The Intersection of Public Health and Cyber Security: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Carlos Alberto Hernández
Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit Ciudad de la Cultura Amado Nervo, Boulevard Enrique Díaz de León S/N, Cd. de la Cultura, 63190 Tepic, Nay., Mexico
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront the critical intersection of public health and cybersecurity. As health systems worldwide grappled with unprecedented challenges, the pandemic simultaneously exposed the vulnerabilities of health information systems to cyber threats. This research provides an in-depth exploration of the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic regarding the intersection of public health and cybersecurity. The paper begins by providing an overview of the roles of public health and cybersecurity, highlighting their interconnectedness. It then delves into the pre-pandemic role of cybersecurity in public health, emphasizing the importance of data protection in health systems. The paper further explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on both public health and cybersecurity, illustrating the surge in cyber threats during this period and the corresponding effects on public health data and systems. Drawing from various case studies, the paper elucidates the lessons learned from the pandemic in terms of public health data protection and cybersecurity response. It underscores the gaps and challenges exposed by the pandemic and how they were addressed, providing a comprehensive analysis of the cybersecurity landscape during this global health crisis. The paper provides recommendations for strengthening cybersecurity measures in public health, emphasizing the need for robust data protection strategies, increased cybersecurity awareness, and the integration of cybersecurity in public health policies and practices. Through this research, the paper underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures in public health. It highlights the importance of safeguarding sensitive health data and ensuring the resilience of health systems in the face of future pandemics. The findings of this research contribute to the ongoing discourse on the intersection of public health and cybersecurity, providing valuable insights for policymakers, health professionals, and cybersecurity experts.
