The Rising Importance of Network Security and Video Surveillance in Healthcare
Why is video surveillance so important for the healthcare industry?
Believe it or not, there are now more than four million video surveillance cameras in the UK which accounts for over twenty percent of surveillance installations around the world. While the United States has not embraced state-sponsored cameras in the same way, video surveillance is especially prominent in banking, law enforcement and national security.
In this article, we take a close look at the role and important of video surveillance in healthcare:
The Importance of Network Security and Video Surveillance in Healthcare
In case you might be asking yourself, security cameras have been around since the 1940s and were first adopted by the banking industry. However, with more than twenty-five million video surveillance installations operating around the globe, they are now common place in every industry.
And that’s just part of the story…
As you know, personal data is always the subject of interest for hackers and this is especially true when it comes to healthcare data. Just so you know, patient information is often used for fraud and nefarious purposes on the black market which means that hackers can sell such information.
In fact, recent studies show that healthcare has been the target for over 80% of ransomware cyber attacks in the United States and many more have demonstrated how people and systems perform significantly better when security precautions and video surveillance cameras are deployed.
Some Benefits of Network Security Cameras in Hospitals
On the other hand, there are also many benefits to video surveillance in healthcare and many of these advantages can not only improve security but also aspects such as productivity and even cash flow:
Flawless Security
Video surveillance in healthcare can provide peace-of-mind along with visual evidence of criminal or unusual behavior. As you might expect, these solutions also create a streamlined process with a single point of access or control for every area of the institution.
Improved Productivity
Video camera installations can help improve communication between certain departments or buildings. Needless to say, this can save time and money but there is also the fact that employees will often perform better or more consistently when they know there is CCTV involved.
Protecting Against Liability
Whether visitors or patients make a suspicious claim of some form, video surveillance is a fast way to protect against false accusations. Now, that’s not to say you should expect this to happen but rather to emphasize the risk and costs involved with any such legal issues when they arise.
Resolving Situations
When things go wrong with a certain system, process or employee, video surveillance can usually identify the core of the issue. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words. That is to say, there is simply no substitution for visual evidence.
Better Storage
IP-based video installations can store digital data which can be easily searched and accessed at a later date.
Remote Surveillance
Video surveillance in healthcare enables employees to monitor situations from remote places. As a rule, access to WiFi or a digital device is usually enough to check and monitor parts of the institution from anywhere, anytime. For the above reasons and benefits, healthcare institutions are investing heavily in cyber security and making every effort to prevent the theft of patient identify information. What’s more, major companies and institutions are now recognizing the role and importance of video surveillance in healthcare.
One Last Importance of Network Security Cameras in Hospitals
It’s true, security is just as important for healthcare as any other industry. However, we have yet to mention one last reason as to why video surveillance in healthcare is proving so valuable. You see, video surveillance is a highly practical solution but these installations can also have an incredibly impact on costs and cash flow. For instance, remote surveillance can reduce costs, while improved communication can save time for departments or teams within the company. As if that’s not enough, video surveillance can also have a psychological effect which directly impacts the sense of responsibility and overall productivity of employees.
Either way, video surveillance is an invaluable asset to every industry and while the United States has yet to fully embrace state-sponsored CCTV, it’s clear that the healthcare industry is already reaping the rewards.
Just so you know, SecureTower® is a leading provider of video surveillance installations and access control security services in the healthcare industry. Now, how can we help you? Get in Touch
