The Importance of Protecting Your Health Information for Privacy and Security
Introduction
With the digital age rapidly advancing, it’s safe to say that our personal information is more vulnerable than ever. When it comes to our health information, protecting it should be a top priority. Health information includes not just physical health records but anything from genetic data to fitness tracker data. Additionally, mishandling health information could lead to dire consequences, especially when it pertains to influencing insurance decisions, job opportunities, or even medical treatment. Hence, it’s time to delve into the why and how of safeguarding health information.
Why protecting health information is critical?
As previously mentioned, health information is much more than just bodily records. It houses vital and sensitive data, including current and past medical conditions, prescription history, insurance information, and behavioral health records. This data could even include genetic and family background that could lead to future treatment. It is vital to protect such information because it may affect someone’s future outcomes related to insurance or other life-decisions.
Apart from these significant risks, health information is a treasure trove for hackers. Health information is worth more than any other personal information in the black market, with a single health record worth approximately $250 to $1000. Stolen personal information leads to identity theft, unauthorized transactions, or worse, medical identity theft.
Moreover, data breaches are still on the rise, with millions of people affected each year. For instance, in 2017, Equifax, a consumer credit-reporting agency in the US, fell victim to a massive data breach, affecting about 143 million people. Equifax collected personal information such as names, birthdays, addresses, social security numbers, and even driver’s license numbers, lead to a significant black market loss of private health information.
How To Protect Health Information
There are many ways to protect health information, starting with creating strong and unique passwords. Most of us are guilty of using the same password for multiple accounts, making it easier for hackers to gain access. It is imperative to have passwords that are difficult to guess, using a combination of characters and symbols.
Besides passwords, using two-factor authentication (2FA) is recommended. 2FA adds an extra layer of security to an account by requiring the user to provide two separate means of identification, which is something they hold (e.g., their phone) and something they know (e.g., a password). Once enabled, 2FA prevents hackers from raiding an account, even if they have guessed the password.
Another crucial aspect is keeping the software and browsers up-to-date. Hackers are looking for vulnerabilities in old software, and those who don’t update their software are at a higher risk of being hacked. By keeping it up-to-date, the software has better encryption, increasing security substantially.
Finally, it is vital to be vigilant. Scammers often use tactics like phishing emails, website pop-ups, requesting confidential information, and using phone calls to extract people’s personal and health information. A good rule of thumb is never to click on links from unknown emails or offer any personal information to strangers, especially over the phone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the importance of protecting health information is beyond question. Health information is not just sensitive, but it’s also incredibly valuable, which is why protecting the information should be a top priority. By taking preventative steps like maintaining strong passwords, using 2FA, being proactive with software updates, and remaining alert, individuals can safeguard themselves from having their health information falling into the wrong hands. Thus, it’s time to be responsible and take the necessary steps to protect the most valuable asset of all – our personal information.
