7 Common Mistakes That Put Your Data At Risk

Let's face it.  Keeping up with data security is a pain...in the password.  

There are SO many different ways that malicious people can hack into your system and cause havoc. Not just in being in your system, but potentially deleting, destroying, modifying and generally messing things up.  

Such problems are not just inconvenient to your business, they can be huge problems, opening up your business to severe fines, penalties and censures.  Security is no longer just a "nice" thing to do, it's the required thing to do.  

In this article "7 common mistakes..." there are several items that should be done for ALL I.T. installations, not just your business. These are also equally applicable to your personal networks.  

In addition to the items listed in the article, there are several others that should become part of your routine I.T. security that I have come up with.  Do you have others?  If so, share them below...

1. If you have remote client access: Be sure that you have your clients update their employee listing on a regular basis, to add new employees and to remove those who have left.  It's even better if you have all clients review a current listing and verify those people who have access to their accounts.

2. Don't forget your faxes: If you fax out HIPAA protected materials, then it's in your best interest to have those FAX numbers re-verified annually by the recipients to document that they are HIPAA compliant. 

3. Cybersecurity Employee training: It's important that employees understand the common tricks of cybercriminals, and they don't fall prey to those tactics.  Here is a link to an article which may help in your cybersecurity program development.

4. Prepare for the worst: Have a backup strategy that is comprehensive, automated and verified.  You don't want to ever have to use backups for this purpose, but if you need it...you want to have it.  Consider it an "insurance policy".

5. Physical Materials Security: While this isn't electronic, it is data.  Make sure your sensitive records are locked up securely.  And when it comes for them to be disposed of ...make sure it's done in a HIPAA compliant fashion.

What other tips, ideas, or suggestions do you have or use in your practice setting?  Share them with other members of the WhiteCoat Risk family.  Post them here!

WhiteCoat Risk Management provides these articles to help improve general risk awareness in all aspects of your life.  It is not responsible for any actions you take or fail to take regarding any aspect of your financial planning or risk management.  This article is provided for information purposes and is not intended to provide individualized advice. You alone are responsible for your financial decisions.  

Visit or contact WhiteCoat Risk Management at www.WhiteCoatRiskManagement.com or join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WhiteCoatRisk/ 

Be sure to sign up HERE to receive a notification when new blog posts are published.