Business Email Compromise (BEC) is not a new term. BEC scams have been growing in popularity for some time now. If you’re not familiar with BEC, it’s when a fraudulent email is sent to a company or individual, and the email appears to be from a legitimate business resource or person, often varying from the […]
Archive | Weekly Security Reminder
Smart Telehealth Practices during Covid-19
COVID-19 has ushered in the mass acceptance of telehealth, with so much optimism and excitement around the technology. But like many new technologies, the initial use is rushed and not well thought out with many providers trying to figure out the right technology, best practices, and optimal patient experience. We have seen temporary waivers to […]
Million Dollar Laptop
Was it made of gold? Encrusted in diamonds? No. Read on to learn how one laptop ended up being worth a massive one million dollars. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently closed an investigation into Lifespan Health System Affiliated Covered Entity for a stolen laptop incident reported back in 2017. That laptop contained…ready […]
Fraudulent Postcards
It’s always nice to get a postcard from friends or family who are away on vacation. But this week we learned of a new kind of postcard being sent out with not-so-well wishes. The Department of Health & Human Services’ (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) sent out a warning that fraudulent postcards are being […]
4 security tips to keep you safe online
The internet is becoming an increasingly dangerous neighborhood: digital marketers want to buy your private data, and hackers want to steal it. Here are four simple steps you can take to stay safe online. 1. Encrypt Your Passwords These days, dealing with the ever-growing list of passwords required to log in to many websites has […]
HIPAA Security Reminder of the Week
Do you know who your privacy and security officers are? Executives, have you named these individuals? Associates and colleagues, do you know who your Privacy Officer and Information Security Officer are? To comply with the HIPAA Security Final Rule, each Covered Entity and Business Associate must identify a “security official” responsible for developing and implementing […]
HIPAA Security Reminder of the Week
Transporting Medical Records Occasionally, medical and other sensitive records must be transported from one location to another, such as when moving to a new office, closing a location, etc. Appropriate steps must be taken to safeguard these records, whether electronic or paper. Medical records should never be taken from secure medical records areas without proper […]
HIPAA Security Reminder of the Week
Dangers of Instant Messaging Instant Messaging (IM) is inherently insecure. IM providers maintain and control user messages, logs and connection information on their servers. Although providers offer some degree of encryption, there have been instances of IM user logs being captured and used for unethical or criminal purposes. IM is subject to “eavesdropping” and hackers […]
HIPAA Security Reminder of the Week
Use of Public Wireless Access Points The risk is especially high at coffee shops, hotels, airports and other places with a high turnover of laptop users. Many malicious individuals set up laptops to act as wireless access points with legitimate-sounding names such as “T-Mobile”, “Free Wireless Access”, or “Hilton” etc. Wireless access for your laptop […]
HIPAA Security Reminder of the Week
Email Tips The company-provided email is intended for business use. State the information in emails in a professional manner. Each email represents. Use spell-check and grammar-check. Prepare and send email responsibly; be aware of the reader’s perception and interpretation. Double check the accuracy of the intended recipient’s email address. When sending sensitive information outside of […]