Security Critical For Networked Office Systems
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The workplace is an ever-evolving environment, with creative ideas and advances in technology providing exciting opportunities and new solutions each day.
Office tech has played a prominent role in the achievements of businesses of all sizes, and in recent years it has revolutionized the role of communications by expanding equipment capabilities and integrating various devices and functions into a corporate network.
It seems that overnight an entirely new era in information management has been created. But is your document information secure in a network environment?
Securing these new network office systems often is overlooked as part of an overall network and information strategy. This must change quickly. Security breaches are touching every business sector and affecting virtually every conglomerate, independent company, satellite branch and boutique operation.
Information often can be classified as "sensitive" or "privileged" and thus may be critical to the healthy operation of a business. At times, it can be "private," such as an individuals performance appraisal, medical records or payroll numbers. The common thread is that somehow, someone will possess the capability and opportunity to print, copy or distribute this information.
This should concern management and office administrators in the insurance industry. All segments of the industry need to review information held in databases and take proper security protection measures. If you havent been worried about your networks protection capabilities, then the new medical privacy regulations may just change your mind.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates that health insurers take steps to protect the privacy of patient-related information, including medical and payment data. Steps required include physical and procedural safeguards, as well as employing technological advances to secure patient information.
In some cases, significant workflow re-engineering may be required, and new office technology is likely to play an important role in helping organizations comply with HIPAA.
As more data is transmitted electronically–health claims, remittance/payment, claim status inquiries, eligibility, case review and a host of others–just about all patient information will be subject to the regulations. All this data, which can be distributed or printed at the push of a button, needs to be protected. Unauthorized disclosures can quickly incur costly penalties under HIPAA and can erode customer confidence.
