Step By Step Guide To Data Protection in Healthcare

A recent statistic reveals that more than 250 million individuals were affected from 2005 to 2019 by serious healthcare data breaches. While we might have come a long way in protecting sensitive healthcare information, there still are lapses that give rise to such unfortunate instances. But does that mean you can’t really do anything to keep patient data safe? Not at all; some measures can help prevent security threats both digitally and on-premises. Check out the following steps you can apply to strengthen your data security measures:

Stay Up-To-Date

It is easy for healthcare facilities to put off updating their security protocols. But staying up-to-date helps stay extra cautious without leaving technology susceptible to cyberattacks. Besides, no hacker will be able to take advantage of an antiquated system.

Train Your Staff

One of the weakest aspects of your business security is the human one. So, make sure you train your staff well and frequently, especially on HIPAA privacy rules. Keep the training straightforward and test their understanding to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Layer-Up Security Measures

Paperwork, network, applications, and humans – layer them all. It ensures the client data remains safe, and so does other confidential business information. You’d want to mitigate human error, allow better record-keeping, and secure data transfers. So, layer up the security of each element and protect your data.

Access Control

Regularly review who has access to patient data. Take control of that information. Also, have a data security team on hand to perform security audits and systematically authorize all access. It streamlines your processes and eases access control.

Have a Password Plan

Use strong passwords and have a plan for secure storage. Use a separate password for everything, so breaking into different systems is challenging. Use a proven password storage system, so there is no stress remembering stuff. Also, keep switching up passcodes every few months, ideally after every 90 days.

Shred It All

If you collect, process, and retain patient data in physical form, have strict data retention and deletion policies. Once the retention period of different documents and reports is complete, make sure you shred them with a reputable paper shredding services provider.

Shredding helps eliminate the stress of losing any confidential data to the wrong hands. Besides, security shredding allows for clearing clutter safely and staying compliant with the necessary privacy laws.

Look up "shred services near me" online, and you shall be able to find an experienced company that can help you with your unique needs.

Tighten Security with Software

Invest in commercial-grade software that can help prioritize cybersecurity. It might take some trial and error to identify what works best for you. But once you determine your needs and figure out the right solution, you will be able to record, share, store, and analyze data adequately.

Protect Your Practice Today!

Now that you know the steps to protect your healthcare data, we hope it helps you stay compliant and safe and protect your reputation. Data protection and data destruction are crucial aspects of running a business, as a lot of sensitive data remains at risk. Taking steps to prioritize both physical and digital safety saves you a lot of headaches down the road.

A certificate of destruction is provided after each shred. Call Us Today to Schedule Your Shred!