18 data points that make EHRs attractive to hackers

An increasing share of cybercriminals are targeting EHRs, HHS warned healthcare providers in a Feb. 17 threat brief.

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“It is recommended that healthcare leaders shift their focus by moving beyond a prevention strategy and creating a proactive preparedness plan,” HHS said in the brief.

The brief detailed why EHRs are such attractive targets for hackers. It outlined the 18 identifiers that “provide criminals with more information than any other breached record.” They are the following:

  1. Names
  2. Dates, except year
  3. Telephone numbers
  4. Geographic data
  5. Fax numbers
  6. Social Security numbers
  7. Email addresses
  8. Medical record numbers
  9. Account numbers
  10. Health plan beneficiary numbers
  11. Certificate/license numbers
  12. Vehicle identifiers and serial numbers including license plates
  13. Web URLs
  14. Device identifiers and serial numbers
  15. Internet protocol addresses
  16. Full face photos and comparable images
  17. Biometric identifiers (such as retinal scans and fingerprints)
  18. Any unique identifying number or code

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

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The hidden cost of lost clinical time and how leading health systems are responding

Friday, August 7
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Kassaundra McKnight-Young, Zebra TechnologiesGregory Carras, Zebra TechnologiesJennifer Gene, Levata

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