Report: Federal agencies' weak security controls means potential data risk
HIPAA Weekly Advisor, August 13, 2007
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Almost all of the major federal agencies, including HHS and other departments with large healthcare operations, have weak information security controls, says the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report "INFORMATION SECURITY: Despite Reported Progress, Federal Agencies Need to Address Persistent Weaknesses," released July 27.
This means that HHS' medical data may be at risk. The agency has not sufficiently monitored their electronic systems that hold sensitive information, according to the report. The report also states that, "Security incidents at federal agencies have placed sensitive data at risk, including the theft, loss or improper disclosure of personally identifiable information on millions of Americans, thereby exposing them to loss of privacy and potential harm associated with identity theft."
Click here to view the report.
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