Plan Ahead: How a Security Response Plan Can Help Your Business Expect the Unexpected
Taking steps to protect personal information in your files and on your computer can go a long way toward preventing a security breach. Nevertheless, breaches can happen.
Lock It: Protecting Your Office from Info Thieves
Sometimes the key to data security is an old-fashioned lock. Here’s some advice on protecting your customers and employees by securing sensitive data. One important tip: Lock it — Protect the information that you keep.
- Lock, stock — or peril. Computer defenses can be critical, but when it comes to protecting personal information, don’t forget “old school” physical security, too. Discourage light-fingered passersby by making sure every employee has a secure drawer or locker. Centralize sensitive paperwork and limit access to employees with a legitimate business need. Remind them not to leave documents out when they step away from their desks. Shipping data offsite? Consider encrypting it and using a mailing method that will allow you to track the package en route.
Identity Theft Law: What Health Care Providers Need to Know
Original article by Steven Toporoff
As many as nine million Americans have their identities stolen each year. The crime takes many forms. But when identity theft involves health care, the consequences can be particularly severe.
Medical identity theft happens when a person seeks health care using someone else’s name or insurance information. A survey conducted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) found that close to 5% of identity theft victims have experienced some form of medical identity theft. Victims may find their benefits exhausted or face potentially life-threatening consequences due to inaccuracies in their medical records. The cost to health care providers — left with unpaid bills racked up by scam artists — can be staggering, too.