8 Things The Healthcare Industry Must Do To Protect Your Information
Cybersecurity is important for all businesses and institutions, but for the healthcare industry, it is essential. Hospitals and doctors need to update their security to protect their staff and your private medical information. There are many things to look into when updating security. The top eight include risk assessments, disaster recovery, contingency plans, better employee training, improved tech hygiene, layered defense, cybersecurity partnerships, better software, and forensic consultants.
Risk Assessments
Risk assessments are a way to help businesses understand what risks exist in their industry. . Risk assessment can help identify the aspects that need to be protected and what details of the industry need to be changed. Having a clear documentation of potential risks can help a hospital or business save money and stay more organized.
Disaster Recovery and Contingency Plans
In disaster situations, there is a possibility that plan A can go wrong. Having contingency plans is like having a plan B. A useful and effective plan looks at medical and billing records as well as addresses the departments reliant on the network and departments with high-tech equipment. Practicing the plan is just as crucial as having one. Experts say that involving staff and having exercises to train them how to handle worst case scenario situations can help ensure that they know how to do their job in any and all situations. These scenarios should include losing power, lack of communication and the possibility of the network shutting down.
Better Employee Training
Many companies require employee training and studies show the more training employees receive, the more efficient they can be. From ACLS recertification to BLS certification, training employees will improve how they handle emergencies and will help them stay calm. The training can be from hands-on experience or can be done online. The key is to have employees go through training regularly due to the advancements in technology and medicine.
Improved Tech Hygiene
Updating technology is a must for any company or business to avoid hacking and other vulnerabilities. Do you know if your doctor’s office is using a safe operating system to transmit your medical and credit information? Using big data and other new technology advancements can help medical officials find new diseases and new ways to cure them. When a hospital is updated on the latest technology, they have access to new resources and new studies that aid in the finding of more efficient cures.
Layered Defense
Technology and software have developed in ways that make it necessary for companies to have a stronger system to protect their information. Hospitals are one of those places that needs to add multiple layers to their defense technology. Due to all the patient information, hospitals are a target for those who want to take advantage of people’s personal information. A layered defense system can protect any business from being hacked and having sensitive data released.
Cybersecurity Partnerships
Many companies have come together to share research and new cyber threat discoveries. Partnering up with experienced and reputable organizations can help assure that a business is able to implement the right cybersecurity system for them. These partnerships can lead to better resources, expert studies, successful experiences, and expand the capabilities of employees.
Better Software
Better software leads to better security. This is especially important for a business or entity full of private information. When choosing software, people in the healthcare industry should look for things such as next-generation firewalls, multi-factor authentication, encryption, and outsourcing security information and management.
Forensic Consultants
Getting extra help when it comes to the safety of patients should never be overlooked. A forensic consultant is someone who supplies helpful tips and as a third-party outsider they bring a fresh perspective to the situation at hand. Before facing a crisis, hospitals and businesses should consider hiring a forensic consultant to provide an unbiased view on potential liabilities, weaknesses, and security risks.
With the advancements that have been made in technology, hospitals should take bigger strides to protecting their patient’s private information. Hackers have an even better network and better techniques to get into computers from across the world. Keeping an eye on the changing software and technological advancements will help keep people informed which is the best way to ensure the safety of patients and their information in the healthcare industry.
Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor’s office what types of security protections they have in place. They’ve got your medical, personal, and often your credit card and bank information. You deserve to be protected.
~ Rick Delgado
Tags: healthcare, hospitals, patient information, privacy, security
Source: http://www.worldstart.com/8-things-the-healthcare-industry-must-do-to-protect-your-information/
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