Who’s Accessing Your Health Data?

Despite the fact that ransomware and hacking attacks draw the biggest headlines, it is actually improper insider access that causes the highest number of data breaches. Such are the results from the most recent Protenus “Breach Barometer,” which analyzes reported and sometimes not so publicly reported breaches in healthcare each month. For those who follow privacy and security in healthcare, the Protenus findings are not that surprising. Reports of inappropriate access by insiders are frequent and show a disturbing trend.

Many of the reports allege that information was not used in any detrimental manner. Only that snooping occurred. However, there are two problems with that view. First, even small insider breaches can have far lasting impacts. In case people do not remember, ProPublica did an expose on the impact of small breaches in December 2015. The individuals who had information accessed frequently faced social impact or other issues not readily visible from a high level. Additionally, inappropriate access of information can form the basis for criminal investigations or outcomes. For example, an insider who accessed information out of curiosity for over two years in Oregon is being investigated by the local District Attorney…

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View all Articles by: Melissa Clark, CCS-P