Securing Your Medical Data: A Path to Confidentiality in the Digital Era
One day, you receive a mysterious call from a stranger who claims to have the perfect solution for the exact health issue you’re dealing with. They promise a miracle cure that will change your life. Confused and alarmed, you hang up, but the calls keep coming.
As you browse the internet, you start noticing something strange: the ads that pop up seem eerily tailored to your specific ailment. Cheap supplement companies are bombarding you with offers and treatments related to your condition, all at unbelievable discounts. How is this possible? How do they know about your personal health struggles?
The unnerving truth dawns on you: your private medical information has been leaked. Someone, somewhere, has gotten their hands on your electronic health records. Your most intimate health details are now out there, accessible to strangers and companies seeking to exploit your vulnerability.
This is the case in India for many people dealing with terminal diseases that can be capitalized upon by others.
People are left wondering who these individuals are and how they managed to access your data. Was it a breach at a hospital? A hacking incident? The questions are endless, but the unsettling reality remains the same: your personal health information is no longer private.
Gone are the days when data was only stored on a piece of paper stashed somewhere in your house. With hospitals and government agencies mandated to maintain electronic health records, your data is uploaded on the internet by third parties using systems vulnerable to hacking attacks.
So, how can you keep your medical data confidential?
Here are some points to consider:
✅ Keep strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
✅ Use secure Wi-Fi networks only and update your passwords regularly.
✅ Educate yourself about phishing, wishing, and malware attacks to stay vigilant.
✅ Limit the sharing of personal information; share only what’s necessary.
✅ Maintain a separate email ID and phone number for healthcare records, offering the flexibility to change them if compromised.
✅ Always scrutinize app permissions; avoid apps requesting unnecessary access to your data.
✅ Choose apps only from authorized vendors to avoid potential security risks.
✅ Avoid installing or granting access to remote control apps like AnyDesk.
✅ Prioritize companies with robust data encryption policies, ensuring at least 128-bit encryption for enhanced security.
Stay vigilant.
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