In our increasingly tech-forward world, security and compliance should be top of mind in every industry. The healthcare sector is no exception. In fact, strengthening healthcare cybersecurity is essential. Protecting data privacy, ensuring environments are secure and maintaining compliance is more critical than ever before. Protected health information (PHI) is just as valuable – if not more so – than personal financial information. Keeping this data secure is required by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), but many healthcare organizations lag behind when it comes to IT security.
What can healthcare organizations do to increase their security and compliance measures?
- Adopt a Cloud Strategy
A mere 10-15 years ago, many healthcare organizations housed IT infrastructure on premise. The electrical, plumbing and HVAC running through the building was designed for healthcare facilities, not IT. Because of this, the risk was astronomical and unnecessary.
When healthcare organizations started moving critical programs and data to the cloud, they saw an increase in security and compliance. Eliminating the need to house infrastructure and data on-site meant gaining access to industry-leading security and compliance measures at a world-class data center.
- Manage Access to Programs and Data
By its very nature, PHI must be accessible to many parties – between doctors and nurses, additional healthcare professionals, patients and their caregivers, the list adds up quickly. While many need access, it certainly doesn’t mean everyone needs access. How can a healthcare organization protect PHI while simultaneously making it easy for required parties to access the information they need?
This may sound like a double-edged sword, but it doesn’t have to be – especially if you work with a partner that has experience in the healthcare industry. We understand your need for uptime and ease of access is deeply coupled with a commitment to protecting your patient’s PHI.
- Transition to Virtual Desktop Infrastructures
With the adoption of a cloud strategy comes the opportunity to move to virtual desktop infrastructure (VDIs). From triage to remote access and HIPAA compliance to transitioning legacy technology, the healthcare industry cannot afford downtime. If providers can’t access the data they need, then they can’t provide the level of care their patients have come to expect.
By using a VDI, organizations access HIPAA compliant desktop environments with controlled backups from multiple data centers, ensuring that providers always have access to a live desktop whenever they need it. This means no downtime for routine maintenance and no unexpected outages.
Working with an expert technology partner who understands the healthcare industry is the first step toward increased security, easier access and the ability to use technology to provide excellent patient care.
Learn more about VDI solutions from Involta and Dizzion by downloading the Virtual Desktops Overview.
Five Best Practices For Healthcare IT Security and Compliance Webinar presented by Involta and Dizzion was held on Thursday, March 22. Click here to watch the recording to learn how to ensure IT security and compliance within your business.
