Every healthcare company wants to believe their data is safe from would-be hackers and other prying eyes. But the truth is, there are several risks that may exist in your data network that could be avoidable.
Let’s explore some of the biggest flaws in data security and how you can reduce or eliminate your risks.
#1 – User Privileges
Hackers aren’t the only threat to your healthcare data. Many times, infiltrations could come from within. So how are valid users able to access your healthcare data?
Establishing a privilege hierarchy is one of the best ways to prevent users from accessing information they don’t need to do their jobs. For example, the person booking your appointments won’t need the same data as the doctor treating them.
Restricting user access adds an extra layer of security to ensure that patient data is truly kept private. Remember, just because a user needs to access your network doesn’t mean they need to access your entire network.
#2 – Patient Access
Offering a patient portal for patients to access their own healthcare records can be a huge time saver for busy medical practices, but it’s not without risks:
For starters, you cannot control how or where your patients are accessing their data. They might be in a public place with an open connection, or they might use their mobile device. They may forget to log out of their account on a public computer. They might not have the latest anti-virus or malware protection, which could compromise their device.
In addition, using only a username and password to verify credentials leaves a gap in your security. Most companies are turning to two-factor authentication to ensure that only the patient can log into their account.
#3 – Remote Connections
Today’s healthcare professionals are accessing medical information in a variety of ways. No longer forced to used fixed desktop connections, many providers are bringing tablets, laptops, and mobile devices into the examining room or lab to record information.
Cloud technology advancements are largely responsible for this capability, but keep in mind that this on-demand access could put your healthcare data at risk. It’s important you check your network security, including any VPNs, to ensure that only authorized users are able to access data.
#4 – Outdated Access Policies and Procedures
Your data policies and procedures exist for a reason – to instill a systematized approach to accessing and handling patient data while also bolstering accountability measures.
But those policies and procedures are nearly useless if they aren’t updated on a regular basis and fully enforced at all times. It’s important you review these policies at least annually so that you can make adjustments to include new systems, knowledge, and procedures as you go.
Choosing Lifepoint for Safer Healthcare Data
Discovering security flaws can be heartstopping for any healthcare facility, especially given the major data breaches in recent years.
If any of the above security flaws exist in your system, you’ll be glad to know that Lifepoint was designed to eliminate them.
Lifepoint’s comprehensive software is the most secure solution in healthcare. Lifepoint works as your partner to combat security flaws that can leave your network and users exposed. Communications, records, and other data are easily recorded and stored, but can only be accessed by the people who truly need it.
Contact us today to find out more about Lifepoint’s comprehensive solution and how you can keep data where it belongs.
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Lifepoint Informatics
65 Harristown Rd
Glen Rock, NJ 07452