Technological advancement has transformed service delivery in all industries, especially the healthcare sector.
Healthcare providers can now offer diagnostics remotely without the patient visiting the facility.
However, despite being a game-changer in service delivery, diagnostics remote delivery has its own set of challenges. Patient data is constantly at risk. It has become a tempting target for cybercriminals.
The damages associated with attacks on the digital medical infrastructure are worrying, keeping in mind that medical details are susceptible. Fortunately, healthcare providers can take several actions to protect patient data. Here are 4 simple ways to do so.
1. Invest in Remote Diagnostic Software
The best diagnostics remote delivery software respects and upholds the principles of data protection. The software maintains data integrity, accuracy, confidentiality, and purpose limitation. It also adds true scalability and faster processing that preserves data privacy.
The software should also use a world diagnostic algorithm so as not to expose the valuable IP addresses of the patient and the doctor. Protecting the IP address prevents hackers from monitoring your movements and learning your identity and location. The best diagnostics remote delivery software also complies with HIPAA. The software complies with the law that prevents sensitive patient information from being shared or disclosed without their knowledge or consent.
2. Personnel Training
Sadly, almost half of employees in the healthcare sector do not have cybersecurity expertise. Their lack of IT skills has become a gate pass for attackers to access the data. The management should, therefore, give regular cybersecurity training the attention it deserves.
Training helps staff to recognize online scams, such as phishing emails that impersonate legit organizations to steal sensitive data. Employees are also made aware of how attackers damage and delete sensitive data and are taught how to conduct regular encrypted backups.
3. Regular IT System Auditing
Most healthcare providers overlook one area that has led to data breaches, that’s inside threats. Employees with access to sensitive data play a huge role in data loss. Usually, their actions go unnoticed, as it is assumed attackers are outsiders. The best way to curb the menace is to have third-party control and monitor suspicious activities in the diagnostics remote delivery system.
They also send real-time alerts on any attempts to interfere with or access sensitive data. Understanding where sensitive data is stored, who has access, and changes being made is a perfect way to protect your valuable asset.
4. Implement Mobile Device Management Solutions
Remote working has become the new norm, especially after the pandemic. Businesses, including health facilities, have staff to access data from their devices since back-end implementation costs on virtual desktops are very high.
Unfortunately, accessing patient data through personal devices brings a new threat to sensitive data, as some staff may handle it unprofessionally. With mobile device management solutions in place, it ensures data accessed through personal devices is encrypted and deleted in case the device gets lost. It also separates professional from personal data and ensures security measures are in place.
Protect Healthcare Data From Cyberattacks
Patient data is very sensitive, hence should never land in the hands of unauthorized persons. However, patient data is always protected through the right diagnostics remote delivery software. Regular training equips staff with the right skills to protect data from falling into wrong hands, while device management solutions ensure data is encrypted and safe .