Cybersecurity in healthcare is no longer just an IT concern. In Abu Dhabi, it is a regulatory responsibility that directly affects patient safety, data privacy, and organizational credibility. If you operate a healthcare facility, manage clinical systems, or integrate with Malaffi, you already know that ADHICS sets the benchmark for cyber security compliance. Yet, many healthcare leaders struggle with one question: how do you practically understand and implement the ADHICS 11 domains without feeling overwhelmed?
That is exactly what this article helps you do. You will get a clear, simplified breakdown of the ADHICS 11 domains, explained in plain language and real-world context. Instead of reading policy-heavy documents, you will learn what each domain means for your daily operations, systems, and teams. By the end, you will know how these domains work together to form a strong cyber security foundation for your organization.
What Is ADHICS and Why the 11 Domains Matter
ADHICS stands for Abu Dhabi Healthcare Information and Cyber Security Standard. The Department of Health Abu Dhabi introduced it to protect healthcare information across the emirate.
The framework organizes cyber security controls into 11 domains. Each domain focuses on a specific risk area, but none of them work in isolation. Together, they create a complete security posture that protects patient data, clinical systems, and integrations like Malaffi.
If you ignore even one domain, gaps appear. Auditors notice these gaps quickly. That is why understanding all 11 domains matters as much as implementing them.
How the ADHICS 11 Domains Work Together
Think of the ADHICS domains as pillars holding up your healthcare cyber security program. One weak pillar puts pressure on the others.
Governance defines responsibility. Asset management tells you what to protect. Access control restricts who can touch data. Incident management prepares you for the unexpected. Business continuity keeps care running during disruption.
When these domains align, your organization stays resilient, compliant, and trusted.
Governance and Risk Management
This domain forms the backbone of ADHICS compliance.
You must define clear cyber security roles, responsibilities, and accountability. Leadership involvement matters here. Policies alone do not satisfy auditors if no one owns them.
Risk management requires you to identify threats, assess impact, and apply controls. You should document risks related to clinical systems, cloud platforms, and Malaffi connectivity.
Regular risk reviews show maturity. They also help you prioritize investments instead of reacting to incidents.
Asset Management
You cannot protect what you do not know exists.
Asset management requires you to maintain an accurate inventory of hardware, software, applications, and data. This includes servers, medical devices, workstations, and cloud resources.
You should classify assets based on sensitivity. Patient data systems deserve higher protection than administrative tools.
When auditors ask what assets connect to Malaffi or store health records, you should answer with confidence and evidence.
Human Resources Security
People play a major role in cyber security success or failure.
This domain focuses on security before, during, and after employment. Background checks, clear job roles, and confidentiality agreements reduce risk.
Training remains critical. Staff should understand phishing, password hygiene, and data handling rules. Clinical teams need guidance that fits their workflow.
When employees leave, access removal must happen immediately. Delays here often lead to audit findings.
Physical and Environmental Security
Cyber security does not exist only in software.
Physical access to server rooms, data centers, and network equipment requires strict control. You should limit entry to authorized staff and log access.
Environmental risks such as fire, flooding, and power failure also matter. ADHICS expects safeguards like backup power and controlled environments.
Physical security protects digital systems more than many organizations realize.
Communications and Operations Management
This domain focuses on how systems operate daily.
You must manage change carefully. System updates, patches, and configuration changes should follow approved processes. Uncontrolled changes introduce vulnerabilities.
Secure communication channels protect data in transit. This includes internal networks and external connections like Malaffi APIs.
Operational discipline reduces errors and improves system stability.
Access Control
Access control defines who can see and use data.
ADHICS requires role-based access aligned with job duties. Doctors, nurses, administrators, and IT staff should not share privileges.
Multi-factor authentication strengthens protection, especially for remote and privileged access.
Regular access reviews help you catch inactive accounts and privilege creep. Strong access control protects patient privacy and reduces breach risk.
Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Maintenance
Security should start before systems go live.
This domain requires you to include security requirements during system selection, development, and integration. That applies to EMRs, mobile apps, and Malaffi-connected systems.
Vendors should demonstrate compliance capabilities. You should test security controls before deployment.
Ongoing maintenance keeps systems secure as threats evolve.
Information Security Incident Management
Incidents happen. Preparation defines outcomes.
You need a clear incident response plan that covers detection, reporting, containment, and recovery. Staff should know who to contact and what steps to follow.
Cloud and Malaffi-related incidents require special attention due to shared responsibility models.
Testing your response plan builds confidence and reduces chaos during real events.
Business Continuity Management
Healthcare cannot stop during disruptions.
This domain ensures that critical services continue during cyber incidents, system failures, or disasters. You should identify essential systems and define recovery priorities.
Backups must remain secure and regularly tested. Recovery time objectives should align with clinical needs.
Business continuity protects patients as much as systems.
Compliance and Audit Management
Compliance ties everything together.
You must monitor adherence to ADHICS requirements continuously. Internal audits help you identify gaps before external reviews.
Documentation matters. Policies, logs, risk assessments, and training records provide evidence.
When auditors see consistency and preparation, reviews become smoother and less stressful.
The ADHICS 11 domains may seem complex at first, but they form a logical and practical framework for healthcare cyber security. Each domain addresses a specific risk area while supporting the others.
When you understand these domains clearly, compliance becomes manageable. You move from reacting to audits to building a strong, sustainable security posture. That posture protects patient trust, supports Malaffi integration, and strengthens your organization’s reputation.
If you want to simplify compliance, start by assessing each domain honestly. Fix gaps step by step. Cyber security success comes from consistency, not shortcuts.
If you need expert guidance on ADHICS assessments, audits, or Malaffi-aligned security strategies, now is the right time to seek professional support. A proactive approach today prevents costly issues tomorrow.
FAQs
1. What are the ADHICS 11 domains?
The ADHICS 11 domains are core areas of cyber security covering governance, assets, people, systems, incidents, and compliance in healthcare.
2. Are all ADHICS 11 domains mandatory for healthcare facilities?
Yes. All healthcare entities under the Department of Health Abu Dhabi must comply with all applicable ADHICS domains.
3. How do the ADHICS 11 domains relate to Malaffi?
Malaffi requires secure data exchange. ADHICS domains ensure systems connecting to Malaffi remain protected and compliant.
4. Which ADHICS domain causes the most audit findings?
Access control, asset management, and documentation gaps often cause the most findings during audits.
5. How often should ADHICS compliance be reviewed?
You should review compliance continuously, with formal assessments at least annually or after major system changes.