How to reduce data risk for healthcare facilities through MDM solutions
Nadav Avni, CMO of Radix Technologies
Digital medical records are lifesavers when used the right way. If a hospital or healthcare provider observes healthy cybersecurity practices and implements mobile device management (MDM) solutions to protect medical data, both patients and healthcare teams should enjoy the benefits of digital access. During an emergency where the patient becomes incapacitated, online records can provide attending medical teams with critical information.
However, a lackadaisical approach to data privacy by a healthcare provider can add more problems on top of a patient’s medical issues. Patient records contain a treasure trove of private information such as social security numbers, credit card information, and demographic data—which 95% of medical data hacks target. When it comes to cybersecurity, a medical facility is a business just like any other. Hackers want data they can use to buy goods and apply for loans.
Why healthcare facilities need powerful data security
Aside from insulating their customers from harm, healthcare facilities have an added incentive to protect patient data. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) imposes fines from $137 to $68,928 on organizations that fail to safeguard patient privacy.
For more serious cases, organization leaders can go to prison. The government will also order erring companies to implement a corrective course of action to prevent violations from happening again.
Worse, a company’s reputation usually takes a massive hit after a reported data breach. Patients who no longer trust their provider to secure their private data will likely switch to somebody who can. At the same time, victims of data breaches can collectively sue the company for its failure to act on the problem. From there, the problems snowball until the company is left with no option but to shut down.
Despite the availability of MDM solutions and data security platforms, many healthcare companies still seem to ignore the danger. Even with the obvious warning signs, 93% of healthcare companies experienced some form of data breach over the last three years.
Utilizing MDM solutions that protect electronic healthcare records
Protecting patient records requires less of technology and more of common sense. The best cybersecurity MDM solutions don’t stand a chance if your staff insists on “123456” or “password” as their password.
Lazy practices can also increase the probability of experiencing a data breach. Other commonly frustrating examples include employees who habitually leave their computers logged on during breaks or those workers who write down access codes on sticky notes that they leave lying around. But aside from an intensive cybersecurity information campaign, healthcare providers will need to step up their efforts by investing in competent MDM solutions.
Understandably, not every provider can afford to issue gadgets to every employee working with data. But companies that allow employees to use their personal smartphones or computers to access data while on public networks also face increased danger of data breaches. In these instances, reliable MDM solutions can fill in the security gaps and force employees to adopt stricter measures before they can access data.
Use MDM solutions to secure access to patient information
One way to secure private data is to limit its access to only qualified personnel. There’s no reason for companies to allow unrestricted access to all employees with valid user accounts. Instead, let the MDM platform assign specific access levels to certain individuals based on their work requirements. Not only will this impose tighter control over private data, but it will also narrow down the list of users that requested information during suspected breaches.
That means end users such as data entry clerks and administrative assistants can only perform basic operations and submit data. Their access level will prevent them from editing accounts or accessing individual records. Meanwhile, finance officers, records officers, and managers can view and modify account data.
All actions related to data changes should be accompanied by proper documentation. Data analysts can view aggregate data but not individual data. From there, they can perform analytics and generate insights. Finally, IT admins and support teams won’t have access to data files, but they can access system files and perform maintenance, repair, and security tasks.
In short, each group should have limitations on their data access. This lowers the risk of unauthorized access and helps trace active users at the time a problem occurs.
Best practices to reduce data risk in healthcare devices
Mitigating the risk of data breaches boils down to an educated and highly aware staff. Using competent and reliable MDM solutions and platforms can also help reduce the risk. Other tried-and-tested practices that help reduce data risk include:
Constant education and training
“Thieves have time to rest, watchmen never.” This classic adage translates well to data privacy. Continuously educate both staff and customers on the need to use strong passwords. Practice vigilance in keeping devices locked and call for assistance immediately when something doesn’t seem right. Gentle nudges via email newsletters, text messages, or push notifications can help users stay alert.
Keep devices up-to-date
Devices using older software versions are prone to hacks and breaches. Whenever possible, always have your devices updated to the latest operating system (OS). This ensures that your device’s previously detected vulnerabilities are already patched or fixed.
Use secure cloud systems
When using MDM solutions to manage and maintain your devices, choose cloud-based systems that come with built-in protection. Cloud platforms running on Amazon Web Services (AWS) offer end-to-end encryption and redundancy to keep information secure. Wireless connections also prevent the spread of viruses and malware that often accompany USB sticks.
Use MDM solutions to enforce security measures
With the right MDM solutions, IT admins can implement remote security measures to help prevent data breaches. Reliable software also allows admins to geolocate lost or missing devices that contain sensitive data. If the situation requires immediate action, admins should have the option to remotely shut down devices or wipe all stored data. This prevents any further attempts to steal information.
Securing data stored on company servers is a matter of constant vigilance and education. But you’ll need more than just awareness to keep your information safe from predators. Investing in secure and reliable MDM solutions can significantly reduce your risk of data exposure and prevent a costly exodus of unhappy customers.
