With today’s medical and technological advancements, ensuring the security of your medical record storage is crucial. Most medical records are transitioning to Electronic Medical Records (EMR), offering benefits such as time efficiency, cost reduction, and improved service quality for medical professionals. However, certain precautions are essential to safeguard your medical records. Here are key considerations regarding the safety of your medical information:
Despite its seeming improbability, hackers are increasingly targeting medical institutions, with one in four cyber attacks directed at healthcare organizations. These breaches can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information like Social Security Numbers, addresses, medical histories, and other data that can facilitate identity theft.
Research indicates that cyber attacks cost hospitals billions annually, affecting one in thirteen patients. To mitigate these risks, robust security measures, such as encryption and additional firewalls, are employed by many institutes to prevent unauthorized access to medical records.
Medical record hacks are prevalent due to the vulnerability introduced by human interference. Individuals involved in patient care, including nurses, billing officers, clinic and office staff, and network administrators, all have access to medical record storage. Patients themselves can also contribute to information breaches, particularly when storing files on personal devices.
Under HIPAA regulations, patients can request access to their medical records, but storing this information on personal devices may compromise its security. Medical information on personal devices lacks the level of protection afforded in a hospital or clinic setting, increasing the risk of data breaches.
While storing medical records on personal devices poses risks, there are secure alternatives for accessible record storage. IronClad Family’s asset protection platform provides a safe solution, allowing you to store records securely and grant access to family members, emergency services, and healthcare providers in case of incapacitation. The platform utilizes state-of-the-art zero-knowledge encryption to safeguard files and prevent unauthorized access.
Maintaining the security of your medical records is paramount to prevent potential insurance fraud and identity theft. Keeping records off personal devices and exploring secure storage options, such as IronClad Family, ensures the confidentiality and integrity of your sensitive health information. For more information on securing your medical records, contact IronClad Family.