Written by : Dr. Aishwarya Sarthe
November 8, 2023
The primary objective behind this collaboration is to enhance Alkem's security architecture using Check Point Harmony and Quantum solutions.
Alkem Laboratories, a Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company, has recently collaborated with Check Point Software Technologies to fortify its cybersecurity infrastructure against escalating cyber threats in the healthcare industry.
The primary objective behind this collaboration is to enhance Alkem's security architecture using Check Point Harmony and Quantum solutions. This partnership aimed to shield Alkem's sensitive data and operations from the increasing cyber threats targeting the pharmaceutical sector.
The healthcare sector in India witnessed a significant surge in cyberattacks in 2022, with the pharmaceutical industry standing as a prime target for cybercriminals.
According to Check Point Research (CPR), these attacks occurred alarmingly, with organisations facing an average of 1,866 attacks per week. The consequences of such breaches could disrupt operations, result in regulatory fines, and jeopardize profits, intellectual property, and consumer trust.
To fortify its security infrastructure, Alkem Laboratories initially implemented Check Point Quantum Security Gateways and Check Point Maestro Hyperscale Network Security in key areas, including data centers, disaster recovery sites, and development centers.
This strategic move equipped Alkem Laboratories with a robust defense against zero-day threats and advanced malicious activities across its network, cloud infrastructure, data centers, and remote environments.
For secure collaboration and remote access, Alkem also deployed Check Point Harmony Email and Collaboration (HEC) to safeguard employee inboxes by filtering out malicious content.
Additionally, Harmony Connect Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) ensured secure remote connectivity without compromising application performance or overall security. This initiative led to a significant reduction in phishing emails, enhancing the company's overall cybersecurity posture.
In the realm of cybersecurity updates, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh is taking proactive steps to audit its Hospital Information System (HIS).
This decision follows a recent cyber attack at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, underscoring the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in healthcare institutions.
Furthermore, a research team led by Prof Arunabha Mukhopadhyay at the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow has developed a Healthcare Cyber Risk Assessment model. This model aims to strengthen global healthcare systems against the rising threats posed by cybercrime.
It evaluates and mitigates the risks associated with cyberattacks, ensuring the security of patient data and the uninterrupted provision of digital healthcare services.