Authored by: Humza Rana
Healthcare facilities have the potential to diminish their environmental impact while simultaneously improving patient security and boosting operational effectiveness in the battle against cyber threats. Some believe that discovering technology which satisfies both sustainability and security requirements in data-sensitive operations is a challenge. Yet, such advancements have been available for over twenty years. It’s evident that healthcare systems and other public-serving entities are increasingly under threat from cyberattacks.
Spyware is completely eluding conventional detection tactics, featuring coding crafted to leave no sign of its installation. Innocuous actions, such as streaming a video or browsing a website, can be sufficient for devices (and interconnected systems) to fall victim to infection. While a spy or hacker eavesdropping through an average person’s smartphone might uncover inconsequential information, malware operating in a medical environment presents considerably greater hazards and ramifications. Breached data could be leveraged to extort patients, hospitals might incur penalties, and tainted devices could be withdrawn from usage. The financial repercussions are staggering, resulting in diminished efficiency and adverse outcomes.
Given all this, such assaults may seem insurmountable. However bleak it may be, there is a glimmer of hope. An unexpected ally in the battle against cyber incursions is sustainability oversight tailored to technological choices. The ambition of ‘zero net carbon emissions’ has become a standard of excellence, with the UK striving to become the globe’s first carbon-neutral national healthcare system. With 18 percent of National Health Service (NHS) emissions originating from devices, trusts are formulating strategies to mitigate this figure. Attaining a carbon-neutral organization entails numerous modifications. Even minor adjustments across various facilities and systems can yield significant transformations, particularly when healthcare technology leaders assess how a single technological decision can influence outcomes substantially.
Reflect on the vast array of handheld mobile computers, wearables, tablets, label printers, barcode scanners, and radio frequency identification (RFID) readers presently distributed across healthcare locations. These gadgets, like all devices, contribute to carbon emissions. Comprehending the minor adjustments made in their design and application can assist healthcare providers in reaching their sustainability goals.
As the healthcare industry advances toward a more sustainable future, the integration of eco-friendly technologies has become a priority. However, the push for greener solutions in healthcare must go hand-in-hand with robust security protocols to protect patient data, maintain operational integrity, and comply with regulatory frameworks. Striking the balance between sustainability and security is essential, particularly in regions like the Middle East and North Africa, which are emerging as leaders in modern healthcare innovation.
Integrating Sustainability into Security: A Strategic Approach for Resilience
On paper, the perceived mismatch between the software lifecycle and the hardware lifecycle of many mobile devices has led some business leaders to believe they must choose between security and sustainability. In reality, mobile devices built for longevity, circularity, and security are already available in the market today.
First responders, utility technicians, factory workers, store associates, delivery drivers, and nurses worldwide are leveraging these devices. Many clinical mobile devices, along with other rugged handhelds, wearables, printers, and tablets, are designed to remain secure well beyond the typical two-year device lifecycle common among consumer products. Instead, their standard lifespan spans five to seven years—or even longer.
From an environmental impact standpoint, this extended lifespan significantly reduces the manufacturing footprint while minimizing the amount of non-recyclable components destined for landfills. By aligning sustainability and security, businesses can embrace technologies that not only support environmental goals but also ensure operational resilience.
The Benefits of Sustainable, Secure Healthcare Devices
The benefits of integrating security features with sustainability extend even further. Devices equipped with the ability for IT teams to automate monthly security patching also provide features such as kiosk-mode lockdown home screens and remote performance enhancements. These capabilities help extend the lifespan of devices, keeping them operational longer. This, in turn, reduces demand on production lines, recycling operations, and waste disposal sites.
Preventing Cyberattacks: Performance Sensing
Security breaches are often subtle, with users often unaware that they’ve been compromised. However, changes in battery usage or memory patterns can reveal unexpected activity. These changes—referred to as symptomatic changes—are essential for identifying and securing devices against cyberattacks. This is where security and sustainability overlap.
Tools that pull device and app-level data through data services agents installed on each device provide visibility into unusual activity, empowering IT teams to act on any unexpected behavior. A simple dashboard interface allows performance monitoring, which helps prevent malware, increase operational efficiencies, and drive progress toward net zero goals. While sustainability goals are being pursued, patient safety remains uncompromised, and hospital security stays intact.
For example, device monitoring software with machine learning capabilities can mine over 250 data points related to device, application, and battery health. By monitoring these factors, the software can report on current device status and predict forthcoming issues, allowing teams to address potential problems before they arise.
The Business, Environmental, and Financial Benefits of Alignment
Aligning sustainability and security makes sense from a business, environmental, and financial standpoint. Devices with extended lifespans last for years, while automatic security updates and patches keep both the software locked down and the data secured. Healthcare leaders no longer have to worry about paying penalties for a data breach or spending excessive marketing funds to repair reputational damage. Moreover, eliminating unnecessary device replacements curtails waste, reducing both environmental impact and operational inefficiency.
Security Obstacles of Eco-Friendly Healthcare Innovations
While green technologies offer numerous benefits, they also present new security challenges. Many sustainable systems rely heavily on interconnected networks and digital frameworks, which are vulnerable to cyber threats if not properly protected. Internet of Things (IoT) devices, for instance, gather sensitive patient information and could serve as access points for cybercriminals if not adequately safeguarded.
The rise of cloud computing for electronic documentation and the implementation of renewable energy systems also introduce additional vulnerabilities. These factors underscore the importance of ensuring that sustainability initiatives in healthcare are backed by robust cybersecurity measures.
Current Challenges
The healthcare sector, like many others, is facing global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and social disparity. As sustainability becomes increasingly prominent, its integration into healthcare technology is essential. Incorporating sustainable practices into medical technology presents both a challenge and an opportunity to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and achieve long-term positive impacts.
The Future of Sustainable and Safe Healthcare
The healthcare industry’s transition toward sustainability is inevitable. However, only by pairing these practices with effective security measures can we create a future where healthcare is both eco-conscious and secure. This balance not only supports ecological goals but also fosters patient confidence, ensuring they feel secure knowing their health data is protected.
At the upcoming Arab Health conference, key healthcare leaders will explore strategies for navigating the intersection of sustainability and security. Case studies, regional successes, and innovations will highlight best practices and advancements that promote both objectives. The MENAP (Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan) region is leading this transformation, providing a model for other parts of the world striving to implement sustainable and secure healthcare solutions.
In conclusion, sustainable technology in healthcare offers a promising future. However, its potential can only be fully realized when accompanied by comprehensive security measures. By focusing on both sustainability and cybersecurity, MENAP healthcare leaders can establish a global benchmark for high-quality, environmentally responsible care for future generations.
Sources
- Align Eco-Friendly Tech Choices with Healthcare Security Protocols
- Sustainability as a Challenge for Medical Technology