Just when you were getting used to placing your thumb or finger on the tiny button of your phone to login, mobile technology is changing once again. With the latest devices, they won’t unlock without facial recognition. 

If this kind of technology is available on something as common as our mobile devices, it’s only natural that we would integrate it into more sophisticated security practices.

Think you aren’t susceptible to security attacks? Think again. 

There are three different types of security attacks that happen every day:

1. Personal - this is where a criminal steals to get the information. It includes things like credit card theft, identity fraud, and targeting specific people at high security levels for economic gain.

How do your patients find you? Do they search for you online? 

What do they want from your practice? Would increasing your technology make a difference … and set you apart from your competition?

Many medical practitioners say their biggest source of new clients comes from referrals.

What will 2019 bring? More technology? Upgraded ways of doing business? More data breaches?

Medical practices are converting old systems and programs as fast as they can. Why rely on manual when automated is faster? Why stick with paper and pen when tablets can input date easier? 

But with all of those changes comes risk.

Remember paper files? Every note, every form, every transaction was printed out on paper and stuffed into a file with your patient’s name across the top. 

If a patient wanted a copy, or you referred them to a specialist, it meant pulling out the file, making copies, and sending them to the appropriate place.

As a business, you are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of all of your data. HIPAA laws require you to perform risk analysis and implement measures to reduce the risk and vulnerabilities found. 

The requirement applies not only to your in-house data, but to every software program and system you use, third-party vendors included.

How many things do your employees need to be proficient in to do their jobs well? They have to understand the programs you use throughout your practice. They have to understand HIPAA compliance laws. They have to keep safety and security in mind. Oh, and let’s not forget, they have to stay up to date in their areas of expertise.

Technology has changed the way we handle health information. What used to include piles of paperwork is now being digitally produced and stored. Personal health information (PHI) includes medical histories, lab tests and results, mental health evaluations, insurance information, and other data a medical professional deems vital to identify and keep on file for appropriate care.

Every day, the news is filled with stories about hacker breaches and data exposures. Billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of terabytes of data have been compromised … it’s difficult NOT to be a little nervous. 

But are you really at risk for Russian collusion? Are hackers really chiseling away at your backdoor, looking for any way in? 

Maybe.

What prevents anyone from hopping into your car as it sits out in the parking lot and driving away? Locks and keys. The locks prevent someone from being able to open the door and get into your car. The key prevents the ability to start it up and drive away.