As the reliance on digital healthcare solutions increases, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has implemented crucial guidelines to safeguard public health information. This initiative comes at a time when more Dubai residents are embracing digital services, from mobile health apps to online medical records. These guidelines are vital to strengthen patient confidentiality and data protection in an increasingly digital healthcare environment. Here are the key tips to ensure your health data remains secure:

Limit App Data Sharing: To enhance privacy and security, residents should limit the amount of personal and health data shared with digital health apps. Regularly review app permissions and ensure only necessary information is shared. Disabling unnecessary data access can help minimize potential security risks.

Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the best practices for protecting your health data. Follow reliable sources for advice on securing digital health records, such as enabling two-factor authentication, using strong passwords, and being cautious about suspicious emails or links. Staying proactive helps shield your sensitive health information from emerging cyber threats.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi: When accessing digital health services or managing sensitive health information, steer clear of public Wi-Fi networks. These networks are often less secure and can expose your data to cyber threats. Instead, use a private, password-protected connection or a virtual private network (VPN) to ensure your health data remains secure while online.

Share Info Wisely: Only share your health information with trusted sources. Always verify who you're sharing it with. Regularly monitor your health-related accounts and apps for any unusual activity or unauthorized access. Set up notifications for any changes to your account or personal information, and immediately report any suspicious activity. Keeping a close eye on your digital health tools helps detect potential security breaches early and ensures your data stays protected.

Beware of Phishing Scams: Don't fall for emails or messages claiming to be from health organizations. Always verify the sender before sharing any details.

Preventive Measures: Reusing passwords across multiple sites increases the risk of a security breach. Create unique, strong passwords for each account, combining upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords, providing an extra layer of protection for your sensitive health information. Boost your security by adding 2FA or one-time passcodes (OTPs) to your health accounts where possible. A second form of verification, such as a text message or authentication app, adds an extra layer of security.

The DHA emphasized the importance of staying current with cybersecurity advancements in healthcare. Residents are encouraged to regularly review their security practices and update protective measures as new threats emerge.

The Dubai Health Authority's (DHA) NABIDH system has successfully unified more than 9.47 million patient records and is now connected to over 1,300 healthcare facilities across the emirate. With 81 per cent of Dubai’s healthcare professionals actively using the platform, NABIDH is transforming patient data management and enhancing healthcare delivery. As a cornerstone of the DHA’s strategy to digitize healthcare services, NABIDH ensures that each patient has a single, comprehensive electronic medical record accessible by all healthcare providers.

By following these guidelines, Dubai residents can better protect their sensitive health information while fully benefiting from digital healthcare services.

Source link:   https://www.khaleejtimes.com