Stuart Crawford – Page 19 – Ulistic Projects Blog

December 7, 2019

Incorporating the IoT to Improve Connectivity to Your Customers

Learn how the advent of the Internet of Things has improved device connectivity and enabled businesses like yours to delivery consumer-driven solutions.

The Internet of Things (IoT) was first conceptualized in 1982 through the internet connection of a Coke machine at Carnegie-Mellon University which was able to report inventory levels and the temperature of vended sodas. From this beginning 37 years ago, IoT has led to greater connectivity between all types of devices for the purpose of providing and sharing data. What would have been unimaginable 50 years ago in our parent’s and grandparent’s time has been realized today as televisions, refrigerators, telephones, and other types of consumer electronics have been enabled to talk to one another.

IoT has also helped businesses like yours learn a lot about your customers. The way in which consumers interact with IoT-enabled devices provides businesses with valuable data which can be used to transform products and services and solidify customer loyalty. This leads to the development of additional products, increasing the things-to people ratio, which is the amount of consumer products owned per person. As the things-to-people ratio continues to grow, businesses have seen the development of smart homes, smart phones, autonomous vehicles, etc., as well as an increase in the generation of data which enables machine learning and greater human-to-computer interactions.

This white paper is an exploration of the advances in IoT and how it is moving greater automation of connectivity. This automated connectivity is critical as the number of IoT devices grows, warranting cost effective ways to remove the complexity of these connections. Businesses understanding the importance of managing the connectivity of their IoT devices will be best positioned to gain market share.

What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?

A simple definition of Internet of Things is the ability of all things, people, machines, objects, etc. to transfer data between each other over a network. Each of the things interacting through the IoT network are given what is called a unique identifier (UID), which is a label or identifier assigned to the IoT things (i.e. people, machines, objects).

IoT connectivity is responsible for moving the number of connected devices from millions to billions. According to business consultancy groups McKinsey and Gartner, there are more than 26.7 billion IoT connected devices in 2019. The number of things to people in 2020 is projected to be 26 times more in 2020, while the number of connected devices will grow by three times as many or 75.4 million in 2025. The popularity of IoT can be seen in the use of smart and connected devices in the home. This includes applications such as smart thermostats, smart locks, and smart refrigerators. Smart security, one of the poplar home uses for IoT connectivity, has a market expected to grow to $22 billion by the year 2021. Additional markets expected to grow as a result of IoT are home entertainment systems and energy management technology.

How IoT Has Spawned Greater Connectivity

The global IoT market is worth $1.7 trillion in 2019. Of this amount, 35 percent or $595 billion of this value is attributed to hardware, such as smart home peripherals, smart phones, etc. Countries North America, Western Europe as well as China make up two-thirds of the installed IoT devices. It is also worthy to note that, on average, 127 new IoT devices are connected to the internet every second across the globe. Industry is also gravitating toward a greater use of IoT connected devices. Industrial IoT, which comprises 17 percent of the IoT related projects on a worldwide basis, has a market value projected to reach $110 billion in 2020.

Growth of Personal Digital Assistants

The development of new devices has advanced connectivity and has also been responsible for this growth. Over the past years, the advent of personal digital assistants (PDAs) or virtual assistants, from Apple’s Siri, to Google Voice has meant less reliance on manual typing and a greater dependence on voice assistance. The global intelligent PDA/voice assistance market was worth $2.4 billion in 2018and is expected to increase a total composite average growth rate (CAGR) of 40.4 percent for the period (2018 – 2025).

IoT Growth in the Healthcare Industry

The healthcare industry has been a direct beneficiary of IoT connectivity. Such innovations as robotic process automation (RPA) and artificial intelligence (AI) have helped healthcare sector providers diagnose disease, manage chronic conditions, and bring the cost of care for patients and providers. The healthcare IoT market value was $60 billion in 2014 and expected to reach a value of $136 billion in 2021, a CAGR of 12.5 percent. Growth in the connected devices segment of the market is projected to be the best for the healthcare industry. Asia-Pacific countries are expected to experience a CAGR of 17 percent for the measuring period of 2015 – 2021. Why is IoT important to the Healthcare sector? It provides companies with the ability to grow therapies and processes useful in meeting needs and improving healthcare outcomes through improved:

Monitoring of patient health
The operation of healthcare clinics
The management of workflow
Imaging connectivity
The measurement of the effectiveness of fitness, health and wellness programs
The development of new drug therapies

IoT +37 Years: What Does the Future Hold for Connectivity

The future of IoT is more than bright. The explosion in the growth of IoT connected devices, over 300% between 2019 – 2025, is forcing businesses to invest in this technology to experience a cut of the nearly $500 billion in profits generated from more than 2 billion devices in use in 2019 alone. Companies are maneuvering to position themselves as leading innovators in the development of IoT devices and products. For example, Google invested $3.2 billion to purchase Nest products and paid another $2.1 billion to acquire FitBit, in a bid to compete with competitor Apple’s Apple Watch. These acquisitions are strategic moves designed to gain further control of the IoT market and offer an array of products which can capture valuable consumer data and further the development of needed products.

IoT has not reached its zenith in terms of depth or breadth of market. What was thought to be the limit when smartphone technology was first introduced to the market more than 25 years ago on August 16, 1994 (IBM’s Simon Personal Communicator), the world and consumers have seen an astronomical amount of growth in the number of devices (“things”) with the capability to interact with us and each other to provide important data and operate free of human-to-computer interaction. Automated homes equipped with functions which can clean your floors, issue notifications when you are running low on milk, provide real time video and alerts when an intruder approaches your home are more than the dreams of 1960s science fiction writers like Isaac Asimov and Philip K. Dick.

Bottom Line

Businesses that learn to involve themselves in IoT connectivity will find themselves at the leading edge of this technological advancement. IoT means a greater opportunity for profitability through the mining of data and predictive analysis provide by data scientists to determine consumer interests, wants, and needs. The application of IoT in a business setting helps businesses leverage knowledge gained from their customers in ways unforeseen when the internet was first made available to the general population. IoT connectivity leads to higher profits and better consumer loyalty, as seen in the rapid growth of IoT’s market value.

Businesses will also come to understand that improvements in their IoT offerings will lead to improved employee morale. IoT connectivity provides businesses with valuable consumer data which in turn leads to the creation of products designed to improve quality of life. The data gleaned from IoT devices can be synthesized efficiently and seamlessly, creating a data-driven environment which reduces employee stress and leads to greater creativity. This is another benefit IoT connectivity provides your business and its bid for greater profitability.

It is important to recognize that any limits on IoT connectivity are those which consumers set. A greater reliance and dependence on digital devices to provide us with the comforts of daily living will be tempered by attempts by hackers and other nefarious actors to compromise these machines for their personal gains. Proper monitoring and safeguards must be put in place; businesses must constantly gauge consumer interest for the next best thing and balance that desire against the ability of that “thing” to provide a solution and not be another gadget that is a potential hazard. A proper read of the data IoT devices provide will help guide business toward smart development in keeping with the dramatic increase in value in the IoT market, leading to better products, happy consumers, engaged employees, and a better envisioned world.

December 2, 2019

HIPAA Compliance Basics

HIPAA Compliance Basics – IT HIPAA Compliance

If you are an organization subject to HIPAA, you need to understand and comply with all relevant requirements. Learn more about how this law applies to your company.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 set standards for all organizations that handle protected health information. In the past, HIPAA standards for privacy and security mainly applied to the management of paper health records and verbal exchanges of patient health information. In today’s modern world, however, the majority of protected health information is in a digital format, and these standards must be applied differently.

HIPAA Basics

HIPAA sets guidelines organizations must follow when they collect and store private health information. The law provides patients with certain rights to access their own health information, as well as confidentiality protections. HIPAA also outlines the steps an organization must follow when private health information has been compromised.

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act

To ensure that all organizations subject to HIPAA are in compliance in the digital age, the government passed an additional law: the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act. Essentially, this new law raises the penalties that apply when a health organization violates any of HIPAA’s standards for privacy and security of protected health information.

How to Protect Your Data

In light of the many restrictive standards that apply to protected health information, it is essential for every organization that handles this information to take the matter seriously. Below are some tips to help you protect your data from vulnerability.

1. Invest in security software.

The right security software can help to maintain the safety of your data from hackers. Invest in advanced security software and update it as needed.

2. Train personnel.

Every employee who handles protected health information needs to understand the importance of complying with HIPAA laws. Take the time to train employees on the best practices for handling sensitive data, as well as the consequences for HIPAA violations.

3. Partner with the right professionals.

One of the best ways to keep your data safe is to partner with a reputable IT company that can design security measures to keep your network secure. The right company will also be able to help you take action quickly when a breach occurs.

4. Stay in the know.

Regulations are subject to change, and threats to your data are always evolving. Stay informed about all recent changes so you can keep your organization protected.

Keeping protected health information secure is not only ethical, but it is required by law. If you are an organization subject to HIPAA, compliance needs to be a priority at all times.

November 28, 2019

Protecting Your Business Mac Computer from Cyber Infections: Tips to Know

Tips to Protect Your Mac Computer from Cyber Threats

Mac computers have an excellent reputation when it comes to cybersecurity, but they can still be targeted. Find out about protecting your Mac from threats.

Malware, ransomware, phishing—the cyber threats on the internet abound, and these threats are generating an astounding cost to the people who rely on computer systems to do business. To date, the cost of cyber infections has racked up billions of dollars in costs to unwitting business owners, some of which thought they were protected. Even though Macintosh (Mac) computer systems are highly regarded for their security, they are still at risk. Here are a few tips you should know.

1. Keep your Mac properly updated.

Without a doubt, one of the biggest reasons Mac computers fall victim to a cyber-attack is because they are not updated as they are meant to be. The developers of the Mac operating systems, whether it is one of the older Mac OS versions or something more modern like Mojave, send out frequent security patches as new updates. If you have automatic updates turned off or do not take the time to update your computer manually, you could easily miss an important line of defense.

2. Use good security programs on your business Mac.

Just because you have a Mac that has a stellar reputation for protecting itself against cyber threats, it does not mean that you should not go a step further and install a good security program. These software programs are designed to catch all those things that get past the existing Mac firewalls and security defenses.

3. Keep your Mac free of unnecessary programs.

Every user has them—those unnecessary programs that are really not used often enough to be counted as valuable or useful. These unnecessary filler programs take up valuable space on your Mac computer and slow it down. If the system is already slow, it can make it harder to recognize when something is awry and something fishy is going on. Plus, the more unnecessary programs you have that you never use, the easier it is for malicious software to latch onto something and set up shop on your computer because you will never see it.

4. Get educated about the biggest threats to security on your Mac.

Knowledge is a powerful defense tactic no matter what type of computer or OS it is that you rely on as a business professional. You should take the time to familiarize yourself with the biggest MAC cyber threats and the types of cyberattacks most often occurring today. You should familiarize yourself with things like:

Phishing and how phishing attacks are carried out as well as how to avoid them
Ransomware and how it gets latched onto your Mac system
How to avoid things like malware that get attached to legitimate software

Whether you use your Mac for everyday tasks and projects at work or you have a system of Mac computers utilized by multiple employees and users within your organization, it is critical to protect your business Mac computers properly. Work with a managed IT service company to implement the best security measures and negate Mac cyber threats.

November 26, 2019November 26, 2019

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without sending a thank you to all of the local businesses in our community and a special thank you to those who put their trust in us to manage their technology.

As we spend the day reflecting on what we’re thankful for, we hope you’re doing the same (and enjoying some delicious pumpkin pie while you’re at it!)

Have a great Thanksgiving!

November 25, 2019

Why Managed Detection and Response is a Valuable Tool for Small to Medium Businesses

Managed Detection and Response could be the solution businesses are looking for in a world where cybercrime is on the rise and security experts are hard to find.

Cybersecurity is becoming much more than just a buzz word as cyberattacks on businesses increase and companies face the challenge of finding skilled cybersecurity professionals. By 2022, there could potentially be as many as 1.8 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs, a pain point for many small to medium businesses.

While cybercrime continues to threaten these very businesses, many are wondering if there is a solution to these challenges. How does a company protect significant amounts of data with limited IT and security staff? The answer comes in the form of specialized teams of security and threat analysts, or Managed Detection and Response.

Managed Detection and Response (MDR)

Similar to other Managed Service Providers, companies that specialize in MDR work to provide cybersecurity support to companies that are either lacking skills or time to manage security. What makes Managed Detection and Response unique is its comprehensive approach to dealing with threats.

MDR requires both technology and human analysis to effectively and proactively detect, remediate, and eventually eliminate cyber threats. Where other providers offer an overall software and hardware-based alert system, they are often limited in their ability to respond to, research, and diagnose the number of alerts that happen daily.

With managed detection and response, analysts sift through alerts to determine if they require action. When a response is required, they offer immediate support in resolving the issue and determining its source so that a threat of that type is less likely to occur again.

MDR also takes a proactive approach to threat detection—also called threat hunting—that helps companies determine the overall state of their cybersecurity measures. Specialized analysts are able to research why or how a threat is occurring, resulting in a more comprehensive solution. This same skill set allows them to see beyond the individual incident and understand the greater need behind your network, server, and endpoint data protection.

Improving Your Cybersecurity Defenses

While cyberattacks on big companies dominate the news headlines, it is small to medium businesses that are facing the majority of threats—and they are doing it unprepared. At least 43% of cyberattacks are directed at small businesses, but very few are prepared to deal with the onslaught. On average, these attacks cost businesses $200,000, which is more than many of them can handle.

Managed Security Services provide necessary firewall and perimeter protection for your network, and prove to be helpful in providing alerts when anomalies arise. But the amount of protection most companies need can only come in the form of a specialized and highly trained in-house security team or an MDR.

As cybercrime continues to increase, protecting more than just your company’s network perimeter will be key to improving your cybersecurity defenses. Finding and outsourcing your security needs to Managed Detection and Response could be the best way forward in a world where cybersecurity is an essential part of your company’s future.

November 23, 2019November 23, 2019

Are SAML-enabled Enterprises Needed?

SAML-enabled Enterprises Increase Network Security with SSO

SAML helps organizations implement single-sign-on. End-users need a single username and password for system access. SAML simplifies management of network security

One of the first things most of us do when we arrive at work is sign-on to the corporate network. On the rare occasion that we have to sign on to a specific application, we’re irritated. Why is the separate sign-on necessary? The simple answer is SAML.

What is SAML?

SAML stands for Security Assertion Markup Language. It is an open standard for sharing information across an enterprise for authentication and authorization of the end-user. It’s what lets you sign on once to access multiple applications. For SAML to work, all applications must communicate using the SAML specification. If an application cannot support SAML, the end-user will have to sign on separately.

How Does SAML Work?

A single-sign-on (SSO) environment has an identity provider where the user’s identity information is stored. When the end-user wants to use an application in the SSO environment, the application or service provider makes a request to the identity provider. The identity provider authenticates the end user’s identity and responds to the service provider’s request. The end-user is either granted or denied access.

A simplified SAML process for an end-user named Joel might flow like this:

Joel tries to sign on to his work computer. His sign on initiates a request to the company’s identity or SSO provider, asking for authentication.
The SSO provider authenticates Joel’s identity and grants him access to the network.
Joel launches his email program. His request initiates an exchange with the email application referred to as a service provider.
The service provider is configured to authenticate using SSO, so the application asks the identity provider for authentication of Joel.
The identity provider responds to the service provider with a digitally signed response that identifies Joel.
The SAML-formatted response either authenticates and authorizes Joel for the email application or denies access.
The service provider validates the identity provider’s response and either grants or denies access to the email application.
Joel accesses his email via the service provider’s application, based on the identity provider’s response.

All requests and responses must conform to the SAML protocols for exchanging information.

Why Use SAML?

SAML centralizes the authorization process. It also externalizes authentication to a separate identity provider. The configuration provides several benefits for both the end-user and the organization.

SAML provides a standard for deploying internet-based single sign-on.
SAML raises security access to the highest level. An identity provider can enforce a high level of authentication, such as Two-Factor Authentication, even if the individual applications do not support a high degree of authentication.
SAML simplifies the sign-on process for the end-user, who only has to remember a single user name and password.
SAML offers a single point for deactivation by centralizing access rights.
SAML enables the identity provider to audit access across SAML-enabled applications.

With a SAML-enabled enterprise, administration and monitoring of user access are reduced. Using an identity provider with a higher level of authentication than other applications within the network increases security. Allowing end-users to sign-on with a single username and password minimizes the number of times individuals require assistance because of forgotten passwords or usernames. The ability to control user access from a single point enables an organization to de-activate end-users quickly.

November 19, 2019

How to Hire Qualified Computer Specialists

Need to Hire a Computer Repair Specialist? 5 Criteria to Consider

Are You Ready to Hire a Computer Repair Specialist? Read about the 5 Criteria You Need to Evaluate to Avoid Hiring the Wrong Person and Costly Mistakes

Computer use in the U.S. has grown exponentially in the last decade. Over 15 million computer devices were shipped out to users per year in 2003, according to industry data. That amount rose to an astonishing 65 million per quarter in 2015. With that many devices in consumers’ hands, computer repair specialists are a must for personal and enterprise users when something goes wrong. However, when it comes time to decide who to hire, knowing what criteria to look for can mean the difference between a mediocre and an excellent result.

Experience Levels

When deciding to hire a computer repair specialist or vendor, ask about the length and type of experience the specialist has. A specialist that has years of experience with the types of devices your organization has is ideal. If hiring a specialist from a local or national vendor, ask how employees or contractors are selected. Some vendors, for example, will only hire contractors that have successfully completed various industry certifications.

Education and Training

Hiring specialists that possess a formal degree in computer science or information systems can help improve the quality of service you receive. Industry certifications specific to general computer repair and troubleshooting, Apple, and Microsoft devices can also help. Specialists that keep up to date with industry trends and changes through continuing education courses is another good sign you will receive excellent service. Yet, industry certifications and degrees alone are not as important as years on the job and skills.

Device Types

Take a look at what types of devices your organization has and what devices require ongoing or periodic support. Some repair technicians will be highly specialized in certain types of devices, such as tablets or desktops. Repair specialists may only work on specific brands like Apple or Dell. Another important consideration is determining which repairs and devices can be supported internally versus externally. Simple repairs like replacing or upgrading RAM might be able to be completed by your internal IT department, depending upon the device brand and type. Other repairs like replacing a motherboard could be more complicated and require the device to be shipped into a vendor’s depot or replaced with a similar unit.

Cost

The cost of hiring a qualified computer repair specialist is usually at the top of most organizations’ criteria. Although it can be tempting to choose the vendor or specialist that offers the lowest price, this may not always be the best option. Consider whether there will be extra fees for issues that come up after the initial repair is completed. Also, check into whether completed repairs come with a warranty and how long the warranty lasts. Keep in mind that while the price of the service is not necessarily equated with quality, choosing smaller vendors or individual repair specialists will likely provide you with the best value.

Recommendations

Ask peers for recommendations on qualified computer repair providers. If the vendor or specialist is local, visit the location as a potential customer to see how the specialist responds. Assess whether you were treated courteously, whether the technician attempted to listen to your problem, and what repairs the technician recommended.

November 19, 2019

Chrome Users Need to Update Now

Why Google Chrome Users Should be Concerned About Security Patches

Does Your Organization Use Google Chrome? Find Out Why Recent Security Flaws Have Created an Urgent Need to Update Your Devices’ Browsers Immediately

If users in your organization use Google Chrome, there is a high chance that several of those systems are creating an opportunity for hackers to install malware. Google recently identified a major security flaw with its Chrome browser that impacts Windows, Mac, and Linux-based devices. Although Google has released a security patch to correct the security vulnerabilities, the patch fixes two separate problems.

Security Vulnerabilities

One of the security vulnerabilities Google identified is Chrome’s audio component. The other vulnerability is tied to the browser’s PDF library. Both allow unwanted modifications or corruptions to memory data. This allows hackers to elevate privileges on the device or within applications installed on the device. If someone is able to gain administrative access to a system or software on a system, the individual could make unwanted changes or wreak havoc on the device’s operating system. There is also a high chance that a hacker could install malware or execute malicious code on the device.

Version

The version of the browser that fixes the security issues is 78.03904.87. Although the Chrome browser may be configured to automatically update itself in the background upon launch, it is a good idea to manually check each device. The browser can be manually checked by selecting the Help menu and then “About Google Chrome.” If there is an update available, the browser will automatically search for it and find it. The browser’s version will also be displayed in the “About” section. If the listed version is 78.03904.87 or later, then the device has received the necessary security patch.

If there are problems with the browser updating, it may need to be removed from the system and reinstalled. Some organizations have an automatic process to uninstall and reinstall applications from the server once the devices connect to the organization’s network. Reports can be run to see which systems still have outdated versions and technicians should manually check those systems to diagnose why automatic updates are not going through.

Other Considerations

A system that is not receiving automatic updates from Google Chrome may have other issues. Technicians should check for the following:

Is the anti-malware program up to date and running correctly?
Is the OS receiving approved updates and are these updates installing?
When was the last time the system pinged the network?
Has the system been restarted recently?
If the system has been disconnected from the organization’s network, how long has it been offline?
Has a malware scan recently been run? Were any malicious items identified and removed?
Are there are any suspicious executables or unauthorized programs installed?

Sometimes wiping a system and completely reinstalling the OS are the best courses of action. Signs that a device may be too infected, corrupted, or outdated include the presence of unauthorized or suspicious applications, more than 100 pending OS updates or a previous update date that is more than a month old, and an anti-malware program that will not update or run a scan correctly. Before wiping a system and reinstalled the OS, a technician should check for and back up any user data that may be installed on the device’s hard drive. However, the data should be carefully scanned for any malware infections prior to transferring it back onto the system.

November 17, 2019November 17, 2019

What Are Your Company’s Responsibilities Following a Data Breach?

Learn from Marriott’s Example: Notification Responsibilities After a Data Breach

Most states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico have passed legislation regarding notification of security breaches. Know the laws in your state.

To answer this question, let’s start with the example experienced by Marriot International recently when a breach exposed the social security numbers of the hotel chain’s associates. Then, we’ll look at the federal and state requirements for notifying those impacted by a breach that involved their data.

How Did Marriott International Employees Fall Victim to a Data Breach?

Marriott International told some of its employees that their social security numbers (SSNs) had been exposed to an unknown person. The risk came from a vendor that handled documents for the hotel chain.

On September 4, 2019, Marriott found out that someone access information recorded on those documents, which included subpoenas and court documents. The notification, which came two months after the incident, merely stated that someone may have accessed the records, which is all hotel representatives claim to know. The potential breach impacts over 1,500 Marriott employees. On October 30, the hotel started sending notifications via regular mail for anyone it hadn’t been able to find.

Those impacted will receive free credit monitoring as well as identity theft protection for one year at the company’s expense. Notification and credit monitoring services are part of recent data breach laws, but one must wonder what took Marriot so long to notify the victims.

Why Did Marriott Have a Difficult Time Finding Victims?

Marriott received a list of those impacted, but most had no address. This may be the most significant factor in the delay. And, it’s not an unusual one. Company records breached by hackers may be incomplete in the best of circumstances, and this information was sitting in several external systems.

The unnamed firm said all Marriott employee data was deleted from its system. One of the problems in cases like this is storing data in multiple systems, which increases the risk of theft and data breaches. Marriott no longer partners with the vendor.

What Are Your Company’s Responsibilities in Case of a Data Breach?

The FTC recommends following these steps, some of which are legally required.

Secure your Operations

Move quickly to take whatever steps are needed to secure your systems. Otherwise, your data breach can result in a series of breaches. Mobilize or form a breach response team to shore up your network against further loss.

Fix Vulnerabilities

As part of the fix, you need to anticipate questions that clients, associates and the authorities may have. Put together clear questions and answers to post on your website. Direct communication may ease frustration and concerns, especially if it takes some time to identify those impacted, as in the Marriott cases.

Work with forensic experts to track to determine what records were at risk.

Notification

Most states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico have passed legislation regarding notification of security breaches. You must notify the affected parties when personal information is involved. Check the laws in your state as well as the federal laws and consult with your legal team regarding your responsibilities.

November 14, 2019

Document Management, Confidentiality Compliance, and HIPAA Adherence

HIPAA is an everyday stressor in the healthcare industry. A computer-based recordkeeping system can help keep records secure and HIPAA compliant.

For many in the health care industry, compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is an everyday stressor that dictates the actions and availability of information. However, HIPAA is necessary to protect the patients’ information and medical records. A violation of HIPAA could lead to lawsuits and large fees, which could cause a business or practice to close their doors.

The Challenge of Human Error

Unfortunately, even the perfect system is prone to human error, especially if you do not have integrated checks and balances that are part of a computer document management software.

Many facilities that are larger in size have already integrated their records into a computer-based record-keeping system. This type of software is especially helpful for the large volume of records that they keep on a daily basis. However, smaller healthcare facilities may want to consider a customized computer-based record-keeping system to stay HIPAA compliant.

Typically, most HIPAA violations happen without employees’ knowledge, or they are due to simple inexperience. Some of the most common HIPAA violations include:

Accessing records for any reason other than to aid in treatment or payment
Not using a secure encryption method for protecting health records
Removing patient information from the facility, either physically or on an unauthorized device
Sharing patient information via a personal email
No control or lack of control of who accesses patient health information
Not removing access of former employees

Digital Solution for Record Keeping

Physical paper documents have a higher chance of being compromised because their very nature requires that you physically secure them. Within HIPAA, health facilities not only have to worry about who has access to patient information but for what reason.

While some electronic solutions can help healthcare facilities step away from paper options, such as a common or shared network drives, these do not provide the security needed to remain HIPAA compliant. HIPAA requires that digital solutions for handling patients’ personal information have almost cutting-edge security tools. Due to the private nature of patients’ information within the system, health facilities’ data is considered a prime target for hackers looking for targets with blackmail or ransomware.

Benefits of Moving to Digital Record-Keeping

Even for small health care facilities, there is a digital document management system that could fit the needs of the business while still being HIPAA compliant. Some of the benefits of digital record keeping are:

Tracking for Audit Purposes – A digital document management system can record everything that happens to a file. The record could include which user has accessed the file, when the file was accessed, if anything has changed since the last time it was accessed, and historical copies of the file.
Control Over File Permissions – The records system administrators can control who has permission to view a file and the features they are available to use once they have access.
Unique Security Options – Administrators can dictate which users have access to patient information. As an example, administrators can add a two-step authentication method to access sensitive patient information.

Privacy and HIPAA compliance can be challenging, but adding the right document management tools can help with the stress and pressure of protecting patients’ information.