An Australian medical center is facing the possibility that its patients’ electronic medical records may be locked away forever after hackers broke into its computer system in December and encrypted the files. The hackers captured a medical centre's data and demanded A$4000 to decrypt the information.
While this incident is rare it is a good lesson to ensure that you take control of your data. Ensure that it is secure. Ensure that your data is securely backed up and is segregated from your computer servers. Your must be proactive and monitor your computer network. This may be an appropriate task to outsource to a reputable vendor. Are your plans comprehensive? Is it time for you to schedule your Privacy Practice Review?
See the Technology for Doctors Online story from January 17, 2013, for more information.