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How has your facility trained you to keep information secure? Is there anything that you would like to add to the training or something that was not covered enough?

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What are some ways that your facility reacts when faced with possible breaches? Would you do anything differently?

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Network security is the practice of preventing and protecting against unauthorized intrusion into corporate networks. As a philosophy, it complements endpoint security, which focuses on individual devices; network security instead focuses on how those devices interact, and on the connective tissue between them.

The venerable SANS Institute takes the definition of network security a bit farther:
Network security is the process of taking physical and software preventative measures to protect the underlying networking infrastructure from unauthorized access, misuse, malfunction, modification, destruction, or improper disclosure, thereby creating a secure platform for computers, users, and programs to perform their permitted critical functions within a secure environment.
But the overall thrust is the same: network security is implemented by the tasks and tools you use to prevent unauthorized people or programs from accessing your networks and the devices connected to them. In essence, your computer can't be hacked if hackers can't get to it over the network.

Network security basics

Definitions are fine as top-level statements of intent. But how do you lay out a plan for implementing that vision? Stephen Northcutt wrote a primer on the basics of network security for CSOonline over a decade ago, but we feel strongly that his vision of the three phases of network security is still relevant and should be the underlying framework for your strategy. In his telling, network security consists of:

Protection: You should configure your systems and networks as correctly as possible

Detection: You must be able to identify when the configuration has changed or when some network traffic indicates a problem

Reaction: After identifying problems quickly, you must respond to them and return to a safe state as rapidly as possible

This, in short, is a defense in depth strategy. If there's one common theme among security experts, it's that relying on one single line of defense is dangerous, because any single defensive tool can be defeated by a determined adversary. Your network isn't a line or a point: it's a territory, and even if an attacker has invaded part of it, you still have the resources to regroup and expel them, if you've organized your defense properly.

Network security methods

To implement this kind of defense in depth, there are a variety of specialized techniques and types of network security you will want to roll out. Cisco, a networking infrastructure company, uses the following schema to break down the different types of network security, and while some of it is informed by their product categories, it's a useful way to think about the different ways to secure a network.

Access control: You should be able to block unauthorized users and devices from accessing your network. Users that are permitted network access should only be able to work with the limited set of resources for which they've been authorized.

Anti-malware: Viruses, worms, and trojans by definition attempt to spread across a network, and can lurk dormant on infected machines for days or weeks. Your security effort should do its best to prevent initial infection and also root out malware that does make its way onto your network.

Application security: Insecure applications are often the vectors by which attackers get access to your network. You need to employ hardware, software, and security processes to lock those apps down.

Behavioral analytics: You should know what normal network behavior looks like so that you can spot anomalies or breaches as they happen.

Data loss prevention: Human beings are inevitably the weakest security link. You need to implement technologies and processes to ensure that staffers don't deliberately or inadvertently send sensitive data outside the network.

Email security: Phishing is one of the most common ways attackers gain access to a network. Email security tools can block both incoming attacks and outbound messages with sensitive data.

Firewalls: Perhaps the granddaddy of the network security world, they follow the rules you define to permit or deny traffic at the border between your network and the internet, establishing a barrier between your trusted zone and the wild west outside. They don't preclude the need for a defense-in-depth strategy, but they're still a must-have.

Intrusion detection and prevention: These systems scan network traffic to identify and block attacks, often by correlating network activity signatures with databases of known attack techniques.

Mobile device and wireless security: Wireless devices have all the potential security flaws of any other networked gadget - but also can connect to just about any wireless network anywhere, requiring extra scrutiny.

Network segmentation: Software-defined segmentation puts network traffic into different classifications and makes enforcing security policies easier.

Security information and event management (SIEM): These products aim to automatically pull together information from a variety of network tools to provide data you need to identify and respond to threats.

VPN: A tool (typically based on IPsec or SSL) that authenticates the communication between a device and a secure network, creating a secure, encrypted "tunnel" across the open internet.

Web security: You need to be able to control internal staff's web use in order to block web-based threats from using browsers as a vector to infect your network.

Network security and the cloud

More and more enterprises are offloading some of their computing needs to cloud service providers, creating hybrid infrastructures where their own internal network has to interoperate seamlessly - and securely - with servers hosted by third parties. Sometimes this infrastructure itself is a self-contained network, which can be either physical (several cloud servers working together) or virtual (multiple VM instances running together and "networking" with each other on a single physical server).

To handle the security aspects, many cloud vendors establish centralized security control policies on their own platform. However, the trick here is that those security systems won't always match up with your policies and procedures for your internal networks, and this mismatch can add to the workload for network security pros. There are a variety of tools and techniques available to you that can help ease some of this worry, but the truth is that this area is still in flux and the convenience of the cloud can mean network security headaches for you.

Network security software

To cover all those bases, you'll need a variety of software and hardware tools in your toolkit. Most venerable, as we've noted, is the firewall. The drumbeat has been to say that the days when a firewall was the sum total of your network security is long gone, with defense in depth needed to fight threats behind (and even in front of) the firewall. Indeed, it seems that one of the nicest things you can say about a firewall product in a review is that calling it a firewall is selling it short.

But firewalls can't be jettisoned entirely. They're properly one element in your hybrid defense-in-depth strategy. And as eSecurity Planet explains, there are a number of different firewall types, many of which map onto the different types of network security we covered earlier:

Network firewalls

Next-generation firewalls

Web application firewalls

Database firewalls

Unified threat management

Cloud firewalls

Container firewalls

Network segmentation firewalls

Beyond the firewall, a network security pro will deploy a number of tools to keep track of what's happening on their networks. Some of these tools are corporate products from big vendors, while others come in the form of free, open source utilities that sysadmins have been using since the early days of Unix. A great resource is SecTools.org, which maintains a charmingly Web 1.0 website that keeps constant track of the most popular network security tools, as voted on by users. Top categories include:

That last category might raise some eyebrows - after all, what's penetration testing if not an attempt to hack into a network? But part of making sure you're locked down involves seeing how hard or easy it is to break in, and pros know it; ethical hacking is an important part of network security. That's why you'll see tools like Aircrack - which exists to sniff out wireless network security keys - alongside staid corporate offerings that cost tens of thousands of dollars on the SecTools.org list.

In an environment where you need to get many tools to work together, you might also want to deploy SIEM software, which we touched on above. SIEM products evolved from logging software, and analyze network data collected by a number of different tools to detect suspicious behavior on your network.

Network security jobs and salaries

If you're looking for a career in network security, you're in luck: these jobs are in high demand, and they pay well. Staffing agency Mondo pegged network security analyst as one of the six highest paying cybersecurity jobs, claiming they could earn between $90,000 and $150,000 a year.

What does a network security analyst do, exactly? And is it different from a network security engineer? When it comes to job titles, there's always less clarity than you'd like, as the pros hashing things out and talking about their career paths on this Reddit thread demonstrate nicely.

In theory, a network security engineer is more likely to be building out security systems, while a network security analyst is more likely to be tasked with combing through data from network security tools to find trouble. But the reality is that many people with both titles do a little of each, and what you do will hinge more on your job description than your two-word title. For what it's worth, Glassdoor pegs network security analysts as being slightly lower paid, at around $80K a year rather than $82K for network security engineers. But your mileage very much may vary and you should take any salary numbers with a grain of salt.)

One thing you can be hopeful for is that either job is a career path with a future. Alissa Johnson, currently the CISO of Xerox, was a network security engineer at Northrup Grumman before eventually climbing the ladder into her current executive role.

Network security certifications

While there aren't many certifications that focus on network security alone, there are a number that can help you prove your bona fides, either because they're security certifications with a network component or a network certification that includes material on security. Some of the most prestigious include:

Copyright © 2018 IDG Communications, Inc.

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What is network security? Definition, methods, jobs & salaries

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Network security is the practice of preventing and protecting against unauthorized intrusion into corporate networks. As a philosophy, it complements endpoint security, which focuses on individual devices; network security instead focuses on how those devices interact, and on the connective tissue between them.

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It is predicted that by 2021, cybercrime damages will amount to an annual total world cost of $6 trillion, even outpacing the yearly cost of damages attributed to natural disasters. And on an individual company level these damages can be just as catastrophic; the average cost of a cyberattack is currently $1.67 million, with operational and productivity loss, along with negative customer experience, being the primary consequences of suffering an attack.
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Your data is the lifeblood of your business: It supports your growth, carries vital resources and helps your organization stay healthy. And if data is blood, then your network is the beating heart that pumps it through your system. But modern cyber threats are like vampires, doing everything possible to get at the blood that keeps your business going.

In order to defend against these vampiric threats and save your business from potentially millions of dollars in data loss, you need more than just a stake and some cloves of garlic; you need effective, robust network security and network visibility.

In this post, we'll address the following 14 network security tools:

Access control

Anti-malware software

Anomaly detection

Application security

Data loss prevent (DLP)

Email security

Endpoint security

Firewall

Intrusion prevention systems

Network segmentation

Security information and event management (SIEM)

Virtual private network (VPN)

Web security

Wireless security

But first let's cover the basics.

What Is Network Security?

Network security is a term that describes the security tools, tactics and security policies designed to monitor, prevent and respond to unauthorized network intrusion, while also protecting digital assets, including network traffic. Network security includes hardware and software technologies (including resources such as savvy security analysts, hunters, incident responders, etc.) and is designed to respond to the full range of potential threats targeting your network.

In other words, network security is the defense you use to keep the wrong people away from your sensitive data.

The vampires are trying to get in; network security keeps them out. Fairly straightforward, right? Well, within that definition, there are three key focuses that should serve as a foundation of any network security strategy: protection, detection and response.

Protection entails any tools or policies designed to prevent network security intrusion. Detection refers to the resources that allow you to analyze network traffic and quickly identify problems before they can do harm. And finally, response is the ability to react to identified network security threats and resolve them as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, most businesses simply do not know how to follow policy and do this properly. In fact, in a survey of 4,100 executives, departmental heads, IT managers and other key professionals across the U.S. and Europe, it was revealed that nearly three out of four organizations (73 percent) are fielding a novice level cybersecurity strategy. This is a growing threat, because when network breaches occur and malicious threats come through, there's more at stake than just the data itself.

Benefits of Network Security

Network security devices and tools exist to help your organization protect not only its sensitive information, but also its overall performance, reputation and even its ability to stay in business. Continued operational ability and an intact reputation are two key benefits of effective network security.

Companies that fall prey to cyberattacks often find themselves crippled from the inside out, unable to deliver services or effectively address customer needs. Similarly, networks play a major role in internal company processes, and when they come under attack, those processes may grind to a halt, further hampering an organization's ability to conduct business or even resume standard operations.

But perhaps even more damaging is the detrimental effect that a network breach can have on your business's reputation.

Given the rising tide of identity theft and other dangers related to the theft of personal information, many customers are already hesitant when it comes to sharing data with businesses. And if a cyberattack should occur, many of these customers are likely to withdraw in favor of more secure alternatives. After all, why take the risk?

The loss or corruption of valuable data, along with a significant disruption to customer services and internal process, topped off with reputational injury that may persist long after other damages have been repaired - it's not hard to see what's at stake when it comes to network security. In fact, it's been suggested that 66 percent of SMBs would have to shut down (either temporarily or permanently) after experiencing a data breach. And even larger, more established businesses may be unable to reclaim their former standing.

On the other hand, reliable network security software and hardware, coupled with the right policies and strategies, can help ensure that when cyberattacks occur, their impact will be minimal.

Network Security Tools and Techniques

Your network faces threats of all shapes and sizes, and thus should be prepared to defend, identify and respond to a full range of attacks. But the reality is that the biggest danger to most companies are not fly-by-night threat actors, but rather attackers that are well-funded and are targeting specific organizations for specific reasons. For that reason, your network security strategy needs to be able to address the various methods these actors might employ.

Here are 14 different cyber security tools and techniques designed to help you do just that:

1. Access control
If threat actors can't get into your network, the amount of damage they'll be able to do will be extremely limited. But in addition to preventing unauthorized access, be aware that even authorized users can also be potential threats. Access control allows you to increase your network protection by limiting user access and resources to only the parts of the network that directly apply to individual users' responsibilities.

2. Anti-malware software
Malware, in the form of viruses, trojans, worms, keyloggers, spyware, etc. are designed to spread through computer systems and infect networks. Anti-malware tools are a kind of network security software designed to identify dangerous programs and prevent them from spreading. Anti-malware and antivirus software may also be able to help resolve malware infections, minimizing the damage to the network.

3. Anomaly detection
It can be difficult to identify anomalies in your network without a baseline understanding of how that network should be operating. Network anomaly detection engines (ADE) allow you to analyze your network, so that when breaches occur, you'll be alerted to them quickly enough to be able to respond.

4. Application security
For many attackers, applications are a defensive vulnerability that can be exploited. Application security helps establish security parameters for any applications that may be relevant to your network security.

5. Data loss prevention (DLP)
Often, the weakest link in network security is the human element. DLP technologies and policies help protect staff and other users from misusing and possibly compromising sensitive data or allowing said data out of the network.

6. Email security
As with DLP, email security is focused on shoring up human-related security weaknesses. Via phishing strategies (which are often very complex and convincing), attackers persuade email recipients to share sensitive information via desktop or mobile device, or inadvertently download malware into the targeted network. Email security helps identify dangerous emails and can also be used to block attacks and prevent the sharing of vital data.

7. Endpoint security
The business world is becoming increasingly bring your own device (BYOD), to the point where the distinction between personal and business computer devices is almost nonexistent. Unfortunately, sometimes the personal devices become targets when users rely on them to access business networks. Endpoint security adds a layer of defense between remote devices and business networks.

8. Firewalls
Firewalls function much like gates that can be used to secure the borders between your network and the internet. Firewalls are used to manage network traffic, allowing authorized traffic through while blocking access to non-authorized traffic.

9. Intrusion prevention systems
Intrusion prevention systems (also called intrusion detection) constantly scan and analyze network traffic/packets, so that different types of attacks can be identified and responded to quickly. These systems often keep a database of known attack methods, so as to be able to recognize threats immediately.

10. Network segmentation
There are many kinds of network traffic, each associated with different security risks. Network segmentation allows you to grant the right access to the right traffic, while restricting traffic from suspicious sources.

11. Security information and event management (SIEM)
Sometimes simply pulling together the right information from so many different tools and resources can be prohibitively difficult - particularly when time is an issue. SIEM tools and software give responders the data they need to act quickly.

12. Virtual private network (VPN)
VPN tools are used to authenticate communication between secure networks and an endpoint device. Remote-access VPNs generally use IPsec or Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) for authentication, creating an encrypted line to block other parties from eavesdropping.

13. Web security
Including tools, hardware, policies and more, web security is a blanket term to describe the network security measures businesses take to ensure safe web use when connected to an internal network. This helps prevent web-based threats from using browsers as access points to get into the network.

14. Wireless security
Generally speaking, wireless networks are less secure than traditional networks. Thus, strict wireless security measures are necessary to ensure that threat actors aren't gaining access.

Network Security: Let the Sunshine In

What is network security? Well, beyond the definition, the tools and the strategies, network security is essentially the power to protect your business and your customers. That means understanding the threats and the solutions and knowing how to use that information to build a robust and inclusive network security strategy.

Gigamon GigaSMART® SSL/TLS Decryption is a network security solution designed to optimize that strategy. GigaSMART enhances the effectiveness of your existing cyber security tools by providing superior visibility into network traffic and allowing threat responders to identify and expose encrypted attacks, malware, hidden command and control channels, and unauthorized data exfiltration exploits. With Gigamon, network security threats have nowhere to hide.

After all, data is the lifeblood of your business, and the vampires don't need to wait for an invitation. So why not let the sunshine in? With effective network security, you can shine a light onto the entire range of network threats, and thus keep your data, your business and your customers safe.

References

1. Morgan, Steve. "Global Cybercrime Damages Predicted to Reach $6 Trillion Annually by 2021." Cybercrime Magazine. Dec. 7, 2018. https://cybersecurityventures.com/cybercrime-damages-6-trillion-by-2021/.

2. Truta, Filip, Paul Vallee, Bill Ho, Roy Horev, Richi Jennings, and Michael Vizard. "Average Cost of a Cyberattack Now Exceeds $1 Million, Research Shows." Security Boulevard. January 17, 2019. https://securityboulevard.com/2019/01/average-cost-of-a-cyberattack-now-exceeds-1-million-research-shows/.

3. "Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report 2018." Hiscox. February 2018. https://www.hiscox.co.uk/sites/uk/files/documents/2018-02/Hiscox_Cyber_Readiness_Report_2018_FINAL.PDF.

4. Forrest, Conner. "66% of SMBs Would Shut down or Close If They Experienced a Data Breach." TechRepublic. October 2, 2017. https://www.techrepublic.com/article/66-of-smbs-would-shut-down-or-close-if-they-experienced-a-data-breach/.

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14 Network Security Tools and Techniques to Know - Gigamon Blog

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It is predicted that by 2021, cybercrime damages will amount to an annual total world cost of $6 trillion, even outpacing the yearly cost of damages attributed to natural disasters.

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Securing patient information is of utmost importance. Network systems are an easy target for computer hackers and personal data breaches.

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In its simplest term, network security is a set of rules and configurations designed to protect the integrity, confidentiality and accessibility of computer networks and data using both software and hardware technologies.

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Intrusion detection systems (IDS) act as monitors for secured networks. IDS notify networks when unauthorized access, or suspected unauthorized access, occurs. This is a common tool used in healthcare to prevent hackers.

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The #1 most important piece of a data loss prevention method? An intrusion detection system.

It can be a struggle to protect patient data in today's healthcare environment. Not only does the Internet of Things (IOT) virtually connect all healthcare systems, networks, workforce members, and equipment, but technologies are evolving quickly and hospital IT staff must keep up. On top of all of that, hacker techniques evolve even faster than technology manufacturers.

One of the reasons healthcare data breaches are so prevalent is the lack of proactive, comprehensive security systems dedicated to monitoring system irregularities. Security tools like intrusion detection systems, or IDS. A key piece of any security strategy, this tool/software should be implemented in every single hospital, doctor's office, clearinghouse, or any other location sensitive data is received, transmitted or stored.

Electronic storage of patient data is maintained on a network basis. This means the actions surrounding that sensitive data can be recorded if you have the right system (enter: IDS).

An IDS can log and alert you when suspicious actions (like the 3:00 a.m. login) occur in your system. Then, it's up to you to investigate. Why was someone with administrative credentials logging into our EHR system at 3 in the morning? Was a doctor up late working? Or was it a hacker trying to get into the system when no one would notice?

The actions surrounding your sensitive Electronic Protected Health Information (PHI) can act as clues to what's happening inside your network, and if it's normal, suspicious, or downright unacceptable.

Not just another piece of security technology

I know what you're thinking, how is an IDS different from my anti-virus or firewall tools? Attackers and their malware evolve quickly, and it's difficult for anti-virus software to keep up with them. And there are many ways to bypass firewalls. Intrusion detection is another layer in security alerting that many entities need and miss out on until it's too late.
SEE ALSO: Payroll Phishing Emails Attack Hospital and Healthcare Security
Keep in mind that an IDS isn't preventive. Similar to a private investigator, an IDS doesn't interfere with what it sees. It simply follows the action, takes pictures, records conversations, and alerts the client. For more preventative measures you might consider an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), which is an extension of IDS. The two systems are frequently paired together. However unlike IDS, it will prevent and block many intrusions that are detected.

Using IDS can help identify a suspected attack and help you locate security holes in your network that gave the bad guys access in the first place. Without the knowledge derived from IDS logs, it can be very difficult to find system vulnerabilities, or determine if patient health data was accessed/stolen.

Stop data breaches before they become catastrophic

Not only can an IDS help you see the weak points in your environment, it can help your brand after a hacker gets in.

By setting up alerts on an IDS, you can be alerted as quickly as suspicious activity occurs, which means you can get your task force together to stop it ASAP.

From a legal standpoint, a healthcare organization could also use the information stored by their IDS in a breach court case to show they did as much as possible to contain the breach.

Additionally, SecurityMetrics forensic investigators use information gleaned from client IDS tools to investigate breaches, such as how the hacker got in, how long they remained in the system, and when they exported data. This helps determine exactly how much patient data was exported, and what the organization must do to secure system vulnerabilities.

1. Buy an IDS.

There are a variety of different tools on the market and each tool will need to be carefully reviewed before a decision is made. I often ask my clients if they want a NIDS or HIDS (Network or Host based). I advise that a combination of both should be used for any organization looking to take their security seriously. When choosing your IDS/IPS it's best to get help from a security consultant and make sure that your security team is always involved.

2. Install it on the outside of your network to detect external attacks.

Don't just integrate your IDS to secure your EHR. Using pivot attacks, hackers can hack into unrelated or unprotected areas of your network and easily hop onto more secured areas of your network (like your EHR) from there.

3. Don't forget about internal attacks.

Whether the threat is a fired workforce member who wants to get back at the organization, or an attacker who plugs a malware-filled USB into an exam room computer after nonchalantly walking in the office, an internal IDS should be configured to detect internal activities to prevent an attack from the inside.

4. Configure alerts.

Configure the intrusion detection system to alert you as soon as suspicious activity occurs. Discuss what alerts should be configured with your security advisor, internal team, and vendor.

5. Form a task force.

You need a team to manage this important part of your security strategy. Whether it's the responsibility of your data loss prevention team, IT team, or a mash up of security-related department heads, a group must be formed to take charge. Their activities could include identification of suspicious activity alerts, ensuring regular scheduled IDS updates, incident response planning, and/or alert monitoring.

6. Constant alert monitoring.

Many hospital IT departments may already have a network intrusion detection system in place, but aren't regularly checking it. This is mistake #1, and can cost you a swift breach recovery. If you don't check your IDS, or alerts aren't being sent to you, you might as well not have it.

7. Have an action plan.

What happens when your IDS actually identifies an attack? You may also have an intrusion prevention system in place that may or may be active and preventing illicit traffic. If not, your task force must form an action plan, and follow your tested and approved incident response plan (e.g., how to identify the threat, which appropriate persons to notify, how to contain the threat, etc.)

Your data loss prevention strategy needs an IDS

Just because you have an intrusion detection system doesn't mean your network is impenetrable. Security should encompass a multi-layered strategy within your sensitive environment. An IDS is just one of the many pieces of that data loss prevention and security strategy.

No one tool, process, or technology is comprehensive enough to protect an organization from attack. Security must have a layered concept to achieve the maximum benefit to your organization.

If you correctly use an IDS, you will be able to significantly mitigate compromise risk within your organization, and you may even stop a breach in its tracks.
Brand Barney (CISSP, HCISPP, QSA) is a Security Analyst at SecurityMetrics, has over 10 years of data security experience, and will totally geek out if you mention Doctor Who. Brand loves to play jazz piano and daydreams about being as great as Dave Brubeck or Thelonious Monk.

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Intrusion Detection System: What's Missing in HIPAA Security

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The #1 most important piece of a data loss prevention method? An intrusion detection system. It can be a struggle to protect patient data in today's healthcare environment. Not only does the Internet of Things (IOT) virtually connect all healthcare systems, networks, workforce members, and equipment, but technologies are evolving quickly and hospital IT staff must keep up.

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Firewalls are used to protect an organization's network while connected to the internet. Watch this fun video to learn more about how firewalls work.

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Swoop is a simple & secure password-free authentication service.

With our patented Magic Link™ & Magic Message™ technology, your website can improve security & increase customer conversion by removing passwords.

One of the most important aspects of website authentication is the focus on the user and human-to-computer interactions. As a result, user authentication is crucial to understand when creating or improving your website's login procedure.

Whether you're looking to amp up your internal security, increase customer acquisition, or simply provide a better user experience for individuals exploring your site, it's important to know how user authentication fits into the equation.

That's why we've created this guide. This way, organizations can understand:

1. What user authentication is

2. How user authentication works

3. The importance of user authentication

4. Top user authentication methods

5. How to improve user authentication

With a better understanding, your organization can look into more efficient registration and login processes that go past traditional offerings. Additionally, when you gain a full picture of the different types of user authentication, you'll see that passwords aren't the only option for your website and learn more about top passwordless alternatives.

Let's dive right into the first section.

1. What user authentication is
User authentication is a security process that covers all of the human-to-computer interactions that require the user to register and log in. Said more simply, authentication asks each user, "who are you?" and verifies their response.
When a user registers for an account, they must create a unique ID and key that will allow them to access their account later on. Generally, a username and password are used as the ID and key, but the credentials can include other forms of keys as well ( see our section on types of user authentication).

Essentially, the user authentication process is what provides users repeat access to their own accounts while attempting to block any unauthenticated users from gaining access. This means that User A can log in to their own account, while User B would be denied access. Conversely, User B could access their own account, while User A would be unable to.

2. How user authentication works

In order to gain access, users must prove to the website that they are who they say they are. The ID and key are enough to confirm the user's identity, which will allow the system to authorize the user.

It's important to note that authorization, on the other hand, is what dictates what users are able to see and do when they log in. While authorization and authentication are often used interchangeably, the two different terms work together to create a secure login process.
To put it simply, user authentication has three tasks:

1. Manage the connection between the human (user) and the website's server (computer).

2. Verify users' identities.

3. Approve (or decline) the authentication so the system can move to authorizing the user.

The process is fairly simple; users input their credentials on the website's login form. That information is then sent to the authentication server where the information is compared with all the user credentials on file.

When a match is found, the system will authenticate users and grant them access to their accounts. If a match isn't found, users will be prompted to re-enter their credentials and try again. After several unsuccessful attempts, the account may be flagged for suspicious activity or require alternative authentication methods such as a password reset or a one time password.

3. The importance of user authentication

Understanding user authentication is crucial because it's a key step in the process that keeps unauthorized users from gaining access to sensitive information. A strengthened authentication process ensures that User A only has access to the information they need and can't see the sensitive information of User B.
When your user authentication isn't secure, however, cybercriminals can hack the system and gain access, taking whatever information the user is authorized to access.
Websites like Yahoo, Equifax, and Adobe have fallen victim to data breaches in the past and are prime examples of what happens when organizations fail to secure their websites. Use these companies as a warning to demonstrate the negative consequences of insecure user authentication processes. Not only were these scenarios costly to the organizations involved, but it also led to damaged reputations and decreased user trust.

That's why it's so important that your organization is not the next on that list of victims. In order to prevent such a situation, it's a good idea to invest in high-quality authentication tools to help you secure your website and protect it from potential breaches.

Swoop is a simple & secure password-free authentication service.

4. Top user authentication methods

In order for a user to confirm their identity, the individual must provide a piece of information that only the user and the server knows. This information is called an authentication factor, and there are three types:

Knowledge factors. Factors the user must know in order to log in are considered a knowledge factor. This can be anything from a username, password, or pin number. The challenge with these factors is that they can be weak in terms of security because they can be shared or guessed.

Possession factors. Anything that the user must have in order to log in is known as a possession factor. One-time password tokens such as a Magic Link, key fobs, ID cards, and physical tokens are all considered possession factors.

Inheritance factors. Using a person's biological characteristics is known as an inheritance factor. Any biometric authentication process, such as fingerprint scanning and facial recognition, would fall into this category.

Even within each of these types of authentication factors, there are several different methods involved. To simplify things, the way users can verify their identity can be divided into two categories: password-based and passwordless options. Let's take a closer look at each.

Password-Based User Authentication Methods

Most users are familiar with passwords. In fact, passwords have been the tried-and-true method for user authentication since the beginning of the internet. You probably have quite a few passwords yourself!
A password-based user authentication process generally looks like this:

When you land on the page, you'll be asked to enter your username and password.

Your credentials are sent to the website's server and compared with the information they have on file.

When a match is found, you'll be able to enter your account.

Passwords are often used to secure personal accounts like social media profiles, online banking and eCommerce sites, and other online resources. However, passwords are not as secure an option as many users think they are. And a lot of damage can be done if a hacker is able to gain access to one of these accounts!

To top it all off, users are managing an average of 90 accounts -and that's just in our personal lives.

That's a lot of passwords to keep track of! As a result, many users have chosen convenience over security. Instead of creating strong passwords, most users use a simple arrangement of letters, numbers, and symbols because it's easier to remember.

What's more, 54% of users employ five or fewer different passwords across their accounts.

All these factors (and many more!) lead to poor security. Hackers are able to guess a user's credentials or use computer technology to run through possible combinations until they find a match. Even "strong" passwords (those with a certain number of characters, capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, etc.) tend to follow easy-to-crack patterns.

Let's face it: passwords have a lot of weaknesses and aren't sufficient in protecting our information. Luckily, they aren't the only way users can verify their identities and gain access to sensitive data.

Passwordless User Authentication Methods

To put it simply, a passwordless login system is an authentication method that doesn't require a password. In the past couple of years, these types of authentication methods have become more popular-and you've probably experienced a few.

There are several different types of passwordless login, but in this article, will cover two of the most common types:

Biometrics

Fingerprint and iris scanning, facial recognition, and other types of verification through biological characteristics all fall under the category of biometrics and are considered an "inheritance" authentication factor.

This type of user authentication is often considered one of the most secure options for users because everyone's biological characteristics are unique and can't be easily duplicated.

Biometrics can also provide a user experience that is convenient and easy to understand. For example, with fingerprint authentication, the user only needs to complete one step- the rest is the system's responsibility:

The user presses his finger on the scanner and waits for the system to grant him access.

Behind the scenes, the system compares the fingerprint scanned with the original print on file.

If the two match, the system grants the user access.

For a more detailed description of the process, check out our article on fingerprint scanning. However, despite its many benefits, biometric authentication does have a few downsides. Recent studies have shown that duplicating biometric factors is easier than we think:

By creating a master print with characteristics that are common in most fingerprints, hackers are able to trick the scanners up to 65% of the time.

Additionally, high-quality images can be used to trick face recognition login systems.

If someone does manage to steal your fingerprints or facial likeness, you'd never be able to safely use that method of authentication again.

Biometrics isn't accessible to everyone; this method of authentication requires a special device that can scan fingerprints, irises, or faces, which can be very costly to the user.

In light of recent events, some big tech companies like IBM are pulling out of the facial recognition business altogether. This is largely due to the fear of mass surveillance and racial profiling that are enabled with such technology.

Luckily, biometric authentication factors are not the only form of passwordless user authentication. Other alternatives can offer a similarly streamlined, more accessible user experience with a higher level of security- such as email authentication!

Email Authentication

Email authentication is one of the most universally accessible types of passwordless user authentication, largely because anyone with an email account can use this method. Thanks to this method, users can create an account, log in, and access their sensitive data with just a click of a button!

The email authentication process can look different depending on the tools you choose to get started with. Swoop offers high-tech email authentication to businesses of all shapes and sizes with two main authentication methods- Magic Link and Magic Message. The Magic Message login process looks like this:

1. A user is redirected to the Swoop service via the OAuth 2.0 protocol for authentication.

2. From a browser window, the user pushes the "Send Magic Message" button: The button activates a mailto link, which generates a pre-written email for the user to send.

3. The user sends the email: This is where the magic happens. Once the email is sent, the outgoing email server generates and embeds a 1024/2048 bit, fully encrypted digital key into the header of the email. Swoop's authentication server follows the public key cryptographic procedure to decrypt this key. Each email sent receives a unique key for that message. The level of security for these encrypted keys is beyond comparison to traditional passwords.

4. The user is logged into their account: When the key decrypts and passes all layers of verification, the Swoop authentication server directs the website to open the user's account and begin a session. This all takes place in a matter of seconds and makes for an extremely streamlined user experience.

With several different ways to verify a user's account, it's important, as a developer, to look at the pros and cons of each one and determine which option best fits your organization's needs.

Just remember to keep key these characteristics in mind as you make your choice- accessibility, ease-of-use, and level of security.

5. How to improve user authentication

Now that you understand how user authentication works and have discovered some of the many ways users can authenticate their identities, it's time to see how you can improve your process. If you want to make your login process more secure, user-friendly, or a combination of both, these best practices can help.

Encourage Stronger Passwords to Improve Security.

We know that passwords aren't a good idea because of the various vulnerabilities they bring with them due to insecure user-generated credentials. However, it can take time to migrate the entire internet (or even just your users) to a completely password-free online experience.

In the meantime, if your organization decides to do one thing to improve your existing password-based authentication system, it should be to encourage users to create better passwords. With stronger credentials, your user's information has a better chance of staying protected.

Organizations should not only encourage users to create stronger passwords but also enforce these guidelines internally so that employees maintain secure accounts as well. When improving (and encouraging users to improve) passwords, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Longer passwords are more secure. Security experts suggest that you create passwords with a minimum of 8 characters, but we recommend that you create passwords closer to 12 characters in length.

Passwords should have a mix of characters. Passwords with a random combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols are harder to crack.

Users should avoid using formulas when generating passwords. The truth is that patterns and formulas make it easy for hackers to guess your password and can offer users a false sense of security.

For even more password tips, check out this image:

To help encourage users to create stronger passwords, your organization can scan all newly generated passwords against a list of already compromised passwords to prevent people from using weak credentials. This way, you can ensure the engagement gets off on the right foot!

That sure is a lot of steps and added burden for the website developer. Why go through all the hassle when there is a superior alternative that is less burdensome on both the developer and the user?

Implement SSO Authentication.

If you're not familiar with the term SSO, or single sign-on, authentication, it's a process that lets you remain logged in to an account even when you move to a different domain or server. This system is ideal for organizations that have various products and services located on different websites.

Google is a great example of how this system works. When a user logs into their Gmail account, they'll have access to all of Google's services-YouTube, Google Analytics, Google Drive, etc.-without needing to sign in again.

When SSO authentication is used, users can drastically cut down the number of accounts they have to manage. With fewer passwords to remember, users can focus on creating (and remembering!) stronger credentials.

Enable a Multi-Factor Authentication Strategy.

A multi-factor authentication strategy is one that verifies users' identities using multiple methods of authentication. For example, a user could input their username and password, which then directs them to a one-time emailed link or security code.

This way, even if a hacker is able to determine the user's login credentials, they would meet another wall requiring them to have access to the user's email account as well. If they're unable to verify their identity using this additional authentication method, they'll be denied access to the account.

Explore Passwordless Authentication.

Finally, it might be time to implement a passwordless login option for your website. According to security experts, passwords have become an obsolete and unreliable form of user authentication.

Passwordless logins don't require the user to remember anything- the login process is completed using biological characteristics (such as with a fingerprint scanner) or through another account (such as through email authentication).

By encouraging establishing systems that consolidate the number of accounts a user has to manage, introducing additional layers of security, and implementing passwordless login, you can substantially improve the security and user experience of your login process.

Our favorite solution? Swoop's Magic email authentication methods. Learn more about how Swoop can set you and your business up for a password-free future with this interactive demo.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you gain a better understanding of user authentication and how you can improve your login process. From email authentication and token-based verification to biometrics, there are several different options, each with their own set of pros and cons.
For more information on password security and website authentication, check out these additional resources:

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User Authentication: Understanding the Basics & Top Tips

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Swoop is a simple & secure password-free authentication service. With our patented Magic Link™ & Magic Message™ technology, your website can improve security & increase customer conversion by removing passwords. One of the most important aspects of website authentication is the focus on the user and human-to-computer interactions.

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A wide range of security tools are available to protect an organization's information and network against threats. This article outlines and defines cyber security hardware, how it works, the best features of cyber security hardware, and the benefits that the hardware can provide. The article is easy to understand and informative, regardless the level of your technological awareness.

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Features & Benefits Of Cyber Security Tools and Softwares
Cyber Security Tools and Softwares

Cybersecurity software is designed to protect businesses from a range of malware through a number of security features. There are numerous software, both free and paid, with the free software offering limited protection as compared to paid software. The software offers various benefits like firewall protection along with having parental control over all the digital assets. To prevent unwanted data loss and filter out the spam elements, the software can provide back up of the existing data. There are several websites that provide alert services whenever a user visits any suspicious website.

Cyber security software comes as a bundled package that offers complete protection against any form of cyber threat. There could be spam filters that will help filter all the spam emails from the inbox. File Shredder helps remove all the information from the system that could be considered sensitive without leaving any electronic trace behind. Also, there is an anti-phishing toolbar that prevents email and malicious phishing websites from attacking the system. On many occasions, attackers release malware that tries to access the unauthorized ports to hack into the system. A Firewall can easily help prevent that by keeping only the required device ports active and keeping the rest inactive. The importance of cyber security is felt very much in today's digital world.

Cybersecurity software is bundled with a number of tools and facilities to help organizations prevent their valuable information and data from getting leaked. This software prevents unauthorized and forceful entry into the sensitive data of an organization. Here are some of the top features of cybersecurity software.

Regular Scanning : The option for timely scanning at regular intervals can be chosen once the cybersecurity software is downloaded and installed. It will detect and prevent the malicious entry of malware into the system

Automatic Updates : Keeping the cybersecurity software updated at all times is very crucial to provide protection against any form of viruses, malware, and trojans. Most of the cyber security software is designed to get updated automatically without the need for any manual interference

Quarantine Threats : Cyber security software is designed to remove any intrusion of malware into the systems to prevent the leak of important information and data. If at all it happens, the infected files and the infectant are quarantined to prevent any further contamination. Those files are further worked upon and removed from the system

Single Sign-on : Through this feature, users can access multiple applications or platforms after logging into a single system. This helps in reducing the risk of login credentials getting exposed, while at the same time also ensuring that the software is working up to the mark

Two-factor authentication : Most of the cyber security software are equipped with this feature that acts as a trustworthy and safety layer for preventing data from getting hacked. The feature asks for the login ID and password alongside the unique code sent to the users on their recovery address. To be able to successfully log in to the system, a user requires the password along with the unique code or a one-time password.

Overall protection Cyber security software is designed in a way to serve the purpose of providing complete protection against all kinds of cyber threats. Right from the social media channels, emails, messengers and content management platform, everything related to an organization's data is protected by such software.

Attackers and hackers continuously innovate their skills and it would not always be possible to save confidential data from getting leaked. The attackers use complex malware that is embedded with corrupted files and cannot be detected easily. If the file is downloaded into the system, it could result in the breakdown of the system and can cause a huge loss. To prevent this, cyber security software is designed with the following benefits.

Protection of sensitive data and information : One of the core features of cyber security software is to protect sensitive information which is done by encrypting the data. All the major organizations in the industry take the help of cyber security companies to make the customer data more secure.

Protection from hackers : Hackers usually launch viruses and malware on the network to steal sensitive information from the networks and systems of organizations. If they are successful in breaching the networks and systems, they can slow down the processes and hack or delete important data. Cyber security software makes use of strict security protocols to restrict attackers from stealing the data.

Compliance with rules : Most of the cyber security softwares are designed keeping in mind the insurance, legal and industry norms and restrictions. This helps in streamlining the data transmission from one network to another. PCI/DSS, FIPS, FISMA, HIPAA are some of the transmissions regulations.

1. Teramind : Teramind is one of the best cyber security systems in the market and also one of the top providers of employee monitoring software. It helps in detecting suspicious behavior in the systems and preventing data loss. They work with over 2000 organizations across the verticals of energy, manufacturing, finance, retail, technology, government, and healthcare. The software detects malicious behavior, monitors threats and provides security approach from a user's perspective.

2. WebTitan : It is a DNS-based cyber security software and web content filter that blocks ransomware, malware and cyber attacks. This helps businesses, public WIFI providers and educational institutions for having complete control over their applications. The software provides numerous features like behavioral analytics, AI/Machine learning, vulnerability scanning, granular policy control, IOC verification, comprehensive reporting, users can get advanced web content filtering. It also has the functionality to prevent access to unsuitable content.

3. Barkly : Barkly has a simple management system and provides the smartest technology and most reliable protection. It blocks all forms of attack across all the intents and vectors. Blacklisting, whitelisting, incident and endpoint management, behavioral analytics, and incident and endpoint management are some of the top features of this software. It allows visibility into various levels of the system through its three-level architecture pattern.

4. Indeni : It is an automated and crowd-sourced cybersecurity application for security and network infrastructure. The users of this application get access to a repository of maintenance, automation tasks, network visibility, high availability, security, and vendor best practices. The top features of this application include AI/Machine learning, behavioral analytics, incident management, etc. It easily detects any form of ransomware or malicious activity in the networks or systems.

5. Acunetix : It is one of the top automatic cybersecurity systems and created to tackle the increasing rate of cyberattacks. It has an extensive feature list of manual and automated penetration testing tools which enables the users to learn about the vulnerability assessment and repair any detected threats. It is ideal for military, education, government organizations, finance, e-commerce, telecom, and banking sectors.

6. SolarWinds Security Event Manager : It is a host and network intrusion detection system that provides real-time monitoring, reporting and responding to cyber security threats. It is an excellent cloud-based scalable solution and provides highly-indexed log search capabilities. It has a host of features that continuously updates threat intelligence. It also performs the role of security information and event manager. Log event archive and log correlation, along with a comprehensive range of integrated reporting tools are also available.

7. CIS : Center for Internet Security (CIS) is an ideal solution for all the small and large businesses. It provides various cyber security services, tools and memberships. CIS SecureSuite is one of its products for commercial use and includes CIS Benchmarks and CIS controls. For organizations looking to secure their systems, there are several products like CIS-CAT Lite, CIS RAM, CIS Controls, etc. They offer Incident Response Services and the 24x7 Security Operations Center. CIS has various offerings that can secure an organization's data and prevent any threat.

8. Mimecast : It is a cloud-based platform and is ideal for all small and large businesses. It provides various features like cyber resilience and email security, threat protection, web security, cloud archiving and information protection. The email security with threat protection prevents ransomware, spear-phishing, impersonation and any other targeted attack. It can also automate content control and prevent data loss. There is a lot of web security as inappropriate websites are blocked for any malware and malicious web activity. It also gives cloud archiving facilities to archive files, emails and other data.

9. Snort : It is an open-source platform and application that prevents network intrusion. It supports various platforms like Windows, Centos, FreeBSD, Fedora, etc. It also does the task of streaming data to the screen through network packets. It provides real-time packet analysis and packet logging as well. It is an ideal second level of defense after the firewall.

10. Wireshark : Wireshark network protocols analyzer can be run on various platforms like Mac, Linux, Windows, NetBSD, FreeBSD, Solaris, etc. It comes in a standard three-pane packet browser and can do offline analysis and live capture. Wireshark can perform deep inspection of numerous platforms and provides powerful display filters. It also supports various protocols for decryption. Wireshark provides detailed information regarding the entire network and provides decryption support for several protocols.

There are several options available when it comes to selecting a cyber security software and choosing the one could be very difficult. There are several things that must be kept in mind to choose the best software. Every software will have its own strengths and weaknesses and they must be carefully considered and reviewed. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind.

User access control : There are plenty of cyber security software that give user access controls to the admin who can assign various roles to fellow teammates. It is beneficial for tracking employee activities and detecting any unidentified threats.

User-friendly interface : The availability of a user-friendly interface can be the real difference for any cyber security software. It will avoid the need for prior knowledge of coding skills and programming languages so that anyone can work on the software.

Multiple security protocols : Cyber security software with multi-layered protection will be ideal as compared to software with single protection features. Such software can quarantine the threats effectively apart from providing protection against the malware.

System compatibility : Cyber security software should provide good compatibility with the systems for better returns. It will help in searching for new business tools if the software doesn't accept the previous tools.

Protection against evolving threats : The number of advanced malware and cyber crimesis continuously increasing as science and technology are getting advanced. It is important that organizations have all the latest software to tackle this issue. Software with automatic updates and protection against the latest threats are ideal for use.

Mobile accessibility : Software that offers users access to confidential information on smartphones is ideal. They can help provide daily reports and analytics of the systems which can help detect any potential threats.

Reviews : Before finalizing any software, reviews for the existing users can be very helpful to make the decision. It will help assess the quality of services offered by the software.

Understanding the organization's needs : Depending on the size of operations, services and products they need for cyber security software will vary. Also, the selection of the right software will depend on the user base who will benefit from such solutions. To make the best use of the money spent, it is crucial for businesses to choose the right software for their needs.

With the advent of technology, cyber threat is increasing and becoming a growing problem. A lot of organizations have lost their sensitive data and information that has caused them serious damages. Software related to cyber security is very helpful in such circumstances and helps protect the data and information from any unwanted security breach. Investing in cyber security software thus makes a lot of sense to avoid any losses.

If you wish to learn cyber security, Great Learning is offering the Stanford Advanced Computer Security Certificate Program (SACSP). SACSP is an advanced cyber security course that will provide candidates with the cyber security skills that are required to secure electronic assets, protect networks, prevent attacks, build secure infrastructure and ensure the privacy of clients. There are six online computer science courses that are designed to give candidates access to the best practices and latest research of the world-class Stanford faculty and top cyber security professionals. The Stanford Cyber Security Course curriculum is relevant, concise and carved out for candidates of the modern-day cyber workforce. Great Learning is delivering the cyber security course in support with the Stanford Center for Professional Development.

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Top 10 Best Cyber Security Tools and Softwares For 2020

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Features & Benefits Of Cyber Security Tools and Softwares Cybersecurity software is designed to protect businesses from a range of malware through a number of security features. There are numerous software, both free and paid, with the free software offering limited protection as compared to paid software.

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Biometrics in healthcare permits users to access applications and patient data quickly. Clinicians can simply touch a fingerprint scanner and get instant access to the records they need on any workstation; resulting in improved security and productivity.

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Technology Solutions That Drive Healthcare

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Biometrics in Healthcare: How It Keeps Patients and Data Safe

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At Northwell Health, the largest healthcare provider in New York State, a 2018 rollout of biometric scans was designed to integrate iris and facial recognition technolog y into various functions throughout the hospital system. Put into practice, the process is as simple as having an ID photo taken.

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This video will enlighten you on the five biggest healthcare breaches of all time.  Very interesting!! This 5-minute video is must see!

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Healthcare Cyber Attacks: The 5 Biggest Breaches

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Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) is an authentication method that requires the user to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource such as an application, online account, or a VPN.
(One Login,2020)

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Can you believe some people believe the future of authentication will not be more complex passwords or passphrases; nor will it be better multi-factor authentication (MFA). This article discussions in detail about the future of authentication.

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The future of authentication is not more complex passwords or passphrases and better multi-factor authentication (MFA). Instead, most authentication will happen in the background, invisible to the user, much like the way credit card companies have been doing fraud detection. They have been dealing with low friction, risk analysis-based authentication for decades and are the super geniuses in this space. Their experience and intelligence are being mapped over to the rest of the digital world. The keywords of this authentication paradigm shift are continuous, frictionless, risk-based, behavior-based authentication.

People who rail on about password ineffectiveness often point to longer (but not necessarily more complex) passphrases and multi-factor authentication (MFA) as the solutions to the problem. Luckily, they won't be.

I've recently covered some the issues with passwords, long passphrases, and MFA. To recap, regular long and complex passwords that are frequently changed actually increase the risk that you or your company will be compromised. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has recommended for years, through NIST Special Publication 800-63, that people and companies not use them. Many experts are recommending long, non-complex, passphrases as the solution. A growing chorus of experts, including myself, are calling for more use of password managers and MFA.

The problem with giving current best advice is people are sometimes under the false impression that it's the best advice for the long-term. This problem is what is still leading 99.999% of computer security experts to recommend and companies to use long, complex, and frequently changing passwords, despite gobs of data to the contrary. It reminds me of the William Faulkner quote, "The past is never dead. It's not even the past."

The problem with MFA

MFA has many problems, not to mention the fact that it can often be easily hacked. Sometimes it's as simple as sending a regular phishing email. I've been giving seminars in how to hack 2FA all around the world, including at Black Hat Las Vegas.

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What is the future of authentication? Hint: It's not passwords, passphrases or MFA

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The future of authentication is not more complex passwords or passphrases and better multi-factor authentication (MFA). Instead, most authentication will happen in the background, invisible to the user, much like the way credit card companies have been doing fraud detection. They have been dealing with low friction, risk analysis-based authentication for decades and are the super geniuses in this space.

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Have you ever heard of Ransomware? Ransomware is a malicious software that infects your computer and shows messages demanding payment to be paid for your system to work again; therefore, not all threats to security involve data breaches. Check out this video to find out more.

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TitanHQ Email Security and Web Security.

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Why are Data Breaches in the Healthcare Industry Rising Rapidly?

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A journal article detailing how smart phones may help nurses to better communicate with providers in emergent situations. The article also details some of the risks and concerns of using smartphones in the clinical setting.

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Check out this interactive game! It is very entertaining and gives insight on threats to security. Enjoy the journey!!

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Targeted Attack: The Game - Defend your data. Choose wisely. Succeed or fail.

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There are many competitors and individuals out there who would love to get their hands on the data held by your organisation at such a critical time. Can you make the right choices? Can you keep the project on time and on budget? Can you protect your company from attack?

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The use of portable devices is on the rise in the healthcare field; so how do you keep ePHI secure on your portable device. To prevent the threat of security; healthcare facilities have installed or enable encryption, the use of a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) and anti-virus/anti-malware software, and remote wipe capabilities.

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Medical Device Security - A Defense In-Depth Perspective Using PKI | Talk

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Back in 2014, Catholic Health Care Services (CHCS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia was serving as an active business associate to six skilled nursing facilities, providing information technology services.

Unfortunately, one of their iPhones containing the unencrypted, protected health information of 412 nursing home patients - including their social security numbers, diagnosis and treatment information, and the names of family members and legal guardians - was stolen.

The resulting breach led to a $650,000 HIPAA fine.

At present, 90 percent of healthcare organizations use or plan to use mobile devices

The incident with CHCS should raise our security caution level, for the following reasons:

mobile device use has been increasing in healthcare, allowing greater access to PHI - a generally positive trend for patient care

password protections are frequently not used on mobile phones - which was also the case with CHCS

perhaps of all devices, smartphones tend to be misplaced, lost, and stolen more easily - making protections all the more necessary

physicians as well as business associates often forget about encrypting their emails

As OCR Director Jocelyn Samuels noted after the CHCS breach:

"...business associates must implement the protections of the HIPAA Security Rule for the electronic protected health information they create, receive, maintain, or transmit from covered entities. This includes an enterprise-wide risk analysis and corresponding risk management plan, which are the cornerstones of the HIPAA Security Rule." (emphasis added).

Securing Mobile Devices

Ultimately, the responsibility for mobile device management falls to the covered entities and their business associates. According to OCR's investigation, CHCS had no policy in place addressing the removal of mobile devices containing PHI from its facility, nor what to do in the event of a security incident - both which likely would have been addressed in a risk management assessment.

A number of companies, including Google, are now offering mobile device management and encryption to keep ePHI secure. In addition, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued mobile guidelines for healthcare security engineers and providers.

In general, the NIST standards advise the following:

All mobile devices should be registered with the organization, and individually authorized to add, modify, remove, and access PHI

Passcode protection should be enabled, and mobile devices encrypted

Enable security policies for mobile security, and certificates to prove the authenticity of users and devices

Devices should only access a specific Wi-Fi (WPA2) created for mobile devices

So how did things work out for CHCS? In addition to meeting the fine, CHCS agreed to a corrective action plan. In assessing the fine, OCR also took into account the critical services provided to Philadelphia's elderly, developmentally disabled, foster care system, and HIV/AIDS patients, the director noted.

About HIPAA Vault:

HIPAA Vault is a leading provider of HIPAA compliant solutions, enabling healthcare providers, business organizations, and government agencies to secure their protected health information from data breaches, threats, and security vulnerabilities. Advanced security measures are needed to ensure HIPAA compliance, and customers trust HIPAA Vault to mitigate risk, actively monitor and protect their infrastructure and ensure that systems stay online at all times. www.hipaavault.com

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Mobile Device Management & HIPAA - HIPAA Vault

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At present, 90 percent of healthcare organizations use or plan to use mobile devices The incident with CHCS should raise our security caution level, for the following reasons: mobile device use has been increasing in healthcare, allowing greater access to PHI - a generally positive trend for patient care password protections are frequently not used [...]