5 Myths about Computer Security and HIPAA Compliance

New Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) rules went into effect last year, causing big waves in healthcare IT that affect healthcare providers and IT services in San Diego. New, stiffer requirements mandate stricter security protocols and create a complex liability chain for all parties involved. Addressing a few confusing myths about the new HIPAA rules can help clear up common misconceptions for both healthcare professionals and managed services in San Diego.

Myth #1: Obscurity Means Security

many healthcare providers carry the misconception that obscuring or obfuscating a network ensures information security. Common techniques, such as masking a home router’s SSID or segregating a portion of a network, only offer the illusion of security. While the first method has proven to be obsolete and easily penetrable, the second method still leaves many vulnerabilities through flash drives or other external devices.

Slowing down necessary antivirus patches and software updates can actually make such segregated networks more vulnerable. Despite these glaring flaws, healthcare professionals continue to utilize this method to “secure” Patient Health Information (PHI).

Myth #2: Both Google and Microsoft Email Programs Are HIPAA-Compliant

Office 365 and Google Apps are the most common email applications in the corporate world, but only Microsoft should actually be considered HIPAA-compliant. While both programs are HIPAA-capable, “capable” and “compliant” are hardly the same. And though both companies encrypt data stored at rest and during the last leg of transit, only Microsoft is willing to sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA).

This key agreement defines the difference between compliance and capable. Google has so far not been willing to come forward and sign a BAA, effectively removing them from the liability chain. Using Office 365 with Microsoft Exchange Hosted Encryption offers end-to-end encryption and ensures that providers stay HIPAA-compliant.

Myth #3: Antivirus Programs Can Protect Any Version of Windows

Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 are going out of service. Microsoft has been announcing this for years, but these two versions of Windows are still commonly used in healthcare settings. Support will end in July 2015, and once it does, so does any HIPAA compliance. An antivirus program may sound good on paper, but it may not sound so good in court.

To prepare for these operating systems’ end-of-life, plan to upgrade systems piecemeal. Isolated networks that run on XP or Server 2003 need to be upgraded for the same reason mentioned above: obfuscation does not mean security, and it could be risky in court.

Finally, chances are that any upgrade will include new machines. These machines should all be Original Equipment Manufacturer, as opposed to custom-built or inexpensive copies. Warranty-backed systems are safer, more stable, and of higher quality. The sooner you upgrade, the more money you save, since prices will certainly rise as the deadline approaches.

Myth #4: Physical Security is as Good as Encryption

A locked office with a camera system may prevent robbery or physical intrusion, but what happens if a successful breach occurs? One recent physical incursion caused the loss of 4 million patient records, and there was no encryption in place. These systems could have easily been encrypted for free.

To safeguard data, use a free program like BitLocker, encrypt backups, and centralize safe data with remote desktop software. Keeping secure data off individual workstations – and enforcing this policy across the workplace – saves money, reinforces legal defensibility, and reduces potential leaks.

Myth #5: HIPAA-Compliant IT Covers All the Bases

Full HIPAA-compliance, of course, means a full set of protocols, procedures, and processes, in addition to secure IT systems. Secure systems training needs to accompany basic security protocols, such as strong password guidelines, locked computer equipment, and two-factor authentication.

Covered entities need to be very cautious and concerned about such peripheral security measures. Legal HIPAA-compliance requires a full spectrum of safeguards, from the post-it to the data center.

Misconceptions about HIPAA’s new regulations abound, and the new rules now extend coverage to include IT service providers. With such an expanded and complex liability chain, and a constantly changing landscape, learning the ropes can be a challenge. Both medical providers and providers of IT support in San Diego should work together to ensure that they are fully compliant.

Source : IT Services San Diego, IT Support San Diego, Managed IT Services San Diego, San Diego IT support, San Diego IT consulting

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Time for a Second Look at Laptops

A laptop is likely the backbone of your work life. You can carry your laptop anywhere. You can connect to the Internet anywhere, and you can carry that computer in a simple bag. However, laptops need a second look. They are prone to malfunctions because they are jostled so much during the day. Everyone who uses a laptop needs support to solve these three common problems.

Problem #1: Crashes

when your laptop crashes, it is not a stable item that an IT services San Diego technician can come fix while you are away. Your laptop holds all your vital information, and a crash will render your mobile life obsolete. 

A mobile technician is able to walk you through troubleshooting steps over the phone. Phone support is especially helpful when you need your computer for an impending meetings or sales call. Plus, you can bring your laptop to a repair location if necessary. You have the option of taking the repair route that is most convenient for you.

Problem #2: Screen and Battery Issues

the screen and battery on your laptop can cause you more problems than anything else. You use your laptop because it allows you to step away from power sources here and there. If you are unable to use your laptop without being plugged in, it is hard to get work done on your schedule. Also, the screen on your laptop cannot be changed out with another monitor. You need an IT support San Diego technician to look at your laptop and repair the screen. Without a working screen, your laptop is rendered useless.

Problem #3: Overheating

Laptops overheat regularly because they are used in close proximity to body heat and flat surfaces. If the fan on your laptop malfunctions, you need it replaced as soon as possible. If the computer constantly overheats, you need the computer repaired. If your computer is not repaired quickly, the heat could crash the entire system. You must go to a support specialist quickly to make sure you do not ruin your computer.

Managed services San Diego technicians are able to take a look at your laptop and complete a quick repair to make sure you can use your computer again. These repairs can be done remotely with a technician on the phone. Also, these repairs can be completed a service center. You get fast service so you can get your laptop up and running again.

Source : IT Services San Diego, IT Support San Diego, Managed IT Services San Diego, San Diego IT support, San Diego IT consulting

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Managed IT Services San Diego

Managed IT Services San Diego has changed the whole scenario for business and made the drastic changes for all kinds of businesses for businessmen. It provides great convenience to the businessmen whether they have owned small business, medium sized business or they are an enterprise, large corporate house. It helps to improve business globally, that too within a short span of time. To run the business smoothly and successfully, businessmen need to maintain their networks consistently. For this, there are lots of companies in San Diego which provide IT Support San Diego and solutions to the businessmen according to their business as well as marketing needs and requirements.

As there are myriads of IT Support San Diego and services providers in San Diego and their numbers are increasing continuously, it’s not an easy for anyone to choose one of the best companies who could provide affordable and professional IT Support San Diego and services according to their specific needs & requirements. Hence, before choosing a company for your business, you must enquire about their reputation in the market, duration of services they have been providing, how they are able to satisfy their customers along with various other factors that are essential to choose an IT Support San Diego services provider.

After getting completely satisfaction, you should go ahead. One of the other most important factors in choosing a company is their fees, which they use to charge from their clients. There are many companies which provide good services but their fees are too much expensive especially for small and medium-sized businesses. In such cases, you can’t afford it being a small or medium size businessman. In the other side, there are many companies which services are good as well as their fees are also affordable and best suited for small or medium sized businesses. Hence, they can choose such companies according to their financial needs and requirements. In this Internet Era, you can easily search IT Support San Diego services providers in San Diego. There are lots of websites available over Internet where you can find the detailed information about reputed companies of San Diego, which has been in the same business for years. You can also get their contact details along with their official site if they have. You should visit their site especially portfolio section which will give you an overview of their quality services they have been providing so far to their clients. You can also contact to their clients who have been availing their IT Support San Diego.

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The Place to Get the Best IT Support

IT Support San Diego: The Place to Get the Best IT Support Nevertheless, some types of IT Services San Diego require very dedicated skills. You’ll need correctly educated personnel, sophisticated amenities along with a company with sufficient sources to deal with many different problems. A simple computer hard disk is exactly whatsoever left with therefore the business should resolve everything to recuperate information from it. Recovering files from a computer has less important than making the data on the restored.

IT Support San Diego: Ideal IT Support Different types of storage utilized to managed data these days can be found. Businesses have to function with professional IT Support San Diego to provide their clients best. IT Support San Diego offers with data recovering on an emergency standard. It means that the business ought to respond rapidly. There might be monetary data that needs to be recovered or confidential data that should be completed for a venture. This situation can happen which means you need to make certain the company you’re collaborating with can handle the data effectively and quickly Where to get the Ideal IT Support San Diego? . For every company to prosper in these days it need to outsource IT Support San Diego. If you would like worthwhile and concrete outcomes then it is essential to ensure that you will find accessible sources that can assistance you and cope with emergencies as well as in daily circumstances. On the other hand, hiring on a new worker is among the important considerations that any business needs to determine. It implies that paying an additional wage and ensuring that the company is acquiring its moneys value, out of obtaining that accessible employee. If you’re considering hiring a new worker, you might also need to inquire yourself whether it will probably be worth it to hire an outsourced IT services instead. You need to choose a group from IT Support San Diego whose goals are in alignment with your firms. The best IT Services San Diego is not just one that can cater to all of your business requirements, but may also assist you to with the utilization from the technologies to achieve your company objectives.

You may want to have a group that can influence your success in business and you may do this by hiring an IT support team that can supports your company’s mission and vision and ultimately can reduce the downside that you simply will face in reaching your objectives. In the event you managed an IT department, you need to know the exact quantity of IT sources you can outsource. Obtaining Managed IT Services San Diego by outside specialists is sometimes not preferable to getting them managed in-house. Later on you might not require worker with skills on network management and server upgrades. Services such as those can be outsourced and in the long run your company can save a lot of cash. Businesses have all their different needs, and also the need for an IT will not be exactly the same as well. The top IT Support San Diego offers in-depth support with professionalism and never just basic computer fix services. A services that you simply may need particularly consists of data recovery services. In addition to data recovery, it is also essential to find a company that offers community set up service.

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What IT Support San Diego will do for businesses?

Regardless of the dimensions of operation, businesses these days are heavily hooked in to quick, accurate, safe similarly as reliable IT systems. However managing the It infrastructure poses as a significant downside for several businesses. If the business is little, typically they need an absence of basic ability and data to handle the issues arising in their IT infrastructure. This could result in unwanted expenses and business is severely discontinuous. So the necessity arises for corporations Associate in businesses to rent an IT Support San Diego Company. If you have got a business in London and looking out for those who will exclude all of your IT connected issues, then notice IT Support San Diego at once United Nations agency will use their skills and experience to counter the problems you may face. Simply hiring any random IT Support San Diego isn't sample.

The computer service supplier ought to be able to meet sure goals and necessities relating to your IT growth and maintenance in an exceedingly correct manner. The terribly initial role that they have to adopt is to be your one stop answer for all IT issues. They have to have the requisite technology acumen to handle issues, whether or not huge or little which to the response to any arising problems ought to be immediate and prompt. Time is of essence in any business and thus your Local IT Support San Diego Company ought to burnish smart solutions in minimum time. The prices of business block will be terribly harmful for the corporation within the long-term. Businesses typically have planned road maps for the longer term. they need a transparent cut and well thought out chart for the longer term enlargement and development and sometimes the employees and personnel are adequately briefed a few such set up. Nevertheless the main downside arises once the IT Support San Diego Company handling the IT services isn't in tune with the forward designing road-map. IT designing ought to ne'er be restricted to

Little scale designing. In reality your IT Support San Diego ought to be in gear towards handling any future issues which could occur at numerous stages of more development. The corporate ought to add shut collaboration with their IT handlers to confirm a sleek and a lot of value effective business growth guaranteeing a sander income and fewer anxiety while not compromising the dependable of the IT infrastructure. The Computer services London ought to be a holistic answer to any or all your IT issues and May effectively behave because the IT department of the hiring business although it works severally. It ought to be accountable for your growth through betterment of our IT services.

whether or not the matter is network connected or whether or not the matter deals with hardware parts, IT Support San Diego Company ought to be handling it while not you having to resort to the assistance of any third party organization. After you are hiring somebody to manage your IT, it's expected that the pc service supplier ought to possess complete understanding of the approach IT functions with respect to your original business. Any IT Support San Diego company employed by you with previous expertise within the IT security space ought to be able to handle full security audits and may be capable of finding potential weaknesses and threats in your system.

SOURCE: IT Services San Diego, IT Support San Diego, Managed IT Services San Diego, San diego IT support

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Should you move your servers to the cloud?

Technology is often updated faster than you can keep up with it. It might seem like that server you bought not too long ago is getting slower and doesn't work as effectively. Do you move everything to the cloud, or do you replace your servers? The answer to that largely depends on the circumstances. Quality San Diego IT Support and San Diego IT consulting cloud services will help you make a more informed decision.

When to Upgrade

Companies that don't have a dedicated IT staff will often benefit from new servers, rather than moving everything into the cloud. There are several free cloud storage services that can help fill this need without spending the extra time and expense. Think about your current level of satisfaction with existing applications and what extra costs that the cloud might run up. The per-user costs for a small company might be too high to justify going to the cloud.

When to Use the Cloud

Larger companies or companies that handle sensitive data will benefit more from moving their servers to the cloud. Cloud-based services provide a much greater level of security than many servers can. The cloud has simplified data access so that users on different platforms can easily view and edit crucial files that they need. Many smaller companies are likely to find the idea of scalable services very attractive. Companies can easily give their companies the ability to test out the cloud before deciding if it's right for their needs.

Making the Transition

When companies move to the cloud, they have several options at their disposal. Some of the files and applications can be gradually moved to the cloud as the company schedule allows. San Diego IT Consultants, like NetResults Technology Group in San Diego even make it easier for companies without a full IT staff to make this transition. How much time and expense that might be associated with the move should be taken into account. Both cloud services and new servers will involve somewhat of a time commitment.

In Conclusion

Cloud services offer the advantage of greater security and more flexibility for remote workers. This might also be the most cost-effective solution over a longer period of time, as it is only necessary to pay for what is used. Buying new servers might be an option for company owners who feel as though they are well-equipped to cope with adjustments that are necessary as technology changes. Some owners who are still unconvinced about the benefits of cloud servers may decide they are more comfortable with purchasing new servers. However, those who decide to take advantage of cloud computing benefits will find that it is easy to make the change.

Source:  IT Services San Diego, IT Support San Diego, Managed IT Services San Diego, San Diego IT support

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Clouds and Businesses

Doing things "in the cloud" has become very popular, yet many people still don't understand what that means. While many of the services and products now receiving the "cloud services cloud security" label have actually been around for a while under different labels; rebranding them with the more popular term boosts interest in both pre-existing and evolving technologies. Speaking of suspiciously familiar services, if cloud-based email looks just like web email, it is.

Think of the cloud as the Internet; cloud-based products and services are delivered publically over the Internet or any smaller, more private network. The network provides instant access to remotely hosted and maintained products and services. By not hosting them themselves, companies avoid the expense and personnel required to support the servers which use constant power and solid connections. Most small and medium businesses would not be able to afford to house servers or the IT personnel to maintain them.

By using cloud services, cloud security, smaller businesses merely need to maintain consistent and safe network access in order to have the same technologies as larger businesses with more money and resources; accessibility only requires a web browser. This puts the small and medium businesses on the same footing as big businesses, allowing them a greater competitive edge and flexibility. The benefits of cloud services include greater agility, lower costs, independence of device and location, scalability, elasticity, efficient use of equipment, improved performance, and security.

Cloud security involves privatizing the network used to host and access, usually with a firewall. Redundancy such as duplicating the data to multiple sites can improve the chances of recovery in case anything does go wrong. Security changes depending on how the cloud is being used: does it deliver software-as-a-service, platform-as-a-service, or infrastructure-as-a-service? Nevertheless, cloud services cloud security costs less and is higher quality than a more traditional security method. Still keeping the cloud service, the network or cloud host hardware can be in a remote location which keeps it safe if anything happens at the business' location. Moreover, the cloud hosting company can devote more resources to security measures than most clients would be able to afford themselves.

Source:  IT Services San Diego, IT Support San Diego, Managed IT Services San Diego, San Diego IT support

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