Current articles

Fall 2024, No. 2, Vol. 6 / Romanian Cyber Security Journal


Bridging the Maturity Gap: Adaptive Strategies for Advancing Cybersecurity in Romanian Healthcare Institutions

Claudia LASCATEU, Mihai CONSTANTINESCU

claudia.lascateu@dnsc.ro, mihai.constantinescu@dnsc.ro


Abstract:

The current state of cybersecurity in many Romanian healthcare organisations remains at a “Defined” stage, which is characterized by documented and standardized processes. However, a significant maturity gap persists between these organisations and those that reach the “Managed” or “Optimised” stage - levels that involve the consistent monitoring and control, and the continuous improvement of cybersecurity practices. This progression is essential due to the sensitive nature of patient data and the increasing sophistication of cyber threats targeting the healthcare sector. This study explores how the Romanian healthcare institutions can transition from the “Defined” to the “Optimised” cybersecurity maturity level, and proposes adaptive strategies that integrate real-time threat intelligence, automated incident response mechanisms, and continuous training. The research hypothesis states that such adaptive strategies can significantly enhance the maturity transition process, offering a resilient defense against the evolving cyber threats. This hypothesis was tested through a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from surveys and qualitative insights from expert interviews within the Romanian healthcare sector. Grounded in the findings outlined in the RO-CCH (Romanian Cyber Care Health) project’s report on cybersecurity maturity, this paper provides a novel perspective, aligning the strategic importance of automation and continuous improvement with certain practical, actionable steps for improving the cybersecurity posture of Romanian healthcare institutions.

Keywords:
RO-CCH project, Adaptive strategies, Automated incident response, Romanian healthcare institutions, Threat intelligence, Cybersecurity Maturity

For more details, click on:


CITE THIS PAPER AS:
Claudia LASCATEU, Mihai CONSTANTINESCU, "Bridging the Maturity Gap: Adaptive Strategies for Advancing Cybersecurity in Romanian Healthcare Institutions", Romanian Cyber Security Journal, ISSN 2668-6430, vol. 6(2), pp. 3-13, 2024. https://doi.org/10.54851/v6i2y202401