David Reis, PhD, executive vice president and CIO of Hackensack Meridian Health, outlines his biggest headwind for 2020 — technology and data security — and how to turn it into a tailwind in the future.
Question: What headwinds are you preparing for in 2020?
Dr. David Reis: As I look ahead to 2020, technology and data security looks to be a significant item, which if not properly managed can be a headwind. However, rather than see security as a headwind, I've built my career around making security an enabler for strategic objectives, enhanced patient experience and end-user satisfaction. I have found that when security is placed in the proper context and appropriately integrated, it can enable the digital delivery of healthcare in ways that increases ease of use and patient satisfaction through access to care and health information.
Going into 2020, security will need to focus on the use of multi-factor authentication for remote access to clinical and business applications like EHRs, payroll and email.
Q: What strategies and technologies will help healthcare organizations become more secure?
DR: Looking at published data on breaches in healthcare, the robust use of remote access multi-factor authentication would help prevent a significant number of breaches of ePHI from occurring. Additionally, the persistent threat of ransomware is another area of intense focus for 2020. Keeping ransomware out of the computer environment is a constant battle that requires effective end user education, specific tools to identify and disrupt it from running, and new ways of thinking of end user devices and the operating systems they use.
When security is able to safely make systems and data available for appropriate, anytime, anywhere access to authorized users, we can make a headwind into a tailwind!
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