Healthcare and Public Health Sector
The Healthcare and Public Health Sector protects the health and well-being of the Nation by providing medical care, public health services, disease prevention and response, pharmaceuticals, medical products, and other essential health-related services. Its organizations and workforce are vital during everyday operations as well as public health emergencies, natural disasters, and other major incidents.
Overview
The sector includes hospitals, clinics, physician practices, laboratories, public health agencies, pharmacies, pharmaceutical and medical-device organizations, blood and organ services, health insurers, and many other organizations involved in delivering or supporting healthcare and public health services.
Healthcare organizations depend on information technology, communications, energy, water, transportation, supply chains, and specialized medical equipment to provide safe and timely care. Increasing reliance on interconnected medical devices, electronic health information, and digital systems also makes cybersecurity and protection of sensitive information critical to maintaining patient care and operational continuity.
Protecting the Healthcare and Public Health Sector requires cybersecurity, physical security, emergency preparedness, supply-chain resilience, protection of health information, disease surveillance, and continuity of patient care during disruptions. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services serves as the Sector Risk Management Agency for the Healthcare and Public Health Sector and coordinates with public and private partners to strengthen its security and resilience.
Read more about the Healthcare and Public Health Sector at CISA
