With instant access to patient files, online test results and e-prescribing, the personal digital assistant has become the doctor’s number one resource. This tiny little device is a physician’s best friend, going anywhere and everywhere.
Yet, these devices carry an unprecedented amount of sensitive
information on them and it is readily accessible to anyone, unless
proper steps are taken to secure the data.
While there are many ways for the data to become compromised, the
easiest one to prevent is the physical loss of the unit. Now the loss
may be the result of theft or the unit could simply be misplaced.
In either case, there are a few simple things that can be done to keep
this from happening. First, the PDA can be attached to a lanyard neck
chain or carried around in a special holster or vest that keeps it safe
and secure on the doctors person at all times. When the unit is taken
off to be used at the examining table or bedside, attaching it to an
anchor cable secured to an immovable object can prevent the PDA from
disappearing.
Also, you could consider instituting a policy that requires all
PDAs to be stored in a secure place when not in use, such as a locked
drawer or cabinet can also prevent loss. After measures have been put
in place to physically secure the PDA additional precautions can be
taken to secure the data contained on the PDA.
All PDAs should be locked up with a Power On passwords; this will
prevent unauthorized users getting access to your unit. The PDA can be
set to erase the PDA if too many password attempts are made, most of
the Blackberry units allow you to do this without any special software
other units may require special software such as Bluefire or Teallock.
Along with a Power On password a personal firewall such as those
offered by BlueFire Security and Asynchrony help to maintain security
on your PDA. Firewalls prevent viruses and hijackers from entering the
unit.
This is especially important with Bluetooth enable PDAs. Generally, the
Bluetooth broadcasts connectivity at all times, making it easy for
others to gain access to your data. For extra safety, you can disable,
this allows only previously paired Bluetooth devices from gaining
connectivity with your unit.
You can also password protect your paired Bluetooth devices so that
unauthorized pieces cannot connect with your device. Security
professionals also recommend regularly synchronizing your PDA with your
desktop. This removes the sensitive information from the PDA and places
it on your desktop.
One last security measure, if you do need to send the unit in for
repair, make sure to clear all the data off the unit. The reason, if
you possess a good warranty, you may receive a replacement unit for one
you send in for repair, your old unit then could be refurbished and
resold, with the sensitive or confidential patient information still on
it.