Computer Security and Hospitals

After visiting a hospital for the past 20 hours or so I noticed some of the blaring security issues which are probably just overlooked. The most notable issue, which is probably the most serious as well, is the fact that the nurses are rolling carts with computers to scan and enter patient information. Now the fact that they nurses have portable stations is not too much of an issue; its the fact that these stations can access all patient information and they are running Windows XP. While the extended support date is through April 8, 2014 there are a number of security issues that can allow anyone who is really wanting to get access to the system inside. Hopefully, they are planning to do a full upgrade to a newer operating system within the next year. But who knows.... The fact that patient records could possibly be accessed is troublesome. How many other doctors offices they are not big hospitals are using antiquated systems that most likely are not patched correctly or just outdated? While hospitals not only host a lot of patient information, they are often linked to other doctors offices or specialty facilites so that they can easily share patient information. While privacy about health issues has recieved a fair amount of attention, are these HIPAA regulations being followed as they are truely intended?

A Very Serious Dialtone

The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy has brought to my attention and many others, that we have become very dependent on technology. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but when the natural disasters strike, do we know how to do anything? Ten years ago, most people could rattle off a few phone numbers if they needed to. 15 years ago, most people could tell you a lot of numbers, or at least had them written down in a location they could get to. Now, most people do not remember more than one or two phone numbers, and if they lose their cell phone they are stuck. That is until they get on facebook and have people send them their phone numbers. But if the power is out and there is no way to access the internet, most people do not have a battery powered radio to find out emergency information. In a country where we can have backup generators to watch every football game as we tailgate in the parking lot of the Georia Dome; most people are not truly prepared for a minor natural disaster that takes out power for a few days.