Article highlights:
- During the coronavirus pandemic, there has been an increasing international adoption of digital health solutions, including telehealth and cloud computing creating concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity. The third strategic action in the HIMSS COVID-19 Global Policy Call to Action Report highlights this issue by addressing the multifaceted reality of data privacy and cybersecurity. No doubt maintaining robust data privacy and cybersecurity policies can help mitigate cyberattacks. However, during times of crisis, like the current pandemic, it may be beneficial to support appropriate information sharing, such as to advance population health. The following examples highlight how various governments have sought to protect personal health information.
- While healthcare organizations can be targeted directly, software vendors and cloud computing providers were common targets throughout the year. As these companies most likely require some sort of technological bridge to their clients and constituents, hackers can gain potential access to multiple organizations by one attack. As becoming more reliant on technology to serve patients increases the risk incurred, many healthcare organizations are worried their vendors may also experience an attack, compromising the data privacy of patients.
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