Protecting sensitive patient health information assumes top priority in the healthcare sector worldwide. This is especially crucial with quickly evolving healthcare information technology and its widespread adoption. This is also the reason why healthcare organizations pay special attention to information security besides enhancing care delivery and improving health outcomes. ADHICS is designed to serve this purpose in Abu Dhabi’s healthcare. This comprises 11 key domains, each addressing a specific aspect of information security. Understanding these 11 domains of ADHICS is crucial to ensure compliance and protect sensitive patient health information.

What is ADHICS?

The Abu Dhabi Healthcare Information and Cyber Security Standard (ADHICS) was established by the Department of Health in 2019 to address this critical need, ensuring that healthcare entities in Abu Dhabi adhere to the highest standards of information security and privacy. This is a comprehensive set of guidelines designed to enhance cybersecurity practices within healthcare organizations in Abu Dhabi.

Compliance with ADHICS is not just a regulatory requirement; it is a commitment to safeguarding patient confidentiality, enhancing cybersecurity, and maintaining public trust.

The 11 Domains of ADHICS

1. Information Security Policies

A comprehensive set of information security policies form the foundation of ADHICS. These policies provide the framework for information security within healthcare organizations. This domain focuses on the development and implementation of these information security policies, covering a wide range of aspects, including data protection, access control, incident management, and much more. To ensure that these policies remain relevant and effective in the face of evolving threats, regular reviews and updates are crucial.

2. Human Resource Security

Human resources are a critical component of any healthcare organization, and their security cannot be overlooked. This domain covers the management of human resources and their access to sensitive information. ADHICS mandates thorough background checks, security training, and awareness programs for all employees, and implementing disciplinary procedures for security breaches. This domain also covers the management of employee access rights, ensuring that permissions are granted based on roles and responsibilities, and are regularly reviewed and updated.

3. Asset Management

Effective asset management is essential to maintain the integrity and availability of healthcare information. This domain addresses the management of assets including hardware, software, and data. It involves identifying, classifying, and protecting all assets that store, process, or transmit sensitive data, and implementing secure handling and disposal procedures. Assets include physical devices, software applications, and even human resources. Regular audits and assessments are essential to ensure that all assets are secure and compliant with ADHICS standards.

4. Access Control

Access control is one of the primary aspects of information security. ADHICS requires healthcare entities to implement strict access controls, including role-based permissions, multi-factor authentication, and regular reviews of access rights. This domain focuses on managing user access to systems and data, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access sensitive information. This includes implementing strong authentication mechanisms, managing user privileges, and regularly reviewing access rights. This ensures that only authorized personnel can access sensitive information, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

5. Cryptography

Data encryption is essential for protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access. ADHICS mandates the use of robust cryptographic techniques to secure data both at rest and in transit. This domain covers the use of encryption and other cryptographic techniques to protect data confidentiality and integrity. This includes the implementation of encryption protocols for electronic health records, communication channels, and data storage systems. Encryption ensures that even if data is accessed by unauthorized individuals, it remains unreadable without the decryption key.

6. Physical and Environmental Security

Physical security is just as important as digital security. ADHICS requires healthcare entities to implement measures to protect physical infrastructure, such as data centers, server rooms, and storage facilities. This domain addresses the protection of physical assets and the environment, including data centers, medical devices, and other critical infrastructure. This includes access controls, surveillance systems, and environmental controls to prevent unauthorized access and protecting against natural disasters and other physical threats.

7. Operations Security

The day-to-day operations of a healthcare entity must be conducted with security in mind. ADHICS outlines requirements for secure operations, including change management processes, data backup procedures, and incident response plans. This domain covers the management of day-to-day operations and processes to ensure that they are conducted in a secure and efficient manner. It includes implementing change management procedures, managing backups, and protecting against malware. Regular monitoring and logging of activities are essential to detect and respond to potential security incidents.

8. Communications Security

Secure communication channels are critical for safe exchange of sensitive information. ADHICS requires healthcare entities to implement secure communication protocols, such as encrypted email and secure file transfer mechanisms. This domain covers the protection of communications channels, including internal networks, wireless networks, and internet connections. It involves implementing measures to secure network devices, protect against unauthorized access, and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data in transit.

9. System Acquisition, Development, and Maintenance

The development and maintenance of information systems must adhere to strict security standards. ADHICS mandates that healthcare entities follow secure development practices, conduct regular security assessments, and ensure that all systems are up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates. This domain covers the acquisition, development, and maintenance of systems to ensure that they are secure and compliant with ADHICS requirements. It includes conducting risk assessments, implementing secure coding practices, and conducting regular security testing.This helps in minimizing vulnerabilities and reducing the risk of security breaches.

10. Supplier Relationships

Healthcare entities often rely on third-party suppliers for various services and products. ADHICS requires secure management of these relationships, with strict controls over data sharing and access. This domain covers the management of relationships with suppliers to ensure that they comply with ADHICS requirements and protect sensitive healthcare information. It involves conducting due diligence on suppliers, including security requirements in contracts, and monitoring supplier compliance through regular audits and assessments.

11. Information Security Incident Management

Despite the best efforts to prevent security incidents, breaches can still occur. ADHICS mandates the development of comprehensive incident response plans to detect, respond to, and recover from security incidents. This domain covers the management of business continuity and disaster recovery to ensure that healthcare organizations can maintain critical operations in the event of a disruption. It involves conducting business impact analyses, developing continuity plans, and regularly testing recovery procedures. It also includes regular training and drills to ensure that all personnel handle security incidents effectively.

The 11 Domains of ADHICS provide a comprehensive framework for healthcare providers in Abu Dhabi to ensure the security and privacy of sensitive patient information. Understanding these 11 key domains of ADHICS and implementing them can help healthcare entities to enhance their cybersecurity posture, protect patient confidentiality, and maintain public trust. Compliance with ADHICS is therefore not just a regulatory requirement; it is an ongoing commitment to delivering secure and ethical healthcare.