Why is Healthcare Data Security Important?

This article will discuss why healthcare data security is necessary and its usefulness.

23:25 19 April 2023

Data security is an important area of the healthcare industry to keep the patient’s confidential data safe and comply with the HIPPA and other Acts to ensure high-level security. In the earlier days, it was easy for hospital and clinic management to record the information on paper and save the documents somewhere secure, yet, it wasn’t secure that much.

Thus, the dynamics of data security https://ralabs.org/healthcare/data-security in today’s modern world have changed. Now, there is no need to carry the bulk of pages and unnecessary documents in drawers; it can be done with the help of servers, computers, and software to manage things effectively. 

Moreover, it’s easier to navigate and edit data digitally. This article will discuss why healthcare data security is necessary and its usefulness. So, without wasting any time. Let’s get straight into it. 

What is data security?

Data security is any preventive measure taken to secure the data in various forms to avoid breaches. The main idea behind this technology is to guarantee the security of patient’s medical data and another form of information that should not be leaked or exposed to any unauthorized access.

Health organizations are now more concerned about this technology and paying thousands of dollars for the foolproof data system to stay on top. 

Top factors related to healthcare data risks.

Data breaches are common everywhere when no substantial data arrangements are not the priority. This is why many organizations lost masses of data which is unbearable. 

In order to minimize the risks, the following points are the common leading data risk factors that should be avoided and made possible arrangements right away. 

• Outdated systems: One of the most common issues that persist is the use of outdated systems and software within the hospital or organization to record the data. The software always needs to be updated due to new coding methods, driver updates, and other changes in the market. 

Organizations don’t pay heed to such metrics and keep using outdated versions. The old software versions are always on hackers’ radars and are more prone to data breaches. This is why the systems should be updated with the latest licensed versions by the company to avoid strikes from hackers. 

• Scamming through emails and malware: Scamming through emails that look like official emails from vendors and other business sources has become complex to recognize. The format of these emails has truly transformed that the data attackers easily get clicks on the emails and, due to malware within it, hold the system control. 

This is why it is discouraged not to open emails that are unauthorized and unfamiliar to you. Hiring an additional specialist to maintain the email check and balance is always recommended. 

• Data sharing: Confidential data should not be shared online or with other sources for any purposes unless there are any official reasons. Employees' access besides the specialist should be restricted and have the best locking system for protection. Some employees within the company may try to steal the data for personal reasons. This is why online data sharing and employee access should be regulated. 

• Wired data connection with systems: Still, most companies use traditional wired systems, which are now old-schooled. Software manufacturers prefer to have wireless systems that don’t have any connection with wires. Additionally, It’s important to use complex passwords and networks for your system’s efficiency and security. 

• Lack of professional attitude and data analysts: A data analyst only understands how to secure the data at the utmost level and prevent data stealing. Most companies don’t hire data analysts to help the company in data management. As it’s a matter of your patient’s data, and they trust you. Hiring a professional that could save you from huge data losses would benefit you and let the organization work freely. 

Why does only the healthcare industry have high data stealing risks? 

There is the only reason why it happens. It happens since the health sector is the sector that has huge data collection of patients, medical history, addresses, date of birth, names, mobile numbers, etc. This attracts data attackers to make attempts to steal information. Additionally, the black market offers a lot of money for such data. Therefore, most hospitals face such issues if they don’t take any possible measures. 

Top best data security solutions opt for your system. 

You can implement these best solutions to see the notable difference. 

• Encryption: It’s a security technique to protect sensitive data by transforming it into an unreadable format. It involves using an algorithm and a cipher sometimes to encode the data so that only those with the key or password can decode and access the original information. Encryption provides confidentiality and ensures that even if data is intercepted or stolen, it cannot be read or used without authorization. In this way, your data will be safe. 

• Anti-virus and malware protection: Anti-virus and malware protection are essential components of any data security https://ralabs.org/healthcare/data-security system that protect computer systems from malicious software. 

Malware, short for malicious software, is a type of software designed to cause harm to computer systems, steal data, or gain unauthorized access—anti-virus and malware protection software work by scanning computer systems and identifying and removing malicious files. 

They also cover additional security features, such as firewalls, email filters, and web protection, to prevent attacks from various sources. 

• Multifactor authentication system: Multifactor authentication is the 3rd most effective security mechanism that requires users to provide multiple forms of authentication to access a system or application. It is an effective way to enhance data security by adding layers of security beyond traditional username and password authentication.

To functionally use MFA, it demands users to provide two or more types of authentication factors, such as something they know (like a password), something they have (like a security token or smart card), 

or something they are (like a fingerprint or other biometric identifier). Inquiring about multiple factors reduces the risk of unauthorized access, as an attacker would need to obtain all of the authentication factors to gain access.

• Employees’ training and education: Do you know 90% of the company’s performance relies on employees’ sincerity and responsibility for their company? That’s why their training is a critical component of data security, as it helps to ensure that employees are aware of potential security threats and know how to avoid them. 

Effective training ensures that employees understand the value of data security and their role in protecting sensitive information.