Dangers of Instant Messaging Instant Messaging (IM) is inherently insecure. IM providers maintain and control user messages, logs and connection information on their servers. Although providers offer some degree of encryption, there have been instances of IM user logs being captured and used for unethical or criminal purposes. IM is [...]

Use of Public Wireless Access Points The risk is especially high at coffee shops, hotels, airports and other places with a high turnover of laptop users. Many malicious individuals set up laptops to act as wireless access points with legitimate-sounding names such as “T-Mobile”, “Free Wireless Access”, or “Hilton” etc. [...]

Email Tips The company-provided email is intended for business use. State the information in emails in a professional manner. Each email represents. Use spell-check and grammar-check. Prepare and send email responsibly; be aware of the reader’s perception and interpretation. Double check the accuracy of the intended recipient’s email address. When [...]

Cloud Storage of PHI Web-based products such as Gmail, Google Docs and Dropbox should not be used to transmit or store a patient’s protected health information (PHI). These products do not have the proper encryption and other security measures necessary to be considered secure under the HIPAA regulations. Using these [...]