Patient data security: Olomouc Hospital has implemented intelligent network traffic monitoring

Olomouc University Hospital is a state-funded organisation established by the Czech Ministry of Health and ranks among the largest healthcare facilities in the Czech Republic. As a key provider of comprehensive medical care, it manages an extensive and technologically advanced IT infrastructure. In a hospital environment, where information systems are directly linked to equipment used to protect human health, 100 per cent network availability, cyber security and the uncompromising protection of sensitive patient data are absolute priorities.

As one of the largest healthcare facilities in the country, Olomouc University Hospital faces constant pressure to ensure cyber security and 100 per cent availability of its critical applications. In modern medicine, which relies entirely on digital healthcare systems, any network outage or covert cyber attack can have a direct impact on patient care. However, traditional perimeter network security is no longer sufficient to detect advanced and well-disguised threats. The hospital therefore needed to gain an in-depth and continuous overview of what was actually happening on its internal network and to identify any operational anomalies in good time.

The aim of the project was to implement an advanced network traffic analysis tool capable of nipping security incidents in the bud. However, the hospital’s management realised that the technology alone, without sufficient staff resources, would not solve the problem. They therefore sought a partner who would not only supply the software itself but also provide long-term expert supervision, regular risk assessments and clear recommendations for improvement. Following a tender process, Aricoma was selected as the supplier, as it was the only company able to offer a comprehensive solution combining cutting-edge technology with expert services.

The solution supplied is based on a network behaviour analysis (NBA) system, which operates as a continuous radar within the hospital’s infrastructure. Specialists from Aricoma provided a complete package of hardware and software, as well as its physical installation and integration into the existing network at Olomouc University Hospital. The entire system deployment took place in close collaboration with the in-house IT team. Key aspects included the sensitive integration into the infrastructure, the optimisation of data collection and the precise fine-tuning of detection mechanisms. The commissioning process also included training for administrators and the handover of documentation.

The main added value of the project is the subsequent long-term professional monitoring service. An Aricoma security analyst provides the hospital with regular monthly reports, in which they evaluate detected incidents, classify risks according to their impact and propose specific measures. Olomouc University Hospital has thus gained not only cutting-edge technology, but also expert support for the ongoing strengthening of its cyber resilience.