to security that integrates cyber-physical security, physical identity access management, and visitor management. This approach can help address the following security gaps:  

  1. Inadequate physical and digital access control governance: Traditional physical security measures, such as locks and keys, are no longer sufficient to protect healthcare facilities. Cyber-physical security and PIAM can help healthcare organizations implement more robust access controls that ensure only authorized individuals have access to sensitive areas and information.  
  1. Insider threats: Healthcare organizations must address the risk of insider threats, including employees, contractors, and other insiders who may have access to sensitive information. PIAM can help healthcare organizations monitor and control access to sensitive information, devices, and areas, reducing the risk of insider threats.  
  1. Physical security breaches: Healthcare facilities are vulnerable to physical security breaches, such as theft, vandalism, and active shooter incidents. By integrating cyber-physical security, PIAM, and visitor management, healthcare organizations can create a more secure environment that can prevent and respond to physical security breaches.  
  1. Cybersecurity threats: Cyber-attacks on healthcare organizations have become increasingly common and sophisticated. By adopting a proactive approach to cybersecurity that includes threat detection and response, access controls, and incident response planning, healthcare organizations can reduce the risk of cyber-attacks and mitigate the damage caused by successful attacks.  


Contact us to learn how we can help your organization improve processes, close security gaps and create a better experience for all: https://alertenterprise.com/news/solution-sheet/healthcare/ 

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David Cassady

Chief Strategy Officer

David Cassady has been selling and leading teams in Silicon Valley for more than 30 years. During that time, he’s led a mix of established software players and startups. Cassady has also been involved with five IPOs — and at least as many acquisitions. 

As Chief Strategy Officer, David leverages his extensive experience helping software businesses drive growth through deep and impactful partnerships with the world’s most successful SaaS providers like ServiceNow, Microsoft and SAP. 

Mark Weatherford

Chief Security Officer
Senior Vice President, Regulated Industries

Mark Weatherford brings years of high-level cyber-physical expertise to Alert Enterprise, and as Chief Security Officer (CSO), he guides the strategy of data management and protection by advising cyber-physical security policies and procedures within the company. Weatherford also works in liaison with businesses and executive professionals in the cyber and physical security industries to further accelerate security convergence adoption.

Mark has held numerous high-level cyber-centric positions, including Vice President and Chief Security Officer at the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the Department of Homeland Security’s first Deputy Under Secretary for Cybersecurity under the Obama administration, California’s first Chief Security Officer, and the first CISO for the state of Colorado.

Harsh Chauhan

Chief Technology Officer

As Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Alert Enterprise, Harsh Chauhan is responsible for the company’s engineering technology innovation and solution delivery. A 20-year technology veteran and leader, Chauhan is focused on the growth of the company’s 3D Governance Risk Compliance (GRC) hyperscale cloud platform.

He also continues to develop integrated solutions with leading technology partners like SAP, SAP NS2, and ServiceNow. Before Alert Enterprise, Mr. Chauhan held multiple CTO positions, as well as Product Owner and Head of Development at SAP GRC 10.0, delivering targeted solutions to high-profile SAP clients.

Ruby Deol

Chief Operations Officer

Ruby Deol oversees all business units at Alert Enterprise. With more than 20 years of experience in global sales and support services, Deol nurtures existing client relationships with a customer-first approach. As Alert Enterprise continues to grow in industry recognition and stature, Deol is charged with developing and implementing methods to meet organization goals and facilitate the company’s ongoing transformation.

Kaval Kaur

CFO and Co-Founder

As Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Co-Founder of Alert Enterprise, Kaval Kaur leads all finance and administrative back-office operations. Kaur is a member of the national professional organization American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the California State CPA Society.

Prior to joining Alert Enterprise, she was the CFO and Co-Founder of Virsa Systems, a position she held until its acquisition by SAP.

Kaur is a philanthropist at heart, embracing the diversity of the San Francisco Bay area by assisting with and promoting special cultural events. She recently sponsored 2,000 public schools in rural India to advance computer literacy skills for children and is a foster mother to a 10 year old.

Jasvir Gill

Founder and CEO

Leading the charge of digital transformation and security convergence is Jasvir Gill, Founder and CEO of Alert Enterprise, Inc. An accomplished engineer by trade, Gill is driving the long-overdue digital transformation of the physical security industry.

Prior to launching Alert Enterprise, Gill was the founder and CEO of Virsa Systems, where he grew the company into a global leader of application security software. An early pioneer in establishing governance, risk and compliance as a software market segment, he drove exponential growth at Virsa, facilitating its acquisition by SAP in 2006.

In his free time, Jasvir helps drive social and economic empowerment in the community. He’s also a trustee at the American India Foundation.