People are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to connect with others in the digital age. In this regard, secure video conferencing is beneficial not only for businesses but also for healthcare organizations. It can be used in various settings and circumstances, from home to hospitals and nursing homes. However, every organization needs to consider challenges before deploying any software solution or hardware device, primarily if you work in the healthcare sector. For example, data breaches and identity theft continue to be a priority concern among users. As a result, more people choose secure solutions such as video conferencing over other options like emailing documents back and forth or sending them by post.
Regarding the healthcare industry, technology has made it possible for patients to receive care from home. Telemedicine services allow people to get treatment from a doctor without ever having to step into an office. It is excellent news for people who need medical attention but can’t make it into the office regularly. Furthermore, secure video conferencing can be used for many different purposes in healthcare, like telemedicine sessions, consultations, or educational programs with remote learners. The potential uses for Secure video conferencing are almost endless in the healthcare world, so you should take time to address these top concerns before investing in new software and equipment.
Security and Confidentiality
Because Inspire Square conference platforms are so fragmented, according to the survey Unify Secure, it is harder to ensure their complete safety. They are essential, however, to secure video conferencing. When it comes to video conferencing, there are two main ways in which you can protect your data. They include data encryption within the network and on the endpoint device. Encryption is the conversion of data into a code, cipher text, or a secret code that can only be read by someone with a secret key or password. It is a method of protecting sensitive information from being accessed by unauthorized individuals. Several different types of encryption can be used. Some are stronger than others, and some are used for different purposes. For instance, end-to-end encryption sends data securely from one device to another. Data encryption within the network is crucial if your video conferencing solution is hosted. It is because the data travels over the internet, an insecure network. Encryption can help protect the data from being monitored or intercepted by others.
User Identification and Authentication
One of the biggest concerns with video conferencing is the possibility of unauthorized users accessing your system. It can occur in many ways, including users simply clicking a link and accessing your system without authorization. Another way is by using fake login credentials, such as fake usernames and passwords. While you can take some steps to reduce this risk, selecting a video conferencing solution that offers user identification and authentication is essential. It allows you to identify each user by checking their credentials, such as their login name and password. It also allows you to authenticate each user, ensuring they are who they say they are.
User Awareness and Education
User awareness and training are essential components of any video conferencing solution. It is particularly true if you are introducing new technology to your organization. As such, it is critical for employees to fully understand how the system works, including any potential limitations. Another critical aspect of user training is ensuring the system is used for its intended purpose. It is particularly relevant for collaboration tools sharing files, presentations, etc. Some users may use them for team communications, but others may try to use them for one-on-one video calls. It can harm the overall system performance and should be avoided.
Voice and Video Quality Requirements
The quality of voice and video can significantly impact the overall user experience. It is particularly true for video conferencing, requiring users to be heard and seen. If either their voice or image is unclear, the system is not functioning correctly, and the user experience is impacted. When selecting a video conferencing solution, it is essential to determine the critical voice and video quality. It ensures that you are selecting a system that can deliver the quality required for your organization.
Ensure the Protection of Patient Data
Healthcare providers must take extra steps to secure and protect patient data, including video conferencing communications. It can achieve through several different methods, including encrypting the data within the network, encrypting the data on the endpoint device, and using a trusted identity provider. Selecting a video conferencing solution that integrates with a clinical documentation system is also essential. It allows clinicians to directly record and view patient information within the video call, reducing the risk of data breaches and other vulnerabilities.
Collaboration between Multiple Campuses and Facilities
Many organizations have various campuses and facilities, such as home healthcare providers. Such organizations typically use video conferencing to collaborate between various sites. It is vital to select a video conferencing solution that is scalable, supports multiple sites, and integrates with your existing IT infrastructure. It ensures that the solution can be easily managed across multiple locations and integrated with your existing IT systems.
Equipment and Software Lifecycle Maintenance
Software and equipment maintenance are the most overlooked aspects of video conferencing. It includes software upgrades, such as regular patching and software maintenance agreements. Malicious elements looking for software vulnerabilities that can exploit might find patches helpful when introducing a new function or fixing bugs and vulnerabilities. Learn more about the patched management method here, and keep an eye on your software programs so you can make automatic updates. It also includes keeping the equipment up to date, such as purchasing new cameras and microphones when replaced. It is essential because it ensures that your system runs smoothly and all necessary updates are applied. It also reduces the risk of system failure at a critical moment, which can significantly impact the user experience.
Ensure your home network security
A well-secured home network in your organization is imperative to avoid malicious activity and data leakage and enjoy secure and uninterrupted video conferencing with your patients and other healthcare providers. It can achieve by taking the following steps:
• Must set up a firewall to keep out unwanted guests.
• Always reset your router’s default login details and ensure that your router is up-to-date, secure encryption like WPA2 or WPA3.
• Update your network settings with the latest security patches.
Wrapping up
One of the biggest challenges for organizations today is connecting with diverse people, including customers, suppliers, vendors, etc. Video conferencing can help bridge the gap between these parties, which is particularly important in the healthcare sector, where people may be far from each other.
However, this technology isn’t risk-free. Your video conferencing solutions are a prime target for cybercriminals. The prevailing risks and concerns of secure video conferencing in healthcare are
- PHI (Protected Healthcare Information) privacy and security
- Malware and viruses
- Accessibility
- Cost
To add a layer of protection to your video conferencing solution in the healthcare sector, you need to identify the potential dangers that could disrupt your services or expose sensitive data.
