Data Security in Medical Imaging: IntelePACS and Best Practices for PACS Systems 

A PACS is one of the most critical assets within a healthcare organization, housing sensitive patient records, diagnostic images, and other Protected Health Information (PHI). With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats and stringent regulations around data privacy, securing this information is more important than ever. 

While high-quality PACS are equipped with built-in security features that prevent unauthorized access and data breaches, there are additional steps organizations can take to add extra layers of security. By implementing best practices alongside native PACS security features, organizations can establish a robust, nearly impenetrable shield around patient data. 

IntelePACS Native Security Features 

To address the critical security demands of managing sensitive healthcare data, modern PACS solutions like IntelePACS integrate a range of technical controls and security features directly into the system. These native measures are specifically designed to: 

• Prevent unauthorized access 

• Safeguard data integrity 

• Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations 

Below is an overview of the key built-in security features of IntelePACS, each playing a vital role in defending against potential threats and vulnerabilities. 

Authentication and Access Control 

Access and authentication controls are used to verify user identities and prevent unauthorized access. IntelePACS provides data security with features such as:  

• Configurable password policies: Set complexity rules and expiration time frames. 

• Multi-factor authentication: Adds an extra layer of identity verification 

• Account lockout: Limits maximum failed login attempts to mitigate unauthorized access.   

IntelePACS also includes advanced user management controls. These measures defend against “brute-force” attacks, a type of hacking method that uses a trial-and-error approach to guessing user passwords.  

Data Encryption 

Data encryption protects data that is in transit or in storage. IntelePACS incorporates the newest version of Transport Layer Security to authenticate the parties involved within a data exchange before transmission. This encryption makes the data unreadable to anyone who intercepts it.  

Once the data arrives, it is checked for integrity to ensure it was not tampered with during transit. These security checkpoints ensure end-to-end data protection. This system is, of course, compliant with the stringent HIPAA data protection requirements. 

User passwords are always stored in a database, and IntelePACS stores the passwords in a complex and unreadable format through a “hashing and salting” process that converts passwords into a fixed-length character string, adding random values to make each password unique, even if multiple users share the same password. This system ensures that sensitive authentication details are kept safe from unauthorized access, making it much harder for attackers to compromise user accounts.  

Session Management and Activity Logging 

Session management dictates how a PACS system handles and secures a user’s session. When users log in, a session is created, allowing them to interact with the system without reauthenticating. However, if sessions are not managed securely, attackers could hijack the session and impersonate the user.  IntelePACS mitigates this risk with session management features such as: 

• Session Timeouts: Automatically logs users out after a defined period of inactivity so that a session does not remain open if a device is left unattended.  

• ID Randomization: Each session is given an identifier that is highly complex, reducing the risk of manipulation or prediction of the ID.  

• Encrypted Transmission of Session Data: TLS encryption prevents interception of data over a network.   

Continuous monitoring and logging of activity within the PACS system provides visibility into user actions, which may supply information that helps detect anomalies. 

Input Validation and Code Protection 

There are various web-based threats that target program code and database queries. To safeguard against these attacks, IntelePACS incorporates several layers of defense to protect data integrity and security:  

• SQL Injection attacks attempt to insert malicious code into input fields to manipulate the database and access sensitive data. IntelePACS mitigates this risk through: 

• Parameterized Queries: Treats user inputs—like usernames or search terms—as simple data rather than commands. This means that even if someone tries to enter harmful code, the system only sees it as text and ignores any attempt to manipulate the database. 

• Input Validation: Ensures user input follows predefined rules. For example, if the system expects a username to only include letters and numbers, it will reject anything that doesn’t match. This makes it much harder for attackers to sneak harmful code into the system through input fields, keeping the database safe. 

• Cross-Site Scripting or X-XSS attacks use JavaScript to place malicious scripts on web pages that, when accessed, can lead to data theft. IntelePACS prevents this by: 

• Output Encoding: Converts user-provided data into a safe format before it’s displayed on a webpage. This prevents user input from becoming executable code on the page. 

• X-XSS-Protection Header: This header activates the browser’s built-in XSS protection, automatically detecting and blocking suspected XSS attacks.  

• Clickjacking is a deceptive attack where attackers trick users into clicking on something different from what they intended, often by embedding an invisible iframe over a legitimate webpage. IntelePACS prevents other websites from embedding pages within their own with: 

• X-Frame-Options Header: By allowing only the original website to display its content, it blocks outsiders from framing it in ways that could trick users into harmful clicks. 

Periodic Assessments and Patching  

As cyber threats continue to evolve, data security needs to stay dynamic to prevent and respond to new methods of attacks. IntelePACS conducts regular vulnerability assessments and code scanning to proactively identify and address potential security weaknesses or anomalies. To ensure comprehensive protection, we also perform third-party penetration testing, which provides an unbiased evaluation of our system’s security.  

Any vulnerabilities that are identified are promptly patched to keep the system fortified against emerging threats.  

Best Practices for Data Security  

While IntelePACS provides strong, built-in security features, healthcare organizations can implement industry best practices to further secure their PACS environment and protect sensitive data. 

1. Implement Strong User Policies: 
   Create training centered around password security so that everyone understands the importance of creating unique and complex passwords. Enforce multi-factor authentication, and grant access based on the principle of least privilege, only allowing users to access what is minimally necessary for their role.  

2. Regularly Review and Update Permissions: 
   Conduct regular reviews of user roles and access permissions to identify and remove unnecessary privileges and deactivate any employee accounts that no longer require access.  

3. Monitor User Activity  
   Regularly monitor audit logs for any unusual or unauthorized activity, paying close attention to failed login attempts and access from unfamiliar locations. Consider setting up alerts for anomalies so you can investigate promptly. 

4. Ensure Secure Device and Network Usage 
   Limit PACS access to dedicated workstations and ensure the system is equipped with up-to-date anti-virus software. Always access PACS over a secure network, such as a VPN. Separating your PACS from your main network to limit the spread of malware.  

5. Develop and Disseminate Response Plans:  
   Create training and protocols for users to follow in the event of a suspected breach, including clear guidelines on who to notify and immediate steps to take. Regularly practicing security response scenarios can help ensure readiness, like sending faux spoof emails that provide education if employees click on the “malicious” link. 

6. Have a Backup Plan:  
   Backing up your data regularly will ensure that nothing is lost in the event of a breach. 

7. Stay Informed: 
   Staying updated with the latest phishing threats and attack tactics. Regularly sending out informational emails on new types of attacks helps organizations stay ahead of potential security risks. 

Conclusion 

Security is critical for any PACS system, as it protects sensitive patient data and ensures compliance with healthcare regulations. While IntelePACS includes a strong set of native security features to defend against various types of cyber threats, these measures are most effective when paired with proactive best practices from healthcare organizations and users.  

By understanding and utilizing multiple layers of comprehensive security—from data encryption to user authentication, input validation, and beyond—healthcare organizations can reduce the risks posed by today’s sophisticated cyberattacks.  A vigilant, multi-layered approach to security is essential to safeguarding patient information and maintaining a secure and reliable healthcare environment. 

To learn more about how Intelerad solutions like IntelePACS keep your data safe, schedule a demo.