Balancing Healthcare Data Security with Convenient Access
Digital threats in healthcare are skyrocketing with more sophistication than ever – cyberattacks on healthcare organizations are estimated to have jumped nearly 54% since 20201. And in 2024 alone, 446 healthcare organizations reported a data breach of nearly 57 million identities2.
As Digital Access and Risk Surge, Healthcare Organizations Should Strive for Balance
Patient engagement with electronic health information via online medical records or patient portals spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic3. And in 2021, an amendment to the 21st Century Cures Act mandated greater access to electronic health records, helping increase adoption along with the rise of interoperable platforms.
With growing ‘consumerism’ in healthcare, and more people accessing medical records through online patient portals since the pandemic, cybersecurity threats are growing, too. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT recently reported three in five patients access their digital health records by way of a patient portal4. Despite the fact medical records often contain private and sensitive information, consumers still want a positive digital experience, including seamless account creation and portal login. As such, healthcare organizations should provide identity verification workflows that reduce cumbersome steps for consumers and encourage better engagement and retention.
Rising trends in consumer ownership of medical records, digital portal expansion and interoperability require healthcare organizations to vigilantly protect against breaches while simultaneously giving patients and members a satisfying, consumer-like experience they have come to expect from other industries.
Three in five patients access their digital health records by way of a patient portal4
Cybersecurity attacks in healthcare also prove costly for the industry, which is among the hardest hit, averaging $9.77 million in breach costs5. Rising trends in consumer ownership of medical records, digital portal expansion and interoperability require healthcare organizations to vigilantly protect against breaches while simultaneously giving patients and members a satisfying, consumer-like experience they have come to expect from other industries. By providing a positive digital experience through easy account creation and login, healthcare organizations will be in a favorable position for better engagement retention and health outcomes.
2. https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/breach/breach_report.jsf
3. https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/patient-portal-access-increases-pandemic-jama-electronic-health-records/699575/
4. Individuals’ Access and Use of Patient Portals and Smartphone Health Apps, 2022 | HealthIT.gov
Patient Data Access, Mobile Patient Portals Reach Unprecedented Use | TechTarget