Security Best Practices in Healthtech App Development

Security Blogs | 5 min read

In today's digital age, technology in the form of healthtech applications plays a crucial role in the healthcare industry. They streamline processes, improve patient care, and enhance the overall healthcare experience. Companies and people are using technology to easily access, share, and process health data across the world. However, the sensitive nature of health data and the increasing number of security threats make it imperative for developers to prioritize security. In this blog post, we will explore essential security best practices in healthtech app development.

Table of contents

• Why should Healthtech Apps be secure?

• Security Best Practices for Healthtech Apps

• We are ready to secure your Healthtech Apps!

Why should Healthtech Apps be secure?

Healthtech apps have transformed healthcare, offering incredible convenience and efficiency. However, with this innovation come unique challenges. First and foremost, the vast amount of sensitive patient data collected and transmitted makes these apps prime targets for attacks. The necessity for robust security practices cannot be overstated, as even a single breach can have far-reaching consequences for patient trust and well-being. Moreover, healthtech apps must navigate a complex landscape of ever-evolving regulations and standards, requiring constant adaptation to ensure compliance.

The challenges are real, but the necessity for healthtech apps to address them head-on is even greater, as they hold the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery while safeguarding patient confidentiality and safety. Hence, to protect user privacy and security, healthtech app developers must implement robust security measures and develop secure healthtech apps.

Security Best Practices for Healthtech Apps

Healthtech App developers can utilize these security best practices to develop secure apps:

1. Create a pre-production policy

App developers and security analysts can together create a policy in pre-production for app development. It will help everyone understand exactly how to work on app development. When developers know how to code and security analysts know what to test, there will be much less chance of releasing non-compliant Healthtech applications. Making a policy based on a well-respected industry standard, such as the Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (MASVS) from the Open Worldwide Application Security Project (OWASP), helps guarantee that mobile apps meet a minimum standard of security. Companies and developers can follow the OWASP MASVS guidelines, which meet the highest level of security, when creating Healthtech Apps to ensure maximum protection.

2. Ensure compliance with health data security regulations

The healthcare industry is bound by a web of health data security regulations and standards to protect patient data. As healthtech app developers, it's crucial to stay up-to-date with those regulations and ensure your application complies with those regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA is a US law that sets the standard for protecting sensitive patient information. As per the law, healthtech apps must safeguard patient data and ensure that only authorized personnel can access it. Encryption of data both at rest and in transit is a fundamental requirement. When developing a healthtech app, it is important to consult with a legal expert to ensure that the app complies with all relevant laws and regulations.

3. Identity and Access Management verification

Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a critical aspect of healthtech app security. It ensures that only authorized personnel have access to patient records and other sensitive data. Healthtech apps should implement a strong IAM solution that includes the following features:

1. User Provisioning and Deprovisioning: Automate the process of adding and removing user accounts. When an employee leaves or changes roles, ensure their access is promptly revoked. This prevents unauthorized access to patients’ data.

2. Single Sign-On (SSO): SSO enhances user convenience while maintaining security. It allows users to log in once and access multiple systems or applications. Make sure SSO is configured securely to prevent unauthorized access.

3. Regular Reviews and Audits: Periodically review and audit user access. Ensure that no one has accumulated unnecessary permissions or privileges over time. This helps in identifying and rectifying potential security loopholes.

4. Role-based access control (RBAC): RBAC grants users access to specific resources and data based on their role within the organization. For example, a doctor may have access to all patient data, while a nurse may only have access to data for patients they are caring for.

4. Conduct security audits and testing

Security audits and testing are essential for identifying and fixing security vulnerabilities in healthtech apps. Security testing should be conducted throughout the development lifecycle, from the design phase to the deployment phase. Security testers should use a variety of tools and techniques to identify security vulnerabilities, such as penetration testing, static analysis, and manual code review.

Security audits should be conducted regularly to assess the overall security posture of the healthtech app and identify any new or emerging vulnerabilities. Security audits should be performed by an independent third-party to ensure an unbiased assessment.

In this blog post, we have covered the security best practices that are specific to healthtech app development. In addition to these security practices, app developers and companies also need to follow various other security best practices that are necessary for developing secure apps, like authentication, data encryption, etc. These are applicable to all types of apps, be they healthtech apps, fintech apps, or any other app. Please visit our blog post, “Security Best Practices for Developing Secure Mobile Apps”, to learn more about the general best practices for mobile app development.

We are ready to secure your Healthtech Apps!

Navigating the intricate realm of healthtech app security can be daunting. That's where Bugsmirror comes into play. We are ready to help you develop healthtech apps that have top-notch security. Our security experts have found numerous security bugs and fortified the security of several types of apps. Our team can assist you in ensuring that your healthtech app is not only functional but fortified against evolving security threats. Bugsmirror is your trusted partner in building secure and resilient healthtech applications, safeguarding patient data, and maintaining the integrity of your healthcare innovations.

If you are developing a healthtech app or already have one, discuss its security issues (if any) with us. With our tailored security solutions and advice, we can make your healthtech app more secure. Reach out to us!