NORCAL MUTUAL RISK MANAGEMENT INSIGHT
4 Tips for Safeguarding Your Digital Practice The common factor in 90% of all data breaches is people being careless or behaving badly, including losing unsecured laptops and thumb drives, clicking malicious email links, downloading viruses and malware, and other errors.16 Through user training, communication, and common sense policies, you can build a culture of security in your practice.
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Secure Connected Medical Devices: Internet-connected devices like health monitoring devices, radiology imaging systems and video conferencing systems are easily hacked since attackers can obtain default device passwords on the Web. Once on your network, attackers can then steal user passwords for other systems, install malware and steal financial and patient records.13 Secure connected devices with custom user names and passwords. Lock Down Your Systems and Data: Advanced security measures can help protect your systems and sensitive data. Consider enabling login verification (with security cards or fingerprint scans), timed user log outs and user lockout after failed login attempts. Also, encrypting emails, text messages and patient health information (PHI) helps protect sensitive data after a breach and may prevent the need for a HIPAA notification.12 Actively Monitor Your Data: A data activity monitoring system monitors your systems for unusual or suspect activity and alerts system administrators to potential security threats. This can help you identify threats and possibly avoid a breach. The HHS OCR HIPAA Audit Protocol is a good place to start for determining monitoring protocols.14 Develop a Breach Response Plan: You likely have response plans in place for medical emergencies or severe weather events. Take this same care and develop a plan for how to respond to a data breach with staff roles and communication protocols clearly defined. In short, expect a breach and plan accordingly.15
For the full report visit data-theft.norcalmutual.com.
Numbered references available at data-theft.norcalmutual.com
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