Innovations in technology have come a long way since we first learned about gadgets and computers. Today, we live in an era where we are heavily dependent on all things digital—this includes the internet as a part of our daily lives, which has now been regarded as one of our necessities as we are confronted with a pandemic that prohibits us from conducting face-to-face activities.
As the systems in society continue to adapt to the latest trends in technology, we are exposed to a series of online forms and databases, which require us to input our personal information for a simpler and more efficient means of recordkeeping. However, it is also through the constant advancement in technology that puts the safety of your data at risk.
Privacy concern
Cyber security plays a huge role in reducing the risks posed by the tech and online world. It is defined as the act of safeguarding a series of systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks or cyberattacks such as phishing, malware, ransomware, and social engineering.
This has become a major concern for data owners as they continue to share data with their companies, health care providers, the government, etc. In a data gathered by Pew Research Center in 2019, 81% of adults in the U.S. say that they face a greater risk by sharing their data with companies and 84% when they give access to their data to the government, more than the benefits they get from it. Some 79% are also concerned with how their data are being utilized by companies, and 64% by the government.
Cyber security in health care
For the consumers of health care who are worried about the data they trusted their providers with, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has Privacy and Security Rules, which guarantee the safety of an individual’s electronic personal health information (PHI) supplied to and maintained by a covered entity. These serve as administrative, physical and technical efforts to maintain confidentiality, integrity, and security of electronic PHI.
In the event that consumers benefit from HIPAA compliant texting, or https://www.providertech.com/hipaa-compliant-texting, they can be assured that their records are protected. Health care data security is properly observed with respect to the HIPAA Rules, which require to have established safekeeping measures to secure the consumers’ data. Another safety measure imposed under the HIPAA rules are the penalties specified and categorized by the HIPAA violations.
Safety is a two-way street
Technologies will continue to undergo evolution, which will keep giving birth to more complex features and cybersecurity alone cannot do the job of protecting your data. An effort from its end-users is also required to ensure and maintain the effectiveness of such a framework. This can take place in using strong passwords, being wary of e-mail attachments and backing up data.
Our surroundings have transitioned from traditional to digital, and data security is now a top priority as we consider technology as a part of our necessities.
