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Dubai: How to protect your online health records from cyber threats

Regularly check your health-related accounts and apps for any unusual activity or unauthorised access

Published: Sun 24 Nov 2024, 10:49 PM

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As the dependency on digital healthcare solutions grows, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has introduced essential guidelines to protect public health information. This move comes as an increasing number of Dubai residents adopt digital services, ranging from mobile health apps to online medical records.

These guidelines are important to bolster patient confidentiality and data protection in an increasingly digital healthcare landscape. Below are the top tips to keep your health data safe:

Limit app data sharing:

To enhance privacy and security, residents should restrict the amount of personal and health data shared with digital health apps. It's important to review app permissions regularly and ensure that only necessary information is shared. Disabling unnecessary data access can help minimize exposure to potential security risks.

Stay informed:

Keep up to date on the best practices for safeguarding your health data. Follow trusted 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 protect your sensitive health information from emerging cyber threats.

Avoid public Wi-Fi:

When accessing digital health services or managing sensitive health information, avoid using 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.

Sharing info:

Only share your health information with trusted sources. Always verify who you're sharing it with.

Monitor your accounts or apps:

Regularly check your health-related accounts and apps for any unusual activity or unauthorised 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 be dragged in by emails or messages claiming to be from health organisations. 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 emphasised the importance of staying up-to-date 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 digitise healthcare services, NABIDH ensures that each patient has a single, comprehensive electronic medical record accessible by all healthcare providers.

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

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