In the News
Have you experienced data exposure of healthcare information? Unfortunately, this reality is increasing. In Healthcare Breaches Affected 11.5 Million People in 2018, InfoSecurity Magazine discusses how the quantity of healthcare records exposed in data breaches in 2018 at 11.5 million is almost double than the amount exposed in 2017. It is reported that nearly 50% of these breaches were the result of hacking. The healthcare sector is specifically a target for hackers because it holds so much sensitive information.
Our Take
The magnitude of healthcare data exposure in the past year is alarming. Despite an increase in societal concern over data privacy, one of the most sensitive forms of personal data is being exposed in increasing amounts. Individuals place a more significant amount of trust in healthcare professionals and the healthcare system because it is tasked with their wellbeing. However, as this industry becomes targeted by hackers more frequently, this trust will be often be broken unless heightened security and privacy measures are enforced. Healthcare records can contain not just personal information including social security numbers, but also financial information. Protecting these highly sensitive forms of information should be a top priority for consumers and companies alike. On the consumer end, try to provide only the essential information on healthcare forms to reduce the risk of detrimental damage in a data exposure.
Recommendations
How can you protect your healthcare information from exposure?
- Understand the risks of putting your personal information into the world, and only share what you have to especially on medical forms
- Use safe password practices, and take advantage of Multi-factor Authentication where possible
- Stay up to date on the news regarding recent fraud attacks and data breaches to see if you may have been affected