Introduction
Technology development is fast, and users have many devices for everyday life and work. At the same time, such circumstances imply new risks and challenges to the security of information on gadgets. Phones, tablets, and laptops are easily portable and mobile when used, so there is a high risk of loss or abduction.
Moreover, mobile devices carry the danger of accidental viruses entering when downloading data or applications or leaking information while connecting to unsafe Wi-Fi and sharing such equipment with friends or family (Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT [ONC], 2012). Although the number of threats is quite large, providers can make efforts to prevent problems and protect patients’ personal health information (PHI).
Protecting Health Information on Mobile Devices
Professionals using phones, laptops, and tablets must follow specific security rules to defend the PHI stored or reviewed on these devices. ONC (2012) offers several strategies to help safeguard personal data. For example, owners should keep their gadgets with them and refrain from sharing them with other people to protect against loss or abduction and, in case of loss, enable such functions as remote wipe, automatic log-off, strong password, and screen lock (ONC, 2012).
As a result, even if the device disappears, PHI will be protected. Additional security measures include installing a firewall, using a reliable Wi-Fi network, checking files and applications before downloading, and applying encryption (ONC, 2012). The use of several strategies at the same time is essential, as it provides multilateral security for PHI, which employees access through their devices.
The measures presented can protect the information, but providers must ensure that all necessary actions and strategies are implemented to prevent unsafe equipment utilization. In particular, medical organizations need to establish policies and procedures regarding the safety of devices, and their employees must follow these regulations (ONC, 2012). Moreover, it is crucial to ensure that providers are educated about the precautions and efforts they can take to secure PHI. In this way, institutions can maintain a culture of privacy and security (ONC, 2012).
Strategies to Prevent the Use of Non-Secure Devices in Healthcare
Moreover, hospitals can also support using safe devices by establishing safeguarding measures. For instance, steps such as identity and access management, firewalls, and physical security of gadgets will provide additional protection (Murphy, 2015). Implementing the presented strategies can prevent the application of unsafe devices since providers will be familiar with critical defense methods and follow the relevant rules.
When using gadgets such as tablets, laptops, and phones in medical practice, the importance of security measures cannot be underestimated. Patients entrust providers with personal data, and loss or leakage will result in loss of confidence (ONC, 2012). Measures and strategies that protect and prevent the use of unsafe devices, in turn, indicate the reliability of the organization (ONC, 2012). By supporting security, providers show loyalty to the interests of their customers.
Conclusion
Thus, using mobile devices for storing and viewing PHI can be associated with several severe threats to data. As a result, medical staff must make efforts to support safety. They can safeguard gadgets with passwords, firewalls, remote deletion functions, and automated log-off. Strategies to keep the devices secure include education, implementing policies and procedures, and adopting protective measures in organizations. Such actions will demonstrate the reliability and confidence of providers and make sure that PHI is safe.
References
Murphy, S.P. (2015). Healthcare information security and privacy. McGraw Hill.
Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT. (2012). Worried about using a mobile health device for work? Here’s what to do! [Video]. YouTube. Web.