Future of Health- Addressing Privacy Issues as a Foundational Step
What if you wake up in a world where your digital devices would tell you about supplements after carefully considering your environment, metabolism, nutrition, and stress levels? Does that sound futuristic? The way AI and ML are readily becoming an inherent part of our lives, you can expect such a scenario soon.
Who knows, there might be an AI device that will inform you about your sleep needs? Or that you might be at risk of catching the flu? Definitely, our healthcare systems are evolving and advancing into a new era where technological inventions will have a pivotal role to play in improving customer/ patient experiences.
You can expect consumers to take control of their health in more ways than one. But beneath all this excitement is a shadow that can easily overpower all these fantasies. It’s the cyber risk that comes along with all these exciting developments.
Let’s get straight to facts first!
Cyber Attacks Targeting Healthcare Organizations- Decoding Facts!
Cybercrimes are increasing. They know that companies are relying on data to stay ahead of the curve in today’s time. Also, not every company has the proper infrastructure to secure its networks against many online attacks.
You will be surprised to know that healthcare organizations are mainly on the radar of these nasty criminal minds. In fact, as per the HIPAA study, the number of exposed data associated with healthcare has exponentially increased by about 35% from 2018 to 2019.
And if you take into account recent statistics, healthcare breaches hold the top position by costing around $9 million per incident. In fact, the cost has increased by approximately $2 million since last year. Let’s not forget that the sector is adopting new operational changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Undoubtedly, the industry is most susceptible to such attacks because of the sensitive data they hold. So, that leads us to the next part of this article....
Protecting Patient’s Privacy is Not an Option Anymore
Since there is a rapid transformation happening in the healthcare industry, privacy is becoming indispensable in the future of health. In other words, the need to protect patient information is more necessary than ever.
The following are some ways that you can implement to ensure the privacy of your patient’s information.
Education is The Key
To err is human. And it is one of the biggest threats to any security protocol, regardless of the industry. But it can turn out to be quite dreadful if it happens in reality. This is why healthcare organizations must give attention to training employees and providing them proper knowledge necessary to avoid these expensive repercussions. In short, you need to make them competent in handling patient data.
Keep a “Need to Know” Information Policy
If you bolster healthcare data protection protocols, start restricting its access. For instance, give access to patient data or any related apps only to those who require it to perform their jobs. Since you will give it only a limited number of personnel, you can easily track the entries.
Experts suggest multi-factor authorization policy is the best way to validate that the right person is accessing the sensitive information. For instance, you can add elements like Password or PIN, card/key, or biometrics to enhance the privacy of the data.
Use Data Controls
Just protecting the user authentication won’t help you suffice the problem. You need to control different activities to ensure that no malicious activity hampers the integrity of your data. For instance, you need to use data usage controls to block specific actions resulting in a cybercrime.
For example, you could block activities like web uploads, copying data to any other device, or printing. By doing so, you can flag any mysterious activity and protect your data simultaneously.
Keep a Detailed Entry of Usage of Digital Devices
So, you controlled the access and blocked any malicious activity. Great! What next? You must start creating logs to see who is using and gaining access to your patient or crucial information. This will be pretty helpful when you carry out any auditing process.
For instance, if there is an incident by any chance, an audit trail will help you reach the entry point and analyze and evaluate what went wrong. And what you need to do to strengthen your protective measures.
Implement Encryption
This is the most secure way to protect your data. By encrypting it, you will make it difficult for cybercriminals to decode your sensitive information. This is why adding HIPAA guidelines is of utmost importance when it comes to healthcare organizations.
Mitigate Risks by Security Different Digital Touchpoints
The use of smartphones is increasing, regardless of the business or industry. Isn’t it? Many healthcare organizations are opting for mobile devices to engage with their patients. So, it is vital that you carry out a multitude of security strategies to enhance mobile security.
Further, with the rise in the demand for IoTs, you must take care of the connected networks to improve device security. Carry out regular risk assessment audits to find or spot any loopholes.
And don’t forget to back up your data! Remember HIPAA is quite stringent against you failing to recognize compliance guidelines. Make sure you put in every effort to save your precious data from being hacked!
Final Takeaways- Build Customer Trust by Keeping Their Sensitive Information Safe
Remember, doctor-patient trust still holds prominence today. No matter how modern we become or the advanced technologies we use, this won’t change. So, if your data gets leaked or you start selling your patient data to ancillary organizations, it will hamper your market positioning.
Plus, it can hamper your patient’s diagnosis and subsequent need for treatment as well. Remember, you won’t be able to mend the trust once broken. So, let yourself and your customers suffer by not taking proper action.
Indeed, you wouldn’t want to suffer reputational damage, right? Secure your sensitive data, vet your programs and platforms, and avoid contacting companies or people who sell this data.
So, tell me, is your company following the protocols, or leaving things like they are?
