FIDO & THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE AUTHENTICATION

Passwordless MFA for Healthcare

 

Healthcare organizations and institutions are undergoing a transition away from passwords towards more secure and convenient authentication methods. FIDO (Fast Identity Online), an emerging authentication standard, has already been widely adopted by major technology companies globally. Healthcare organizations that delay this transition may face increased vulnerability to cyber threats. However, those who successfully implement FIDO authentication can proactively focus on the future, enabling a secure environment while minimizing the need for constant security concerns.

The path to Zero Trust and Passwordless Authentication

What is FIDO?

FIDO (Fast Identity Online) is an authentication standard that is globally replacing passwords in various industries, including healthcare. It encompasses familiar methods like facial recognition, fingerprint identification, and physical security keys (such as Yubikeys from Yubico). Leading technology companies have already embraced FIDO, and healthcare institutions are also striving to adopt this standard.

FIDO for Healthcare Institutions

Healthcare institutions have compelling reasons to transition from passwords to secure FIDO authentication. Here are the key factors driving this change:

Enhanced Security

Passwords have proven vulnerable to hacking and phishing attacks. FIDO2, which employs public-key cryptography, significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and account breaches.

Phishing Resistance

FIDO2 authentication relies on device-specific cryptographic keys, making it resistant to phishing attacks. Even if users unknowingly interact with phishing sites, their credentials cannot be used to access genuine healthcare services.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

FIDO2 supports convenient and robust multi-factor authentication by combining something the user knows (password) with something the user possesses (such as a hardware token or biometric factor). This added layer of security makes it difficult for attackers to compromise accounts.

Reduced Password Management Burden

Password-related issues, such as forgotten passwords and resets, can be time-consuming and frustrating. Adopting FIDO2 reduces reliance on passwords, alleviating the burden of password management and support costs for healthcare institutions.

Regulatory Compliance

Healthcare institutions operate under stringent regulatory frameworks that require robust security measures. FIDO2 authentication aligns with these compliance requirements by enhancing security and reducing the risk of data breaches.

User Convenience

FIDO2 authentication offers a more user-friendly experience compared to traditional passwords. Users can utilize biometric authentication factors or physical security keys, which are often more convenient and quicker to use.

Standardization

FIDO2 is an open standard developed by the FIDO Alliance, an industry consortium dedicated to improving online authentication. Its widespread adoption ensures interoperability and compatibility, allowing healthcare institutions to leverage existing FIDO2 infrastructure and technology.

By implementing FIDO2 authentication, healthcare institutions aim to enhance security, protect patient data, and provide a streamlined and user-friendly authentication experience.

At Secfense, we have built technology that deploys strong authentication in a matter of minutes. It is called User Access Security Broker. No developers, no contractors, and no third-party codes are required; therefore, there is no risk of a vendor-lock. The Secfense broker enables strong authentication in any app without meddling with the code.

FIDO Implementation in Healthcare

The implementation of FIDO in the healthcare industry is paramount to address the increasing risks of identity theft, fraud, and unauthorized access to sensitive financial data. However, incorporating FIDO can be a challenging and resource-intensive process, often requiring extensive coding and integration efforts.

Secfense no-code FIDO integration

The most effective approach for implementing FIDO authentication on a large scale is through the User Access Security Broker method. This software integration approach eliminates the requirement for coding and allows for the seamless addition of FIDO authentication to any application in as little as 5 minutes. By leveraging this approach, our clients typically attain comprehensive FIDO protection for their organizations within a span of 7-14 days, resulting in the transformation of their entities into fully secure FIDO-enabled environments.

Secfense implementation in big institutions

Secfense’s successful implementation in big institutions is exemplified by a notable case study involving BNP Paribas Poland. Recognizing the significance of enhancing their authentication processes to safeguard customer accounts and transactions, BNP Paribas, one of the largest international banking groups, partnered with Secfense to introduce FIDO-based multi-factor authentication (MFA) in their banking operations. Working in collaboration, Secfense seamlessly integrated their solution into BNP Paribas’ infrastructure, enabling the streamlined and non-disruptive implementation of MFA across all users and applications. This collaboration eliminated the need for extensive coding changes or modifications to existing systems, facilitating the smooth adoption of FIDO authentication by BNP Paribas.

Watch a 5-minute demo where we add FIDO to a legacy app

In collaboration with our valued customer, BNP Paribas, we have developed a live demo showcasing the seamless integration of FIDO authentication into any application without the need for coding. This concise 5-minute live demonstration offers a comprehensive insight into the process of implementing FIDO MFA in a real-time environment. The demonstrated approach remains consistent across all applications, regardless of whether they are legacy or modern applications.

Watch a 60-minute webinar on passwordless transformation

We had the privilege of hosting a webinar with esteemed members of the FIDO Alliance, namely David Turner and Marcin Szary. In this enlightening 60-minute discussion, they shared invaluable insights to empower your organization in embarking on the journey towards a modern and secure passwordless environment. David and Marcin delved into the fundamental principles of FIDO authentication and explored the exciting future development plans for this open and freely available authentication standard. Don’t miss the opportunity to sign up today and watch the webinar recording, ensuring you stay up-to-date with the passwordless revolution.

Schedule a 15-minute demo and add FIDO to your app

We highly recommend scheduling a demo with us to witness firsthand the seamless integration of FIDO authentication into your application, without the need for code modifications. Our demo will showcase the powerful functionality of the Secfense User Access Security Broker and demonstrate how it enables the utilization of any MFA method for any application. While we strongly advocate for FIDO authentication, we understand that each organization has unique requirements. That’s why our Secfense broker supports the use of all MFA methods. Whether you prefer modern methods like FIDO or traditional methods like SMS, TOTP, or push authentication, you can introduce them with equal ease and simplicity using our solution.

Try Secfense for free and protect all your employees in 7 days

If you’re ready to embrace FIDO authentication for your organization without any hesitation, that’s fantastic! Let’s kickstart your journey with our free trial. By signing up, you’ll have the opportunity to install the Secfense User Access Security Broker in your testing environment and integrate FIDO (or any preferred authentication method) into one application, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all users, completely free of charge. Schedule a discovery call with one of our experts, and we’ll provide the necessary guidance and support to help you set up the required tests.

Clients about Secfense:

We are faced with new challenges every day. We must always be one step ahead of the attackers and know what they are going to do before they do it. We are convinced that the User Access Security Broker will bring security to a new level, both for those working at the office and from home. For us, working with Secfense is an opportunity to exchange experience with developers who put great value on out-of-the-box thinking.

Krzysztof Słotwiński – Business Continuity and Computer Security Officer

BNP Paribas Bank Poland

Common Types Of Cyber Attacks On Healthcare Institutions

Cyberattacks can come in a variety of forms, the most common being:

Ransomware and other types of malware

Phishing

Distributed denial of service

Man-in-the-middle attacks

Healthcare IT can rely on strong authentication to increase the security of data.

In order to increase data security, Healthcare IT can rely on strong authentication. There are many ways to deploy strong authentication. Feel free to schedule a call with us to learn about available options.

How can Improving Cybersecurity Benefit your Healthcare Facility

It is hard to overstate the importance of strong authentication. Strong cybersecurity is paramount when it comes to minimizing the risks and avoiding the costs that come with data breaches.

Important benefits of improving cybersecurity

Build a More Risk Aware Team
Implementing security enhancements will grow risk awareness in employees. By giving them the tools and information, organizations empower staff and reduce the likelihood of a digital breach.

Assess The Current Security Setup
Introducing new security measures is a perfect opportunity to take a step back and examine the current setup. Hackers constantly design new attack methods, which can make outdated security platforms useless.

When deploying strong authentication, it is important to examine the currently used tools. If some of the current measures have major flaws, you should consider upgrading them.

Enhance Security with Effective Authentication Methods
Instead of protecting passwords and logins, you can deploy strong authentication and safeguard access directly with 2FA, thus ensuring hackers will not get through even if traditional login credentials are compromised. For this reason alone, strong authentication is set to become the next gold security standard, with FIDO2 being the best option available.

Introducing FIDO2 (also known as WebAuthn) means choosing the safest existing authentication method. With this solution implemented, apart from using a conventional password, your employees will also need to provide a FIDO2 key or a local authenticator to log in.

Until recently, deploying FIDO2 was a lengthy and expensive process. Now, with a broker from Secfense, you can set up FIDO2 in a fast and cost-effective way. Schedule a call to learn how Secfense can enhance security in your organization.

Why is FIDO2 the Best Authentication Method Available?

Recent years show that cybercriminals do not discriminate when choosing their target. Even during the pandemic, many hospitals have become victims of vicious cyberattacks. Therefore, the concept of security in the healthcare industry must extend beyond the physical well-being of patients and employees. People responsible for technology in hospitals and clinics need to ensure that all the data is safe. Since security breaches usually expose sensitive information, such as medical records and financial details, fixing the aftermath of a breach can be expensive, difficult, and time-consuming.

At Secfense, we have built technology that deploys strong authentication in a matter of minutes. It is called User Access Security Broker.

No developers, no contractors, and no third-party codes are required; therefore, there is no risk of a vendor-lock. The Secfense broker enables strong authentication in any app without meddling with the code.

Recent years show that cybercriminals do not discriminate when choosing their target. Even during the pandemic, many hospitals have become victims of vicious cyberattacks. Therefore, the concept of security in the healthcare industry must extend beyond the physical well-being of patients and employees. People responsible for technology in hospitals and clinics need to ensure that all the data is safe. Since security breaches usually expose sensitive information, such as medical records and financial details, fixing the aftermath of a breach can be expensive, difficult, and time-consuming.

Implementing Strong 2FA In The Healthcare Facility

In addition to conventional attacks, hackers may use a variety of tools to target healthcare facilities. Implementing strong authentication will improve staff’s awareness and reduce attack risks.

It is possible to set up strong authentication within minutes. Schedule a discovery call and we will show you how to deploy 2FA in a fast and easy way.

Book a call

Testing enterprise solutions has never been easier. You can install a trial version of Secfense for free within one day, and within the next few days you can try out all of its mechanisms on as many applications as you like. Make an appointment with us and find out how to sign up for a free trial of the Secfense tool.

Testimonials

We are faced with new challenges every day. We must always be one step ahead of the attackers and know what they are going to do before they do it. We are convinced that the User Access Security Broker will bring security to a new level, both for those working at the office and from home. For us, working with Secfense is an opportunity to exchange experience with developers who put great value on out-of-the-box thinking.

Krzysztof Słotwiński

Business Continuity and Computer Security Officer

BNP Paribas Bank Poland

As part of the pre-implementation analysis, we verified that users utilize a wide range of client platforms: desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and traditional mobile phones. Each of these devices differs in technological advancement, features, and level of security. Because of this, and also due to the recommendation of the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (UKNF), we decided to introduce additional protection in the form of multi-factor authentication mechanisms based on FIDO. As a result, users of our applications can log in safely, avoiding common cyber threats such as phishing, account takeover, and theft of their own and their clients’ data.

Marcin Bobruk

CEO

Sandis

We are excited to partner with Secfense to enhance our user access security for our web apps. By integrating their User Access Security Broker, we ensure seamless and secure protection for our applications and systems, delivering superior security and convenience to our customers.

Charm Abeywardana

IT & Infrastructure

Visium Networks

Before investing in Secfense, we had the opportunity to talk to its existing clients. Their reactions were unanimous: wow, it’s so easy to use. We were particularly impressed by the fact that implementing their solution does not require the involvement of IT developers. It gives Secfense a huge advantage over the competition, and at the same time opens the door to potential customers who so far were afraid of changes related to the implementation of multi-factor authentication solutions.

Mateusz Bodio

Managing Director

RKKVC

Even when the network and infrastructure are secured enough, social engineering and passwords can be used to gain control of the system by attackers. Multifactor authentication is the current trend. Secfense addresses this and allows you to build zero trust security and upgrade your current systems to passwordless applications within minutes, solving this problem right away,” said Eduard Kučera, Partner at Presto Ventures and cybersecurity expert – former Director in hugely successful Czech multinational cyber security firm Avast.

Eduard Kučera

Partner

Presto Ventures

One of the biggest challenges the world is facing today is securing our identity online. That’s why we were so keen to have Secfense in our portfolio. They make it possible to introduce strong authentication in an automated way. Until now, organizations had to selectively protect applications because the deployment of new technology was very hard, or even impossible. With Secfense, the implementation of multi-factor authentication is no longer a problem, and all organizations can use the highest standards of authentication security.

Stanislav Ivanov

Founding Partner

Tera Ventures

Two-factor authentication is known to be one of the best ways to protect against phishing; however, its implementation has always been difficult. Secfense helped us solve that problem. With their security broker, we were able to introduce various 2FA methods on our web applications at once.

Dariusz Pitala

Head of IT

MPEC S.A.