If you are a healthcare provider, or do business with healthcare providers, you are probably familiar with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPPA, which was designed to ensure the security of patients’ private health information. With the rise of the implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and other healthcare information technology (HIT) by physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare providers, privacy and compliance concerns are greater now than ever. As reported in Businessweek, healthcare providers, insurance companies and related business partners reported 373 business security system breaches affecting almost 18 million patients between September 2009 to October of this year, according to Department of Health and Human Services.
Various technologies are used by providers of HIT and EHRs to ensure that a patient’s data remains secure. But even the best encryption protocols can’t always prevent a security breach because of something like the theft of laptop, or an “inside job” by an unscrupulous employee. That’s why healthcare providers are encouraged to consider taking serious physical security measures, such as access monitoring, burglar alarms, and video surveillance – as part of their overall security systems.
Of course, it’s not only patient information that makes healthcare providers criminal targets. Medical facilities are known to have high value assets on their premises, such as medical equipment, not to mention drugs. It’s also not uncommon for healthcare workers in emergency rooms, mental health clinics, and certain other kinds of facilities to be subject to violent outbursts or attacks by violent or emotionally disturbed patients.
According to crime researchers, hospital emergency rooms traditionally have been the most likely areas to have security risks. However, the increased problems of drug dependence, mental health issues, and homelessness, combined with other social problems caused by the economic downturn of the past several years have contributed to increased security threats for all areas of health care facilities.
Fortunately there are business security system companies that specialize in the unique compliance and security needs of healthcare and medical facilities. These companies understand the challenges of both data and physical security faced by the healthcare industry, and they know how to help medical facilities integrate safety and security measures into their day-to-day operations. They do this not only with the latest in state-of-the-art security systems and access control measures, but also by training all personnel how to minimize risk, and help create a secure and compliant environment for workers and patients.
Top Three Home Security Tips for Recent Movers
/1 Comment/by American Alarm Blogging Team1) Check Locks and Latches
It seems like a relative no-brainer, but it’s easy enough to forget to re-key all of the locks in your new home as soon as possible. Most people will have the front doors done immediately, but it’s crucial to make sure that any side doors, back doors, and gates are also taken care of at the same time. This is especially important given that these entryways are often shielded from view, making them ideal access points for would-be burglars. A check of your house’s window latches and locks is also in order, as these can wear out with time and are frequently a low maintenance priority for sellers. Read more →
Modern Business Security Systems: A Primer For Property Managers
/1 Comment/by American Alarm Blogging TeamA property manager has many responsibilities, and is usually very good at multi-tasking. The property manager is the liaison between the owner, the occupants, and all the other people who interact with the building. He’ll be responsible for everything from collecting rents, or fees in the case of condominium properties, to keeping the building well occupied and maintained. Read more →
Home Security Options: Text Message Alerts When Child Arrives Home
/3 Comments/by American Alarm Blogging TeamSome modern home alarm systems are capable of providing parents with remote alerts each time people come in the door – whether they’re welcome guests or unexpected intruders. This type of alert can be adapted so children can virtually “check-in” as soon as they arrive at their homes. By assigning individual access codes whenever the alarm system is deactivated, parents can receive text messages indicating the time of entry as well as the identity of the person who entered the house. Read more →
Top Five Ways to Protect Your Family From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
/1 Comment/by American Alarm Blogging TeamDo you know that carbon monoxide is the most common cause of poisoning deaths in the United States? The fact is more carbon monoxide poisonings occur in the month of January than at any other time of the year. Did you also know, the best way to protect your family is with a carbon monoxide detector? Check out the video below to learn the top five ways to protect your family from this colorless, odorless, silent killer.
To learn more, read our November blog post on how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
How to Maximize Network Bandwidth with IP Video Surveillance
/1 Comment/by American Alarm Blogging TeamFortunately, there are a number of solutions available that can simplify the bandwidth requirements of remote video monitoring without compromising security or coverage. One of the most promising is moving from a unicast-type IP video network system to a multicast model. You can greatly reduce bandwidth requirements by avoiding direct, concurrent connections between IP cameras and workstations or recording systems requesting video feeds. Read more →
Need Grows for Robust Business Security Systems In Healthcare
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamVarious technologies are used by providers of HIT and EHRs to ensure that a patient’s data remains secure. But even the best encryption protocols can’t always prevent a security breach because of something like the theft of laptop, or an “inside job” by an unscrupulous employee. That’s why healthcare providers are encouraged to consider taking serious physical security measures, such as access monitoring, burglar alarms, and video surveillance – as part of their overall security systems.
Of course, it’s not only patient information that makes healthcare providers criminal targets. Medical facilities are known to have high value assets on their premises, such as medical equipment, not to mention drugs. It’s also not uncommon for healthcare workers in emergency rooms, mental health clinics, and certain other kinds of facilities to be subject to violent outbursts or attacks by violent or emotionally disturbed patients.
According to crime researchers, hospital emergency rooms traditionally have been the most likely areas to have security risks. However, the increased problems of drug dependence, mental health issues, and homelessness, combined with other social problems caused by the economic downturn of the past several years have contributed to increased security threats for all areas of health care facilities.
Fortunately there are business security system companies that specialize in the unique compliance and security needs of healthcare and medical facilities. These companies understand the challenges of both data and physical security faced by the healthcare industry, and they know how to help medical facilities integrate safety and security measures into their day-to-day operations. They do this not only with the latest in state-of-the-art security systems and access control measures, but also by training all personnel how to minimize risk, and help create a secure and compliant environment for workers and patients.
7 Home Security System Tips to Minimize False Alarms
/1 Comment/by American Alarm Blogging TeamIn addition to the strain placed on local law enforcement, false alarms have also been identified as the chief consumer complaint by insurance companies, and home security professionals. According to the Department of Justice, one of the most common causes of false alarms is human error, which means steps can be taken to prevent or reduce them. Read more →
No Company Too Small For A Business Security System
/by American Alarm Blogging TeamJust how much does crime against business cost? According to the most recent Crime in the United States report, theft of office equipment alone amounted to over $650 million annually! Burglaries on average cost businesses $2000 per incident, and shoplifting, which has recently been reaching epidemic proportions, costs a business an average of $205 per incident. Read more →
The Travel Channel Consulted American Alarm for Tonight’s Show
/3 Comments/by American Alarm Blogging TeamAt American Alarm’s Command Center, President Wells Sampson briefs Sakey on the latest technologies that modern robbers are up against, such as biometric fingerprint readers; perimeter sensors on doors and windows; interior motion sensors; vault and safe systems; panic buttons at key locations; video surveillance systems, and live police feeds.
With American Alarm’s use of such cutting edge security technology, it would be very difficult for the Brinks robbers to repeat their infamous heist today. As Sampson says, “We’re a security company and we’re looking to catch bad guys.”
5 Holiday Traveler Tips for Home Security
/2 Comments/by American Alarm Blogging TeamUnfortunately, not everyone feels the true spirit of giving during the holiday season. All across New England, people are traveling to visit family members either out of state or just a few towns over. That leaves many homes vulnerable to thieves as winter’s chill begins to descend on the region. In fact, the FBI reports that more than 400,000 burglaries occur across the country every November and December. So it’s more important than ever for homeowners and renters to stay security conscious and take the necessary steps to protect themselves before packing up and heading out for an extended trip. Read more →