WIREDGOV

Data security in the healthcare sector is a growing issue, with an increasing number of breaches of the Data Protection Act being reported to the Information Commissioners Office, inevitably leading to financial penalties and damaging headlines.

The facts make sobering reading, the top causes of data breaches in the UK involve negligent employees, who account for 37 percent of cases and there have been more than 2 million serious NHS data breaches logged since 2011. With open plan offices, unsecure nursing or doctor’s stations and busy reception areas more common than ever, there is an increased threat of data loss. It’s easy for an unauthorised individual sitting next to or simply passing by a device to catch a quick glance at confidential on screen data. The use of mobile technology such as tablet devices in the healthcare sector is also on the increase and can make users more susceptible to the threat of a data breach when working with sensitive information on the move.

With the potential consequences being so severe it’s important to be fully aware of the potential threats to visual data security and to ensure all devices are adequately protected.

Key risk areas include:

• Open areas, corridors and waiting rooms
• Computers-on-Wheels
• Nurse stations and check-in monitors
• Exam rooms
• Offices near windows
• Devices used by mobile employees

In light of the above, there are a growing number of healthcare authorities, hospitals, GP practices and clinics recognising these threats and upgrading their visual security to protect their confidential on screen data, in order to adhere to the Data Protection Act and safeguard against unauthorised or unlawful processing of personal data.

Simply submit your details below to download this indispensable guide on How to Prevent Visual Hacking across your organisation: