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IT security remains a key issue as companies continue to evolve their electronic healthcare systems in order to comply with the HITECH Act of 2009. In fact, if a data breach occurs and more than 500 patients are affected as a result, the provider must notify the Department of Health and Human Services and become subject to fines up to $1.5 million. Below are 10 tips to preventing a healthcare data breach.
Stage One of the CMS meaningful use incentive program requires all providers to conduct a risk assessment of their IT systems. This is in accordance with the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules that govern the transmission of all electronic patient information. The risk assessment forces providers to review security policies, identify threats and uncover vulnerabilities within the system. This is something healthcare companies should already be doing, but surprisingly many do not. With compliance and security a huge concern in today's business world, this should be a priority.
Educate and re-educate employees on current HIPAA rules and regulations. Furthermore, review and share state regulations involving the privacy of patient information. If employees are in the know and reminded of the implications of data breaches, the risk of violation can be drastically reduced. Plus, with the amount of spyware and viruses being created, there is always something new to learn.
Remind employees to be watchful of electronic devices and/or paper records left unattended. More often than not data breaches occur due to theft of these items from a home, office or vehicle. While it is IT’s job to safeguard patient information, employees should be reminded to do their part in keeping data safe as well. Make sure to always lock your device whether it's a laptop, desktop, or phone and password protect it. You should also enable Multi-Factor Authentication whenever possible.
Encryption technology is key in avoiding data breaches. While HIPAA doesn’t require data to be encrypted, it also does not consider loss of encrypted data a breach. It is certainly advised and therefore, you should encrypt patient information both at rest and in motion to avoid potential penalties. Furthermore, protect hardware such as servers, network endpoints, mobile and medical devices as these items are also vulnerable.
Ensure that networks made available for public use do not expose private patient information. One way of achieving this is to create sub-networks dedicated to guest activity and separate more secure networks for medical devices and applications that transmit and carry sensitive patient information.
With so many members of the healthcare system frequently accessing patient information - for a multitude of different reasons - it is important to carefully manage the identity of users. For instance, make sure users at each level are only granted access to information pertinent to their position and that log on/off procedures are easy on shared machines. Automation of this system helps create a “paper trail” and ensures efficiency and safety for all involved.
BYOD or Bring Your Own Device policies should be airtight and follow the same security guidelines outlined above. By enabling measures such as enterprise mobility suite and security, you can ensure each device is safe.
If you are considering moving patient information and data to the cloud make sure you understand the Service-Level Agreement (SLA) with your potential Cloud Service Provider (CSP). Specifically, ensure that you, not the CSP own the data and that it can be accessed reliably, securely and more importantly timely (in the event of a crash). Also, verify that the SLA complies with HIPAA and state privacy laws.
It is imperative to update business associate agreements to reflect evolving federal and state privacy regulations. Healthcare organization often have hundreds or even thousands of vendors with access to patient data. In the event of a breach, the healthcare provider is ultimately responsible. Therefore, hold BAs accountable for providing security and risk assessments and develop processes for reporting breaches.
In the event of a data breach, your organization will be investigated and most likely fined by the Office for Civil Rights. Lawsuits from patients will also ensue so be sure to be prepared from a legal standpoint. Compliance is key, so don’t be advised to withhold known information about the breach.
To learn how Managed Solution can help you prevent a data breach and improve your overall IT security, contact us today.
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Our modern day society wouldn’t even be imaginable today without computers and the Internet. The world is so interconnected that sending a message from one part of the globe to the other is possible within seconds and sometimes even fractions of a second. This is how fast the world we live in today works. However, this speed does not come without costs. Although cheap to the regular day-to-day consumer, this speed of information transfer is at a tremendous expense for companies which continually invest in their IT departments to make communication between them and their clients possible at any time and a solid backup and disaster recovery plan is extremely vital.
When dealing with clients, no matter if you’re operating in the Business to Business (B2B) sector, Business to Client (B2C) sector, or both, every IT Director, VP of IT, CIO, CTO, CEO, CFO of a company operating in the financial industry should keep this in mind.
Like in most industries, the financial services sector makes no exception. It is always better to prevent than to fix because when you’re operating in finance, one mistake could cost the company a fortune, or it could even mean the end of it.
To be sure that in case of any cyber-attacks or an unfortunate system crash your company’s and your clients’ data is safe, you need to implement constant backups for each operation your company undertakes. It means paying particular attention to details and having efficient software to deal with thousands of transactions (if not millions) each day.
In the case of a disastrous event for your company, the first department that must be contacted is IT. Make sure that the Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) is up to date and check the latest updates with the person in charge of supervising it, as it may be crucial to your company’s fast recovery.
Anything starting from a hacker attack to a hurricane can ruin your entire system and make it crash for minutes if not hours on end. Your Disaster Recovery Plan needs to have an analysis of all possible threats, natural or human-caused, and an action plan equipped with tasks for each IT specialist in the event of such a disaster takes place.
Having a strong updated DRP can make the difference between companies losing none, or close to none of its data, funds, and clients; and a company losing everything within minutes, hours or days.
The difference between having your own IT department undergo the best practices for a reliable backup and disaster recovery plan and outsourcing this service is that with your employees you are dealing with people who work on different fronts, thus dividing their attention, as opposed to an IT management company which oversees this process strictly.
Having the solid backup and a disaster recovery plan updated to the latest best practices in the field is a crucial aspect in running any business, whether we’re talking about the financial sector, biotech, healthcare or even non-profit organizations. Everyone is at risk if specialized people are not focused strictly on making this task a priority.
Most of the times, it only takes a few minutes or hours without having a reliable backup or a well-structured disaster recovery plan for the information to be leaked to the press. When this information reaches the public, your company’s stock, credibility, and reputation drop immediately, even if you eventually manage to solve the problems without any severe damage to your clients and their accounts.
However, it takes years to build a reputation and just a few moments to ruin it, so why take the chance? If you’re interested in learning more about best practices for solid backups and disaster recovery plans, be sure to visit our website or contact our specialists for more details and any questions you may have.
The vast majority of threats encountered online are collectively known as malware. This term can refer to a wide variety of issues including spyware, adware, viruses, rootkits, Trojans, and other such malicious software. We are going to discuss spyware: what is it and how to remove it.
As some of us know, spyware is computer software that is installed without the user's knowledge or consent and which is specifically designed to collect various types of information. The information may be related to the user's internet surfing habits, or it can be personal information that the user inputs into the computer.
Spyware can also be used by businesses legally to keep an eye on their employees' day-to-day activities. These are commonly known as keyloggers. Nevertheless, the most common use for this type of software is to steal someone's identity, or worse.
What's more, once a computer is infected with spyware, there are additional problems that may also arise. Your system may start working slower without explanation, as the spyware is secretly eating up memory and processing power. Your web browser may have an additional toolbar, or the browser may present a different home page.
Error messages may also appear on screen, as well as previously-unknown icons that may pop up on your desktop. These are just a few telltale signs of spyware finding its way into your system.
Below are several steps that you can take to remove any spyware that's on your computer.
Though it may seem surprising, some spyware and adware applications do have fully functioning uninstallers, which means that you can remove them from your Windows' own Control Panel.
In the Add-Remove Programs list, search for any unwanted programs listed there and uninstall them. Be careful not to confuse any useful apps or programs with spyware. Reboot your system after the procedure was successful, even if you are not prompted to do so.
Most spyware, especially the dangerous kind, do not have the previously-mentioned option, in which case you will need to remove it via an up-to-date antivirus scanner. You will first need to disconnect your computer from the internet. If your antivirus allows it, perform the scan in Safe Mode.
If by any chance you don't have an antivirus installed, which you definitely should, choose one of these free versions, or go for the paid variants for better results. Whenever you are using these tools, always make sure to update them. New spyware is created on a daily basis, and only up-to-date antivirus software will be able to detect and remove them.
After one or both of the steps mentioned above have been performed, make sure that the spyware will not reintegrate back into the system once you reconnect it to the internet. To do that, however, you will have to reset your browser start and home pages, make sure that it hasn't hijacked your HOSTS file or that any undesirable websites haven't been secretly added to your Trusted Sites List. Only after you've completed these steps, it is a good idea to reconnect to the internet.
Like with any other online threat out there, the best way to protect yourself is through prevention. Make sure that no spyware will make it into your computer by keeping your security systems up-to-date. Likewise, be more skeptical about what programs you install on your PC, especially if it is part of a package or if it promises something that seems too good to be true. Contact us today to discuss possible solutions.
Despite their importance, not everyone knows what data privacy laws are. In short, data privacy laws are all about prohibiting the disclosure or misuse of information of private individuals, and being compliant with data privacy laws is extremely important.
To date, there are over 80 countries that have varying degrees of data security laws in place. Most noteworthy is the European Union's recent enactment of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The United States, on the other hand, is somewhat notorious for not having a similar, comprehensive set of data privacy laws, but instead, some limited sectoral laws in some areas, based on the Fair Information Practice.
Despite the differences that may occur, some basic principles apply everywhere in the US.
SMEs are concerned whether they are, in fact protecting their client's data and whether they are in compliance with Data Privacy Laws. Here are several other conditions/reasons why SMEs are concerned.
What's more, many of these businesses may not even be aware that they use cloud-based services - in which case they need to comply with these regulations. If you are using Gmail or Outlook.com, you are using the cloud.
All of the requirements presented above will only become more binding and rigorous with time, right alongside the seriousness of the data breaches, themselves.
It is also important to remember that a data breach can also cause more damage to a business than the direct value of the loss. First, there are the personnel costs related to the recovery. Then, we have others such as post-incident costs used for improving customer relations, the brand image, the investigation, plus the many years needed to protect your customer's credit.
The legal costs involved, such as fines, fees, and civil suits should also be mentioned here. Also, let's not forget about the value of lost customers which can quickly send an SME out of business.
ConclusionGoing forward, SMEs need to remember that there are many clearly defined requirements, both legal and financial, for providing adequate protection for your clients' data. As times goes on and digital threats become more and more prevalent, security measures will become more stringent, while providing data security will become another cost of doing business.
If you want to keep yourself up-to-date, please feel free to check out our website. Our IT professionals and engineers have 23 years of combined experience and are more than qualified to find solutions to all of your security concerns. Contact us today to schedule an assessment.
In today’s modern interconnected world, it’s almost impossible to work with computers and have an IT department without having to think about data loss and privacy laws. This is due to the large and continually increasing number of cyber-attacks which breach hundreds and thousands of businesses each year.
Any business or company operating today have some form of online presence, be it more visible, more global, or more discreet and local. However, no matter the online notoriety your business possesses, online threats and cyber-attacks are always around the corner.
Data loss is something that can happen from both internal and external reasons. Employees can cause internal data loss due to a variety of factors. They may not have saved some files or might have accessed an e-mail and accidentally installed a virus on the company’s IT network.
It can lead to severe data loss. If your company doesn’t have specialized people in charge of managing the backup of files, your entire business can be in jeopardy. Imagine losing the financial data belonging to some significant clients, and not being able to retrieve the data (due to lack of a backup.) Also, you may not be able to tell your customers where their private data even is.
Based on today’s online privacy laws, your company can easily be sued. Depending on the importance of the lost data, it could turn into a pretty expensive lawsuit, leaving your company and your company’s reputation tarnished.
Data Loss can easily be prevented by having specialized IT security people handling your entire network. It can be done by creating an entirely new department as part of your IT team. Better yet, you can hire a specialized company which will take care of, and be held responsible, for the entire safe storage, protection and data backup.
It would help you focus on running your business while being sure that all the sensitive and private data is being taken care of by specialized professionals in the field of IT security, all while following the latest Privacy Laws.
Another way you can safely backup your company’s data and be sure that everything is safe and secured, is by creating a Disaster Recovery Plan. Of course, it is not something any IT specialist can build.
Qualified personnel is needed in case of any cyber-attack that leads to the loss of essential data belonging to your company or private data of your clients. In these situations, contracting an outside company is recommended due to their experience obtained by creating several disaster recovery plans for many other companies.
Industries such as healthcare, biotech, and finance are most likely to be targeted by a cyber-threat, which also makes them the sectors that mostly need a Disaster Recovery Plan. Nobody would like to have their financial or medical data being leaked online, or have their biotech blueprints stolen. It is the worst thing that can happen to a company that handles clients’ data, and it could even lead to losing clients and eventually, the entire business.
If you’re interested in more information about Data Loss and Privacy Laws, be sure to contact our specialized consultants. Here at Managed Solution, we are ready to answer your questions and offer you any additional information you require.
When it comes to running a company, especially in today’s digital world (but not only!), professional IT security companies, and security software and specialists are a must if you want to have any chance at building a safe and successful business.
However, remaining are a few business owners that practice the idea of handling problems as they come along, instead of having a robust prevention plan to avoid severe security threats. By merely checking an online cybersecurity threat map, you can easily understand why security tools for your company are so essential.
Each day, thousands and thousands of online attacks are taking place, and it’s only a matter of time until cyber threats will reach any random unsecured business. If your motto is better safe than sorry, then here are some tools for security you should have in mind for your company:
Microsoft EMS describes their service as a security tool that stands for ‘digital transformation with freedom and peace of mind.’ The service helps guard your company data from attacks at multiple levels, through complex processes meant to safeguard your IT activities. Through innovation and identity-driven security techniques, EMS is one of the top choices for safety against unknown cyber threats.
When it comes to superior threat protection, few industries are more affected than healthcare, biotech, and financial services. It is merely due to the large quantity of valuable data found in companies activating in these fields, which make them increasingly more attractive to online attacks.
Microsoft Defender is a cloud-based service focused on filtering e-mails to protect your business from unknown and unwanted online threats, such as malware and viruses. It is an IT guard against any ‘contaminated’ links that may affect your company.
If your business handles a lot of internal and external data, you’re probably already considering having your company server online, thus limiting the threat of cyber-attacks.
In these situations, Active Directory is a must, and it is in most Windows Server operating systems as a set of complex and diverse services and processes destined to add another level of protection to your company and your clients’ data.
It goes without saying that when you’re handling sensitive (and confidential) data, you need to have a multi-factor authentication service and even a single sign-on option to protect your entire online activity best.
These types of services offer an extra shield against hackers, and they are instrumental, primarily when you’re working with bank accounts, or with your clients’ data.
You have to search long and hard today to find a company that doesn’t have anti-virus and anti-malware protection. Windows Defender comes integrated with your Microsoft pack operating system, and most computers operating today have it installed and enabled.
All of these tools for security are highly necessary for any company who wants to protect its data and its clients’ data and information. However, having these tools without specialists to make the most of them could prove to be inefficient.
If you’re interested in learning more about tools for security, be sure to drop us a line right here. Our specialized consultants are standing by to answer any questions you may have.
By Duncan Meadows
One upper case, one lower case, a few numbers with a combination of symbols, and must be complex with 8 to 16 characters long.
Sound familiar? You guessed it, I’m describing your ideal password. Your password is the first line of defense in protecting your identity from cyber thieves.
It’s cumbersome to memorize all your passwords from your bank, phone, email, and work-related computers. But having a complex password is far better because hackers wouldn’t steal your information. Then again you are probably thinking “No one is going to steal my boring life of information.” I would guess again; your information is very valuable to the cyber thieves that lurk in the dark web.
Here are a few tricks and tips of how to keep track of your passwords without going insane remembering them.
Don’t turn your life upside down because of your easy password; get smart and get secured. If you’re looking for more information on how to protect yourself from cyber threats, contact our security experts today to build a customized solution tailored to your needs.
There is no denying the fact that cyber attacks are increasing at an almost exponential rate. As people become even more connected to technology, the opportunity for hackers to take advantage also grows. Nevertheless, security is available to protect yourself.
Even with an increase in these sorts of incidents, it doesn't mean that there aren't effective ways to protect yourself from them. Below are some of these security measures that you can employ to keep yourself and your data safe from hackers.
Though many people view software updates as mere nuisances that only seem to pop up when you need your computer the most, they are, in fact, one of the best means to protect yourself from these online threats.
We should also keep in mind that with the arrival of the so-called Internet of Things (IoT), it's not only through our computers but also with other devices that hackers can get their hands on our personal information. The devices include smartphones, tablets, routers, printers, televisions, gaming consoles, smart fridges, among many other unexpected objects that are connected to the internet. It's only by regularly updating your software that you can fix various bugs and glitches, but also increase your security.
A virtual private network (VPN) "is a connection between a secure server and your computer, through which you can access the internet," according to David Gorodyansky, CFO of AnchorFree.
In short, VPNs will extend a private network across a public network, enabling the user to send and receive data across the public system as if the computer were directly connected to a private network. It means that devices running on a VPN will have the benefits of a private network such as increased functionality, privacy, management, and security.
Digital security will increase if you choose to create strong passwords. Examples such as "123456" or "password" won't cut it. You will have to add upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.
It's also advisable to change your password frequently, every few months or so. Using the same password for everything - something which most people already do - puts you at risk. If someone manages to get their hands on that password, all of your other accounts could be under attack.
Spam filters can help reduce the amount of spam and phishing emails that you may receive. These phishing emails are attempts by various hackers to acquire information from you by posing as someone else - either a trusted institution or even a friend or acquaintance.
Do not respond to these emails, try to unsubscribe, or call the person/organization that supposedly sent you the email to make sure of its origin. By installing a spam filter, you can diminish the amount of spam you receive.
Keeping yourself up-to-date on these issues is among the most active security measure a person can have when navigating the internet. Protect yourself and don’t fall prey to all sorts of social engineering attacks.
Even if the internet is an incredibly powerful tool that will undoubtedly shape humanity as we know it; it isn't without risk. While it brings people together, educates, and creates ample business opportunities, it also allows all sorts of shady characters to take advantage. Know how to protect yourself from their attacks by employing these security measures presented here. Still want help? Contact us today to learn how we can help.
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