In this Article
Frequent cyberattacks have made us accept that system security is the number-one priority, especially in areas where sensitive personal information is actively used. We’re talking about healthcare. Some time ago, patient information was handwritten on paper. It could be special general ledgers or just doctors’ notes, which means sensitive data was physically close, but still prone to human error or unlawful access. These days, almost all of this information lives in electronic databases and cloud servers. Medical records, prescriptions, lab results, and other critical data can be accessed across facilities and regions.
Yet, the risks of leaks got even bigger. If these databases are not properly secured, personal credentials and sensitive information can be stolen or misused.
In this article, we address the critical role of private IP pools in various important scenarios and the practical tips companies can take into consideration.
From molecules to intellectual property
A patent is about long years of constant research and billions in potential revenue. The discovery of aspirin is an example of worldwide success. It was a breakthrough at the end of the 19th century made by Bayer’s chemist, who wanted to help his father fight rheumatism. The aspirin trademark was originally registered in Berlin. After a few years, the US confiscated the assets of Bayer as enemy assets. After losing its aspirin rights in North America at the end of World War I, Bayer reclaimed those rights in the 1990s.
Businesses frequently monitor who is submitting new patent applications, when current patents expire, and how national laws vary. For this purpose, they use automated technologies that contact patent offices and public databases around the world.
How can private IP pools help companies in these cases?
By using private IP pools built on ethically sourced residential proxies, enterprises can access public registries without worrying about possible security obstacles. With DataImpulse proxy solutions, teams benefit from consistent data collection and advanced defense of internal infrastructure while following all compliance standards.
Beyond patents and clinical research, pharma companies manage highly sensitive molecule manufacturing processes. In practice, they involve sourcing raw materials and coordinating production across multiple regions, with regular access to databases, supplier platforms, and market intelligence sources. Because this data affects production and protects intellectual property, access has to be reliable and private, so using shared networks can be risky.
It’s not only patients whose privacy must be protected. Doctors, researchers, and other professionals often need to provide personal and financial information to verify their identity on medical or professional platforms. Hospitals, research labs, and pharma companies rely on secure IT systems because they want to be sure that every piece of sensitive data is in a safe place. That’s why strong cybersecurity with the right proxy type is a must.
Frequent security challenges in pharma
The privacy of pharmaceutical information makes it very valuable to various actors who pose threats, including cybercriminals, hacktivists, hackers, and even disgruntled employees. Cybercriminals may seek to steal intellectual property for financial gain, and hackers may want to disrupt a pharma company’s research and development activities. In 2024, a ransomware attack on pharmaceutical research firm Inotiv disrupted key systems and highlighted a hard truth: even well‑resourced life sciences organizations face real cybersecurity threats that can stall operations and expose sensitive data.
There are several major cybersecurity challenges the pharma industry is facing now:
- APTs (Advanced Persistent Threats) are complex cyberattacks when experienced hackers aim to gain unauthorized access and remain invisible in the company’s network for a long period of time. APTs are quite difficult to detect, so they often lead to significant data leaks, causing valuable pharmaceutical information to be stolen.
- Ransomware. Ransomware attacks involve the use of malicious software to encrypt company data and demand a ransom from the victim for releasing it or restoring it to its original state. The pharmaceutical industry is a major target for attacks using blackmail programs due to the high value of the data stored in it and the potential disruption of the most important medical services.
- Supply Chain Attacks. The pharma industry relies on complex global supply chains. Hackers can attack suppliers, contract manufacturers, or logistics partners to get access to sensitive information or disrupt the supply chain. It can lead to delays or even the entry of counterfeit drugs into the market.
- Insiders, including employees, contractors, and partners, can pose a significant risk too. Unauthorized access or misuse may lead to data leakage, intellectual property theft, or other malicious activity.
- Compliance with regulatory and legal requirements. This industry is subject to strict regulatory requirements. Walking a tightrope between regulatory compliance and protecting sensitive data makes the process even more complex.
AI and its impact on cybersecurity transformation
AI technologies were initially created to automate daily processes and assist specialists, particularly in data-intensive fields such as medicine. There are many AI-powered platforms that help pharma organizations accelerate drug discovery, support clinical decisions, and manage vast amounts of sensitive medical data. And, many security concerns can be reduced with the help of AI. For example, it can be used as a predictive analytical tool to anticipate future cyber-attacks.
However, integration presents difficulty, as healthcare enterprises often rely on legacy platforms that were never designed to support modern AI tools. The result is slow, pricey, or technically complex connectivity. In order to ensure that AI-driven procedures do not jeopardize patient privacy, enterprises must also manage stringent regulatory frameworks like GDPR and HIPAA. Another problem is guaranteeing data availability and quality. In many organizations, this data is all over the place, while AI needs it to be clean and structured. Apart from tech aspects, let us not forget about the human factor. It’s important to help the team understand how to operate and interpret AI systems correctly.
Anyways, AI shows actual benefits for pharma cybersecurity despite these obstacles. Advanced algorithms can analyze large datasets in real time, detect anomalies and vulnerabilities, automate tasks like management and compliance monitoring, and enhance incident response. Collaboration with AI developers, cybersecurity experts, and digital transformation partners is principal if you aim for good results.
Must-consider actions to stay compliant:
1. Use multifactor authentication, strong password policies, and role-based access control. It will help prevent unlawful access to sensitive data. Combining multifactor authentication with restricted access from private IP pools ensures that only authorized personnel and trusted networks can connect to critical data.
2. Encrypt confidential data and implement DLP (Data Leak Prevention) systems.
3. Regularly update all applications and systems with the latest fixes. Security updates will help eliminate known vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of cyber attacks.
4. Educate employees on cybersecurity issues and raise awareness of potential threats for improving overall cybersecurity hygiene.
5. Implement incident detection and response tools, including security monitoring, threat analysis, and incident response or disaster recovery plans.
6. Conduct a thorough risk assessment of suppliers, contractors, and other supply chain partners. It will help identify and reduce potential vulnerabilities and ensure that they comply with relevant standards. Private IP pools allow secure and anonymous monitoring of supplier platforms to identify potential cyber risks without exposing company networks.
7. Make regular audits and assessments of the current level of cybersecurity to identify potential vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
In addition to the implementation of these technical and organizational measures, cooperation between pharmaceutical companies, industry organizations, and government agencies is indispensable. Sharing information, operational threat data, and coordinated responses will help the industry remain vigilant against the increasing cyber threats.
