Reference no: EM133163607

1) Mobile Data Access

Mobile data access has revolutionized how providers are able to work with their patients. Providers who offer in-home care to their patients are able to access key patient information on-the-go, improve their clinical decision making, and update a patient's chart in real-time for the most accurate and efficient mobile experience. While mobile data access has changed this aspect of medical care, it also poses a serious healthcare data security threat. Unsecure mobile devices fall prey to cybersecurity hackers and data loss. The solution to avoiding this threat to healthcare data security is to make sure your software vendor is helping you make this process as secure as possible with encrypted software, only accessible by approved individuals on your team.

2) Ransomware

Ransomware is one of the latest healthcare data security threats present to providers in 2020. Ransomware is a type of software that blocks access to a computer until a “ransom” is paid. Several hospitals have fallen victim to this in recent years. It prevents providers from accessing their important data to be able to offer care to their patients. The best preventative measure that providers can take to act against ransomware attacks to have their data backed up as frequently as possible. With the ability to automatically reload your data, you will not be reliant on the attacker to hand over access. Cloud-based technology offers providers the ability to automatically update/backup their data so that it is never lost or taken for ransom.

3) Lack of Security Education/Procedure

Another common threat to healthcare data security is the lack of security education amongst the individuals at your organization. If your staff is not trained on the procedures and steps it takes to protect your data, it will put your practice at risk. Every practice should have a set security procedure in place partnered with in-depth training on how to use the technology best for optimized protection. A quality vendor of the software will provide insight and training to minimize the threat toward your healthcare data security.

4) Outside Threats

With digital medicine becoming the primary method that many patients receive their care, outside threats remain imminent. Cyber-attacks are a risk when providers lack secure, encrypted, and frequently maintained software. The issue with most traditional health practice technology is that they are not equipped with enough safety measures. Cloud-based solutions enable providers and their vendors to work against outside threats, making it impossible for attackers to access your protected data.

5) Poor Software Security Measures

Other than data encryption and automatic backups, there are other software security measures your vendors should be implementing to minimize the risk of healthcare data security threats. These measures include password protection, automatic log-offs, monitored use, and restricted access controls. Taking these extra steps with your software provider will optimize your healthcare data security and prevent cybersecurity attacks to your important data.

Post a discussion summarizing the information presented and suggest innovative ways that HIM professionals can employ to help ensure data security. Initial post needs to be at least three complete sentences and replies to two classmates must be two sentences for full credit.