Malware, bots, spam, phishing. Every day more and more breaches occur through the use of technological tools. Criminal technology is evolving and improving just as fast as we can prepare for their threats.
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How can healthcare practices protect themselves against breaches using technology?
- Allocate your resources accordingly. Make sure to have a sufficient security budget for technology, risk assessments, monitoring, spam filters, and antivirus software. Have adequate protections against malware and make sure that systems are updated regularly.
- Segment your networks, if possible. If your networks are segmented into micro-perimeters, hackers will not be able to gain access to all data even if they get past the initial perimeter. Don’t let accessing one database mean access to all databases.
- Encrypt all protected health information. Encryption is your primary protection against breaches. It should be used all the time when transmitting healthcare data. Encryption goes a long way in reducing costs and fines and keeping patients’ good will.
- Keep your inventory up to date. Make sure to know the location of all of your practice’s devices and which employees have control over them. This included cell phones, USB drives, and laptops. Don’t allow access to your networks on non-company approved devices.
Technology is extremely important in fighting against a breach, but don’t forget to take other precautions against breaches as well.
Make sure to have up to date policies and procedures and ensure that your staff is thoroughly trained. Your staff is your first defense against a discovered breach. They should act quickly and without hesitation.
We can help you craft and implement a customized HIPAA Compliance Plan that includes tailored policies and procedures to prevent technology-based attacks on your patient data. Contact us today!
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