The rate at which cybercriminals target healthcare organizations continues to rise, and the consequences of the attacks are becoming more severe. Two recent high-profile attacks illustrated the urgent need for healthcare organizations to defend against cyberattacks, particularly those involving ransomware, and the importance of comprehensive backup policies and procedures to continue operations in the event of an attack that compromises the network.
Q: If employees are working remotely and accessing protected health information (PHI) not only on their computers and mobile devices, but printing it as well, how should they safely dispose of the printed PHI?
Q: Can an independent radiology facility mail postcards with a reminder that it's time for patients to schedule? The postcard would include the patient's name and address, obviously, but then either a check mark by screening mammogram or the words “follow-up exam.”
Q: We recently took a survey and many of our employees admitted to saving their passwords in a Word® document or a Notes® file on their phone. Is this riskier than having passwords written down on paper and stored in a safe place at work or home? How can we discourage employees from writing down their passwords anywhere?
The healthcare industry in the United States has experienced a significant increase in ransomware attacks, and the trend has continued upward during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Q: In many school districts, children are required to complete immunizations before beginning school. Does a healthcare provider need to obtain consent from a parent to disclose proof of the student's immunization to the school district?
