Thanks to advanced technology, such as the Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled devices and WiFi, healthcare risks have changed. Internet access, WiFi and Bluetooth-enabled devices. Are making it easier for healthcare companies, practices and facilities to access sensitive patient data. Which means advanced technology means more risks

So, as useful as these tools are in improving patient care. They also provide additional ways for hackers to infiltrate healthcare providers. Data breaches and attacks continue to rise. Ransomware accounted for 72% of hospital data breaches in 2016 alone. So, it is obvious to understand why technology means more risk. So, I will go out on a limb and bet the next round of will show similar or higher numbers. One key reason for these data breaches is overlooking vulnerabilities. Such as any network-connected device (like your copiers and printers). And forgoing easy-to-implement preventative measures such as copier hard drive encryption.

Large Breach Data By Cause – 2017

However, If this chart were based on the total number of individuals affected. Almost the entire chart would be purple. Because, it is cyber-hacking that affects the vast majority of records breached. And individuals affected, although only about 17% of the actual incidents.

So, the next highest after theft and loss is Unauthorized Access or Disclosures at 27%. The point is that these are mostly related to internal management of people. Not to outside hackers operating out of some foreign country. That means it is under your control as a healthcare provider or business associate to do something about it.

So, the important takeaway is that while cyber-hacking is responsible for most of the very large data breaches. It is not the most likely event to impact your organization, especially for the majority of smaller providers.

For healthcare providers, from a small physician practice to the largest hospitals. There are serious consequences a covered entity faces when it suffers a data breach. Specifically the potential for regulatory penalties and other negative impacts such as lost business resulting from all the negative publicity.

Large Data Breach By Source -2017

Today’s copiers are a combination of computer and mechanical devices. This can pose a risk if they aren’t HIPAA-compliant. The costs of a mistake are real too. Affinity Health Plan had to pay a settlement of over $1.2 million thanks to HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules violations. The company put its memLabers’ personal information at risk. Because, it did not delete their personal data from the memory of the leased copiers’ hard drives before returning. The company was also fined for not taking steps or establishing policies for protecting electronic Protected Health Information (PHI). As outlined in HIPAA’s Privacy and Security Rules.

Off the shelf office equipment wont make due.

Now a days it pays to have office equipment that protects you by utilizing encrypted data. Also, it is important to have read after overwrite data that cleans your patients data. As well as a lot other security features that you should be aware of.

Conclusion

You would purchase the right amount of insurance to protect your home or your own health. Don’t over look the office equipment that is part of the front line that protects your Patents Info. Learn More