Title: Protecting Patient Data During Layoffs: Tackling the Hidden Cyber Threat in Health Care

The healthcare sector is built on a bedrock of trust, privacy, and uninterrupted data access—elements that can be susceptible not only to outside cyber dangers but also to internal risks, especially in times of workforce downsizing. Although the industry remains vigilant against phishing, ransomware, and malware, the internal risks associated with employee departures—particularly during layoffs—are becoming increasingly critical and serious.

As Todd Thorsen, an experienced healthcare leader, points out, these rising risks can threaten everything from sensitive patient data to proprietary research information, posing genuine consequences for care delivery, compliance, and institutional reputation.

The Evolving Landscape of Work and Data Management

Today’s healthcare environment is no longer confined to servers physically located on-premises. With the emergence of remote working and cloud-based collaboration, staff members utilize numerous platforms to access, create, and retain sensitive information. Data now circulates seamlessly across devices, cloud applications, and file-sharing tools, resulting in decentralized data storage.

This transformation in work culture and technology—while advantageous for productivity—means that vital files are increasingly kept outside of traditional IT supervision. According to the 2024 Work Trend Security Report, almost 70% of employees store data directly on their work devices, with over half failing to perform regular backups. This situation becomes particularly risky when economic pressures result in swift employee departures.

Internal Threats: Both Intentional and Accidental Data Loss

The hazards linked to workforce changes extend beyond mere accidental error. A particularly concerning trend is “rage deletion”—when employees leaving the organization purposefully delete crucial information. Statistics indicate that one in six employees have observed this type of behavior firsthand.

The reasons vary: some act out of frustration; others misunderstand data ownership or believe there are no repercussions. Regardless of the rationale, the outcome is identical—loss of essential files which can adversely affect patient safety, ongoing research, operational planning, and regulatory compliance in the healthcare landscape.

Even in the absence of malicious intent, employees may neglect to save or transfer data stored locally or in external cloud services. Without the right mechanisms in place to pinpoint, recover, and safeguard such information, organizations face the risk of permanently losing vital data.

Deficiencies in Existing Backup and Recovery Protocols

A significant factor exacerbating this issue is insufficient backup practices. Many employees do not regularly back up their files, frequently due to user-unfriendly tools or poorly communicated processes. The Work Trend Security Report reveals that only 30% of employees feel their organizations facilitate data backups effectively.

Additionally, there is often confusion regarding who is accountable for data protection on cloud platforms. Many employees assume it is the service provider’s responsibility, while others believe it falls to their employer. This lack of clarity leads to crucial data “slipping through the cracks,” especially during chaotic periods such as layoffs.

Actions to Enhance Internal Data Security

What steps should healthcare leaders implement to alleviate these escalating internal risks?

1. Identify and Track Data Locations:
Initiate a thorough audit to determine where critical data resides—including endpoints, file-sharing services, and cloud storage. Highlight any gaps or weaknesses in existing frameworks.

2. Deploy Automated, User-Friendly Backup Solutions:
Count on employees to remember manual backups is impractical, particularly during layoffs. Automating backup processes that run in the background across all devices and platforms guarantees continuity and minimizes the potential for human error.

3. Strengthen Offboarding Protocols:
Implement and adhere to a thorough offboarding checklist. This should cover centralized retrieval of equipment, remote erasure of personal devices containing sensitive data, and prompt revocation of system access.

4. Foster Interdepartmental Collaboration:
IT and security teams should collaborate closely with HR and team leaders to monitor employee morale and feelings, identify red flags promptly, and facilitate secure transitions. Awareness of employee discontent can help prevent risky behaviors.

5. Integrate Cybersecurity Awareness into Organizational Culture:
Regular training on data ownership, privacy issues, and the significance of backups should extend beyond compliance mandates. Employees must recognize data protection as an essential part of their responsibilities, irrespective of their role or duration with the company.

6. Clarify Accountability for Cloud Security:
Clearly delineate which roles are responsible for the security of cloud-stored data. Ensure employees are aware that while service providers may offer basic protections, it is the organization that ultimately bears responsibility for safeguarding medical and research information.

Focusing on Data Resilience During Workforce Changes

In the healthcare domain, the ramifications of data breaches or losses are not merely regulatory—they can affect real lives. Diagnostic mistakes arising from missing outcomes, treatment delays due to inaccessible patient records, or the deterioration of valuable research progress can all result from inadequate data protection during employee transitions.

As the healthcare sector continues to transform under financial, technological, and operational strains, securing data from internal threats must be prioritized alongside efforts to defend against ransomware and cyberattacks. Layoffs will happen, and with them, the need for stringent data protection processes must escalate.

By utilizing smarter backup technologies, ensuring coordinated efforts across functions, and fostering a culture of data awareness, the healthcare industry can better safeguard its assets amid evolving challenges.