IT security in healthcare: Prevention is the best protection
 

The digital transformation in healthcare offers enormous opportunities – from more efficient processes to improved patient services. Information technology provides valuable services in this regard, whether in the documentation of treatments or through the location-independent availability of medical data.

A key advance is the merging of medical (MT) and non-medical devices (IT) into a common medical IT network (MIT). This integration contributes significantly to improving the quality of treatment – but also presents institutions with new security challenges: The different requirements of IT and MT must be sensibly combined in a comprehensive security concept. While medical technology is geared toward maximum availability and security, classic IT networks usually focus on the range of functions.

Added to this is the increasing pressure to reliably protect sensitive patient data and secure one's own IT infrastructure against cyberattacks.

Core functions of ARP-GUARD
 

Comprehensive network security with ARP-GUARD – control, transparency, and protection at all levels

The increasing level of networking in hospitals requires an IT security solution that not only offers comprehensive protection but can also be flexibly integrated into existing structures. ARP-GUARD enables exactly that – through a combination of intelligent device recognition, central management, and dynamic network control.

Network security & device identification
 

ARP-GUARD protects the integrity of the network down to the individual end device. Thanks to precise technical fingerprinting, all devices are uniquely identified – regardless of MAC address or location. This effectively prevents manipulation attempts such as MAC spoofing or identity theft.

In addition, ARP-GUARD fingerprinting technology, including SNMP support, ensures that monitoring is maintained even in the event of partial system failures.

Centralized and scalable management
 

Centralized control options are essential, especially in clinics with multiple locations. ARP-GUARD offers multi-client management and can be set up with geo-redundancy – for reliability and a consistent security policy across all locations.

Certification, support & compliance
 

Healthcare facilities are subject to strict regulatory requirements – from the GDPR and IT Security Act 2.0 to industry-specific standards such as B3S, ISO 27001, ISO 27799, and DIN EN 80001. ARP-GUARD supports compliance with these standards through comprehensive logging and automated reporting.

Highlights:

• Enables compliance with common certification requirements
• Audit-proof recording of all security-related processes
• Basis for traceable risk management
   

Fast and seamless integration
 

One major advantage of ARP-GUARD is its straightforward implementation: the solution can be implemented in just four steps—without disrupting hospital operations. Protection begins immediately, without compromising critical IT processes.

Protection of medical devices and patient data
 

The increasing networking of medical devices poses significant risks. ARP-GUARD addresses these with logical network segmentation, in which sensitive areas are strictly separated from general network areas.

Segmentation & device isolation:

• Automatic assignment of VLANs based on defined security rules
• Isolation of non-compliant or unknown devices in quarantine areas
• Protection against lateral movements within the network

In addition, the solution provides complete transparency across all network assets. All devices and connections are monitored in real time, and logs provide a reliable data basis for targeted security measures.