The technology world is fun, but it can be a dangerous place.
The biggest area to address is one of the most critical challenges we face today: cybersecurity. In an increasingly interconnected world, where digital transformation has become the norm, safeguarding our data and protecting our organization from cyber threats has never been more important—and it takes all of us to keep UTMB secure.
The threat landscape is evolving at an alarming pace, especially for academic health centers. Cybercriminals are constantly devising new and sophisticated methods to exploit vulnerabilities in our systems. The recent surge in ransomware attacks, data breaches and supply chain compromises underscores the gravity of the situation. We must remain vigilant, proactive and united in our efforts to defend against these threats.
Cybersecurity requires an institution-wide commitment to creating a culture of security awareness. Each member of our institution plays a crucial role in safeguarding our digital assets and protecting our reputation. From the C-suite to entry-level employees, we must all embrace cybersecurity best practices and prioritize the protection of sensitive information.
To fortify our cybersecurity defenses, we have a multi-faceted approach:
Comprehensive Risk Assessments: We will conduct regular and thorough risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities in our systems and processes. This proactive approach will enable us to mitigate risks before they escalate into serious threats.
Security Operations Center: We have built a team that monitors and mitigates cyber issues 24/7/365.
Employee Training and Awareness: Investing in ongoing cybersecurity training for our staff is vital. We will educate you about the latest threats, social engineering tactics and best practices for securing your devices and accounts. An informed and vigilant workforce is our first line of defense.
Robust Incident Response Plan: No system is impenetrable. In the event of a cyber incident, we must respond swiftly and decisively. To this end, we will develop and test a comprehensive incident response plan, ensuring that our teams are well-prepared to handle any potential breach or attack.
Embracing Security Technologies: We will continue to invest in cutting-edge security technologies to enhance our defense mechanisms. From next-gen firewalls and advanced threat detection systems to secure authentication methods, we will stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.
Building a Cybersecurity Culture: Cybersecurity is not just a set of tools; it is a mindset that permeates every aspect of our organization. We will promote a culture where security is ingrained in our daily practices and decisions.
As valued team members, your vigilance and commitment are crucial. I urge you to report any suspicious activity, practice good password hygiene and be cautious when clicking on links or opening attachments in email. If you’re not sure if an email is from a reliable source, forward it to cirt@utmb.edu and it will be examined by security experts. If you believe your password has been compromised, call the ITS Support Desk at 409.772.5200 to get it reset. Cybersecurity is our collective responsibility and, by working together, we can create a robust and resilient defense against cyber threats.
Cybersecurity is not a battle we can afford to lose. The digital frontier is vast and filled with hidden dangers but, with a united front and a strong commitment to best practices, we can protect our organization's assets, maintain patient trust and safeguard UTMB’s future.
Let us continue on this journey together, arming ourselves with knowledge, vigilance and determination. Our organization's cybersecurity is in our hands and, together, we shall rise to the challenge and triumph against cyber adversaries.
As my friend Louis Perrin, the senior security analyst at UTMB, says at the end of our morning cyber calls: Stay safe out there!
All the best,
George Gaddie
Chief Information Officer