Tips for Keeping Your Personal Health Information Secure
As healthcare providers adopt electronic health records, personal health information (PHI) has become more vulnerable. Sensitive personal information such as social security numbers, addresses, medical history, and insurance details are all stored electronically and can be accessed by hackers. Here are some tips for keeping your PHI secure:
1. Strong passwords: Use a strong password with a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using obvious words or phrases like your name or date of birth. Change your password frequently and never share it with anyone.
2. Use two-factor authentication: This is a security feature that requires you to enter a code sent to your phone before accessing your account. Having an extra layer of protection makes it harder for someone to gain access to your PHI.
3. Be cautious of phishing emails: Hackers can use phishing emails to trick you into giving away your login credentials or downloading malware. Check the sender’s email address and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
4. Keep your software up to date: Software updates often contain security patches that can protect your PHI from known vulnerabilities. If you receive an update notification, don’t ignore it.
5. Be careful using public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi is often unsecured, making it easy for hackers to intercept your data. Avoid accessing your PHI on public Wi-Fi or use a virtual private network (VPN).
6. Securely dispose of old devices: If you’re disposing of an old device that contains PHI, make sure to securely erase all data from the device before getting rid of it. Simply deleting files isn’t enough.
7. Limit access to your PHI: Only share your PHI with people who need to know it, such as healthcare providers. Be wary of giving out your personal information to non-healthcare entities.
PHI is valuable to cybercriminals, and it’s crucial to take the necessary precautions to keep it secure. By implementing these tips, you can minimize the risk of your PHI falling into the wrong hands.
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