Health Information Management

GAO: VA still failing to protect information

HIPAA Weekly Advisor, June 19, 2006

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Steps the VA has taken to combat information security lapses after its recent data breach "have not been sufficient to establish a comprehensive information security program," according to testimony on June 14 by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

"Without an established and implemented security program, the department will continue to have major challenges in protecting its information and information systems from security breaches," the GAO said, pointing out to the House Veterans Affairs Committee that the VA has not yet established a full security incident response program.

The agency recommended that the VA follow earlier security recommendations and that Congress create specific reporting requirements for government agencies so that victims can protect themselves from identity theft in the event of a data breach.

Click here to read on overview of the GAO's testimony.



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