The advent of cloud technology has not only spoken of the marvels of human development; it has also created a few misconceptions about security as well. By definition, ‘Cloud Technology’ refers to the system of ‘Digital Cloud’ where you can store your data and files online with the use of applications. The myths surrounding cloud technology are common in the world of cloud-based EHR as well. It is one of the common factors why many healthcare organizations are hesitant to adopt it.
In this article, we’ll clear up your top 5 security concerns and misunderstandings about cloud-based EHR systems. So, without further ado, let's get started!
Myth #1 Cloud-based EHR has Security Issues
For years, there has been a common myth that whatever you place on the internet, it means it's in the hands of anyone on Earth. However, we need to understand that cloud-technology is a little different than simply ‘putting stuff on the internet’.
With the evolution of technology, cloud-based EHR systems have evolved into a more advanced and comprehensive solution. Even though the entire concept is only a few decades old, cloud-technology is now the future of any successful business.
Cloud-based EHR systems are, in fact, a very secure method for storing sensitive patient data, files, and documents. The EHR software providers use advanced security tools, such as data encryption, to protect their customer data against potential data breaches.
Myth #2 Data saved on Cloud-Based EHR Software is vulnerable to Malware and Viruses
One of the most common misbeliefs about cloud-based EHR is that it makes the data vulnerable to Malware and Viruses. With millions of malware files and viruses lurking in the corners of the internet, this no surprise people have security concerns about cloud-based EHR systems. The critical thing to understand is that these types of viruses and malware only attack end-computing devices or files. It means the data saved on your cloud-based EHR system is entirely safe from such attacks.
To protect their customer data, EHR software providers hire professional hackers to maintain the health of their system from potential viruses or malware. Furthermore, every good quality cloud-based EHR has a security department where they are continually trying to improve their service. They do this by making sure no one is trying to access their customer data and continuously upgrading their system with the latest technology.
Furthermore, multiple-layer security processes, such as client logging aggregations, firewalls, and intrusion detection alerts, also helps to defend customer data from malicious attacks.
Myth #3 It is One-Size-Fits-All-Solution
Every business comes with its own set of requirements and problems. It means the cloud-based EHR that worked for your friend’s company might not give the same results for you. For this reason, cloud-based EHR systems offer different options for different organizations based on their needs, size, and specialty. It will also depend on what type or level of support you want for your business. If you already have an in-house IT department, you might not need to go all out on the security packages. However, for most of the businesses in the healthcare industry, you need that extra layer of security for optimum data protection.
Myth #4 Cloud-based EHR Systems do not offer Multi-Level Authentication
If you are using a manual health record for your patients, it is very easy for someone to potentially access, view, copy, or even destroy protected health information. However, with a cloud-based EHR system, you can easily track down any suspicious activity that tries to access patient files.
With login tracking features, you can immediately spot and stop the source of data breaches. However, with paper records, it is tough to spot illegal access to confidential data. With cloud-based EHR systems, you can immediately flag inappropriate behavior and deal with it accordingly.
A good quality cloud-based EHR system will designate users according to the different levels of access based on their roles within the organization. Assigning a tiered level of duty-specific security clearance to your employees will reduce the chances of data breaches.
This type of role-based security hinders your staff from unwittingly accessing and changing information that doesn’t fall under their precinct. It adds a layer of security to an already protected system.
Although the thought of keeping your information in a far-off warehouse is not exactly a calming idea, however, the truth is that your data will never be safe anywhere else. These types of EHR systems provide their customers with different sizes of practice the comfort of cloud-based security advantages associated with data accessibility and costs.
Myth #5 Cloud-based EHR gives no Other Benefit than Lower Cost
Apart from the general benefits of EHR systems in healthcare businesses, Cloud-based EHR services give more than just the benefit of lower cost. It gives you the convenience to store your data in one place without any hassle or worry. It helps to streamline your entire processes and increase efficiency and productivity. In the end, you are technically paying for a service that will boost your business positively and securely for an extended period.
What’s the Final Take?
With so many misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding cloud technology, the majority of healthcare businesses are hesitant to adopt cloud-based EHR systems. The majority of these concerns revolve around the fact that cloud-based EHR is not secure. With cloud technology merely a few decades old, business owners have trust issues whether their data is safe or not. They believe that the files stored on cloud-based EHR systems are prone to malicious and virus attacks.
However, EHR companies undertake multi-level authentication and security protocols to protect their client data from potential data breaches and malware. With cloud-based EHR, the solution is not one-size-fits-all. For this purpose, it offers additional security services to meet the different requirements of different organizations.
We hope we cleared all of the misconceptions you have about cloud-based EHR security system. In today’s time, implementing EHR solutions in the medical industry is an immediate need for the present. So, push all your doubts and disbeliefs about Cloud-based EHR software, and start thinking about it for your business!
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