|
|
|
|
 |
NEW YORK--- Absolute Software Identifies Top Five Computer Security Risks for Healthcare |
| 3/19/2008 @ 2:26 PM
print this article -
email to a friend -
join our eNewsletter
|
 |
Absolute Software Corporation ("Absolute" or the "Company") (TSX: ABT), the leading provider of firmware-based, patented, Computer Theft Recovery, Data Protection and Secure Asset Tracking solutions today announced that it has identified the five computer security risks healthcare facilities most often face in preventing identity theft caused by data breaches. Identity theft as a result of stolen or misplaced computers that contain sensitive information is an escalating problem. According to privacyrights.org, there were at least 46 US data breaches involving 62 stolen or lost computers at healthcare facilities in 2007, resulting in almost five million compromised identities.
The recent identity theft epidemic is especially evident at healthcare facilities, where a stolen computer could potentially contain the most personal of information for thousands of people. Through its work with healthcare organizations, Absolute has identified the computer security risks most often faced by hospital systems, health management organizations and others with responsibility for electronic protected health information:
Top Five Healthcare Computer Security Risks:
--------------------------------------------
1. Failure to Protect Sensitive Data Beyond Encryption
According to the 2003 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
(HIPAA) Security Rule, healthcare organizations must encrypt electronic
protected health information (EPHI) stored on open networks such as
laptops. However, a recent Research Concepts survey found that 72% of IT
asset managers believe their own employees - those with access to
encryption keys and passwords - were responsible for the most incidents
of data breach in their organizations. With lost or stolen mobile
computers cited as the cause of nearly 50% of data breaches, healthcare
organizations must complement encryption with the ability to remotely
delete EPHI from missing computers for the highest level of data
protection.
2. Inability to Accurately Manage Mobile Computer Assets
In order to achieve HIPAA compliance, healthcare organizations must be
able to audit how many computers they have in their inventory, where they
are assigned, who is logging into them, what software is installed and
where the computer is physically located. However, recent studies show
that most organizations are able to locate only 60% of their mobile
computer assets. Internet-based, firmware-persistent IT asset management
solutions such as Computrace can provide visibility into as much as 99.7%
of a computer population - regardless of computer location.
3. Sensitive Information on Public Terminals
Many healthcare facilities allow public information to be accessed on
open-air terminals, such as nursing stations, public information
terminals and help stations. These workstations are at great risk of data
breaches and information can be easily accessed and downloaded.
Unattended stationary computers should always be monitored and protected
with an authentication prompt.
4. Difficulty Implementing a Comprehensive Data Security Plan
Healthcare facilities need to institute a comprehensive data security
plan to secure computing assets and sensitive information. Asset tracking
and recovery software should be part of a comprehensive approach, which
also includes cable locks, encryption software and secure passwords. The
plan needs to be reviewed and updated consistently to ensure maximum
effectiveness.
5. Reluctance to Create a Data Breach Policy
Few healthcare facilities have 'nightmare scenario' policies in place
should a data breach occur. In the event of a data breach, there should
be a standard procedure in place for timely notification of supervisors,
law enforcement, patients and the media. In a data breach situation,
computer theft recovery software solutions such as Computrace have the
capability to remotely delete sensitive files, track lost or stolen
computers and partner with local law enforcement to recover them.
The above list is not intended to be exhaustive and alone should not be taken as a substitute for a comprehensive data security plan to meet customer needs. To assist with the creation of such a plan, you can learn more about Absolute's approach to data breach prevention in healthcare by downloading "Compliance, Protection, Recovery: a Layered Approach to Laptop Security for Healthcare Organizations" at: www.absolute.com/HCPR.
For more information on Absolute and its range of Computer Theft Recovery, Data Protection and Secure Asset Tracking solutions, please visit www.absolute.com or www.lojackforlaptops.com/.
About Absolute Software
Absolute Software Corporation (TSX: ABT) is the leader in Computer Theft Recovery, Data Protection and Secure Asset Tracking solutions. Absolute Software provides organizations and consumers with solutions in the areas of regulatory compliance, data protection and theft recovery. The Company's Computrace software is embedded in the BIOS of computers by global leaders, including Dell, Fujitsu, Gateway, General Dynamics Itronix, HP, Lenovo, Motion, Panasonic and Toshiba, and the Company has reselling partnerships with these OEMs and others, including Apple. For more information about Absolute Software and Computrace, visit www.absolute.com.
|
| Other Areas of Tech Interest |
|
|
| |
| Thursday, May 8, 2008 |
 |
|
SAN JOSE--- Ebay Inc. Reveals the 10 U.S. Markets Selling the Most on eBay; Los Angeles, Orange County Among the Top Posted 3:34 PM PST
|
| |
| Wednesday, May 7, 2008 |
|
|
PALO ALTO--- HP Labs Opens Research Opportunities to Academia Posted 6:34 AM PST
|
| |
| Tuesday, May 6, 2008 |
|
|
SANTA CLARA--- Media Alert: Iconix Offers 10 Tips to Avoid Phishing Attacks Posted 9:32 AM PST
GRASS VALLEY, CA--- Prostate Cancer Breakthrough Receives FDA Clearance Posted 9:21 AM PST
|
| |
| Monday, May 5, 2008 |
|
|
YONKERS, NY--- Apple Tops Consumer Reports' Ratings in Latest Tech-Support Survey; CR's June Computer Package Also Features Ratings of Desktops and Laptops Posted 4:34 PM PST
REDMOND, WA--- Microsoft Withdraws Proposal to Acquire Yahoo! Read Steve Balmer's Letter to Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang in this Release Posted 6:48 AM PST
|
| |
| Thursday, May 1, 2008 |
|
|
SAN FRANCISCO--- Biotech Treads Water in April, Burrill & Company Finds Posted 3:29 PM PST
|
| |
| Wednesday, April 30, 2008 |
|
|
LA JOLLA--- Nationwide Survey Reveals 87 Percent of Consumers Question Safety of Personal Information, Yet Many Unknowingly Engage in Risky Behaviors Posted 6:53 AM PST
|
|
|
|
|
|
FreshNews.com Jobs Change DAILY
We Have 5.000 + Job Listings! Open Your FREE Account
Employers or Job Searchers Get Started Now! Click Here
|
