With the development of computers, smartphones and online information storage systems, keeping medical records online has never been easier. Recording information electronically prevents the loss of records due to natural disasters or accidents such as fires and floods. It also allows easy access to critical information from many different locations. However, with these advantages comes a price: most medical information is sensitive, and it can be vulnerable to theft if you do not take certain actions.
Know What’s Online
Before you protect your medical information online, you need to know how much data is stored electronically. Speak to your primary health care provider about what data he or she makes available online. For example, only the most recent results of your blood work may be uploaded to a portal that you can view, or perhaps all of your medical records are there. Your doctor will give you details about logging into this portal, and you can ask about the system’s security and whether all of your information needs to be there. Figure out what information is already online, and then decide if you want more or less of it available.
Know What’s Available
Do not panic if all of your medical records are stored electronically. This does not necessarily mean that you will be hacked and that someone will take advantage of all of your sensitive information. Many systems are available to help you protect yourself online. If you access your medical information on your phone, make sure you have your phone’s most recent update downloaded, as many of these updates contain security fixes.
For computers and tablets, pay for high-quality software that scans your computer for viruses and evidence of hacking. You could also consider a wide-reaching software such as Zero Trust that inspects all aspects of your online activity. The options for online security are vast, but don’t be overwhelmed by all the options. Just research each program before purchasing or downloading it, and be wary of sites that offer their services for free. Always err on the side of too much protection rather than too little.
Know What’s Smart
To keep your medical information safe online, you need to exercise basic internet common sense. Do not share the login details your primary health care provider gives with anyone. As soon as possible, change the random username and password provided to something that you will remember and that no one else will guess. Make sure to link the account to your email address so that if something goes wrong, you can use your email to recover your account.
Be sure to regularly update your password. Use a new one every time, and do not use it anywhere else. Include numbers and symbols in addition to lower- and upper-case letters. After accessing your medical information, be sure to log out of whatever system your physician uses, even if you are the only one who uses your computer. Be wary of logging into sites that contain private information on public devices such as computers at the public library.
Know What’s Useful
As you become accustomed to having your medical information online, you will find that you like the way certain things work and that you dislike others. Most systems allow you to customize the information that is available online. At first, follow your doctor’s instructions or leave the account on the most basic settings. However, as time goes on, you can find out what works for you. Don’t be afraid to turn down the opportunity to store certain information online if you feel uncomfortable. After all, the point of these medical systems is to help you make the best decisions about your health.
Keeping your medical information secure helps to prevent your identity from being stolen or used against you. Don’t panic, but also don’t get complacent about the level of security you maintain on your devices and online accounts. It’s always better to be over prepared than to have your privacy compromised.
