HOW TO: Be smarter about your data security

Breaches are becoming more prevalent and more problematic throughout the healthcare field. Patient and practice data is constantly at risk.

The key to protecting your practice is to be smarter about your security methods.

We can help your practice prepare for and prevent possible data breaches. Subscribe to stay current and up to date on important matters that will impact your practice.  (To subscribe to our blog ).

Preparing for breaches can be a daunting task. Hackers often seem to be one step ahead of the latest security measures.

So how can your practice prevent a breach?

First, you should be aware of the three main areas of concern for healthcare organizations. They are:

  1. Physical theft/loss;
  2. Insider misuse; and
  3. Miscellaneous errors.

46% of security incidents result from loss of information assets such as laptops, hard drives and paper files.

It is important for you to make sure your HIPAA Risk Assessment deals with lost or stolen assets. We help our clients prepare tailored policies and procedures to deal with their specific equipment and data.

To protect your data and mitigate your risk you need to train your staff. Carelessness on the part of your staff can lead to many breaches. Routine training is essential to enforce the importance of mindfulness within your practice.

Next, you must encrypt your data. Lost and stolen assets are less damaging to you if all data is encrypted and password protected.

You should also make sure all data is backed up regularly and only on your work server.

Finally, to prevent physical theft or loss of your data, lock it up. Keep all paper files locked up in file cabinets. Lock office doors and make sure all computers and laptops have layers of password protections.

To protect against a cyber attack, make sure your HIPAA Risk Assessment is up to date and in use. Perform internal and external audits.

Risk Assessments are the best way to analyze and treat potential cyber attacks.

Breaches can occur at any time. It is important to prepare your practice now.

In our next blog post, we will keep you informed of related issues.  To get this important information delivered directly to your mail box, 

Do you need help with your HIPAA Risk Assessment or breach readiness plan?  We can help. To contact us about your practice’s breach readiness, your HIPAA Risk Assessment, or your other legal needs:  CLICK HERE.

P.S. If you or your patients are interested in consumer healthcare issues, check out myhealthspin.com.

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