How to Avoid Data Breaches Caused by Losing Mobile Devices

Physicians can take several steps to protect the data on mobile devices and tablet computers from being accessed if the device is lost, states a March 26, 2012, American Medical News article. Symantec, an Internet security software company, conducted an experiment by “losing” 50 smartphones in five cities to see what people would do with the devices. People attempted to return about half of the phones. Of those who attempted to return phones, more than 95% of people had accessed data on the phone that was not required to contact the owner, including social media, banking, and other private applications, as well as corporate information such as “HR salaries” and data files like “saved passwords.” Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), encryption is required unless a technological limitation or another limitation prevents encryption.