Information Security

A breach of unsecured protected health information (PHI) can result in large fines, expensive litigation, and a damaged reputation. The most common cause of healthcare data breach is theft or loss of unencrypted portable computing devices (laptops, tablets, mobile) or digital media (USB) containing PHI.

Healthcare data breaches resulting from a lost or stolen portable device, such as an unencrypted laptop, tablet, or other mobile phone, are on a dramatic upswing as healthcare organizations struggle to adopt effective BYOD strategies. Although BYOD is here to stay, healthcare organizations need a better way to safeguard sensitive protected health information, or run the risk of huge fines and damaged reputations.

Anatomy of a Breach

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Simple steps in information security and storage can protect patient data and eliminate the hassle and fallout of a breach or loss.  Nearly 60% of HIPAA violations reported over the past several years could have been avoided.

Several successful strategies can help prevent healthcare data breaches:

Try VDI: a secure, and affordable, technology that will enable your users to access patient information, securely stored in the cloud, without ever downloading or storing it directly on their device. So you can provide clinicians with secure, HIPAA-compliant, instant access to patient records whether in the hospital or working remotely.

Use advanced encryption techniques: to help ensure your information is protected in the event of loss or theft.

Maintain a comprehensive PHI inventory within your organization and your business associates.

Develop access control policies balancing “need to know” without compromising patient care.

Monitor and audit all access to PHI

But most of all, contact Fortress Networks to minimize your risks and minimize or even eliminate PHI data breaches by experts in the PHI security field. Call us today.