Authors: Shashi Tharoor
Abstract: In the digital era, healthcare organizations are increasingly reliant on information systems to manage sensitive patient data and streamline clinical workflows. However, the growing digitization has also rendered these systems prime targets for cyberattacks, internal misuse, and accidental breaches. Digital forensics offers a critical framework for detecting, investigating, and mitigating security incidents in healthcare information systems. This paper explores the multifaceted application of digital forensics within healthcare, encompassing threat identification, evidence preservation, legal compliance, and technological challenges. As medical data is governed by stringent regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR, the role of digital forensics becomes indispensable in ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of patient records. The unique nature of healthcare environments, including legacy systems, third-party integrations, and life-critical devices, necessitates a tailored forensic approach. Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence and blockchain in forensics is transforming incident response and audit mechanisms. This review delves into forensic readiness, methodologies, tools, case studies, and future directions, emphasizing the critical need for a proactive stance in safeguarding healthcare information. By aligning forensic practices with risk management and compliance, healthcare organizations can build resilient infrastructures capable of withstanding the evolving threat landscape.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16751920
