Modern technology has paved the way for many innovative solutions that have changed the way we live today — from boosting accessibility to widespread digitalization. But despite its positive impact on the development of our society, it has also brought some unique challenges to the table, especially when it comes to our healthcare system.

Recently, researchers found a sudden surge in healthcare cyberattacks by over 55% in 2020, which could potentially affect approximately 26 million people in the United States. Hackers often use the data they have gathered from the medical records to steal identities or set up scams, which have created a $13.2 billion industry, with an average data breach cost of $49 per record. On the other hand, 67.3% of these incidents were caused by hacking and other IT exploitation, wherein 24.1 million of those were directly related to these attacks.

Although cyberattacks in the healthcare industry have already existed in the past, the number of cases only began to increase in 2018. Unfortunately, the spike in sensitive data loss is mostly linked to the cloud migration, software development, and digital transformation of healthcare records. To overstep security issues, there are many software development companies that offer healthcare solutions. The big question is, how should the healthcare-tech industry address these cybersecurity problems?

Employees’ Access to Healthcare Information

Mishandling of patients’ records, which often contain personal, medical, financial, and other sensitive data, is probably the most common threat in the realm of healthcare cybersecurity. Since employees often have free access to these important documents, they can easily steal the data in the records or withing the frame of medical data analysis software without raising any suspicions. Sadly, they can walk away with confidential information, including credit card numbers, as well as social security and demographic details.

To avoid this issue, educating employees is a must to help secure all of the healthcare information that the patients have entrusted to them. Conducting regular briefings and training sessions, for instance, are an effective way to teach staff the importance of cyber safety.

Phishing Attempts and Malware

It only takes a seemingly legitimate link to plant malicious scripts on a device or steal important login credentials, especially when hackers utilize sophisticated systems or schemes. Typically, these technophiles use this technique by sending emails to those who mistakenly click the bait links.

As a rule of thumb, reputable companies do not ask for sensitive information through email. Thus, healthcare techs should recognize these cybercrime tactics right away to avoid dealing with much bigger problems later on. Establishing both online and physical security protocols is also necessary to ensure that nobody will mess up with the patients’ records.

Outdated Software

Hackers will take advantage of any opportunity to steal information from any flawed system with outdated software or unsecured access points. The easiest way to prevent these cybercriminals from their wicked plan is to make it a habit to update the software installed on your machines or devices. If possible, create a two-factor authorization or change your passwords regularly.

Unsecured or Lost Mobile Devices

Unlike other computing machines, mobile devices are more prone to malware and cybersecurity attacks since they often do not meet safety standards. Once lost or stolen, these devices may also end up in the wrong hands, which may put the system in jeopardy. Moreover, unused devices for disposal may pose some risks since hackers may try to salvage the information stored in them.

Thus, having strict rules regarding the use of mobile devices should be clearly emphasized to users and employees. Proper disposal of the hardware that contains medical records should also be observed to keep all the data safe.

While getting rid of cyber hacking may seem like a tough shell to crack, securing healthcare information is possible by paying more attention to the safety protocols and educating employees about proper data management.

There is no doubt that we are more connected with technology than we ever have been before. Technology has advanced at a rapid pace, and it has completely reshaped the way that society has grown and the way that people behave. 

Technology is what allows us to have more frequent and efficient access to different tools and systems. The telephone is a great example. 

It was originally used to connect one household to the next, now, a telephone is used to connect people, watch movies, play games, send messages, and even work. The explosion of technology has led to amazing benefits for societies, but it also has had some detrimental effects.

Technology: The Good

Advancements in technology have allowed humankind to profit in several sectors. When talking about the medical field alone, technological advancements have been outstanding. Now, an individual can get a complicated operation through the use of a robotic system. 

This technology has allowed for operations that are more efficient and safe. Apart from that, technology has allowed humans to become more globalized. A person is able to talk to a relative or friends from around the world by just using one application. 

Apart from that, we are able to use applications to meet new friends, find love, and find work. When it comes to travel, a person can quickly and easily book plane tickets, reserve a hotel and get a rental car with just the use of a small handheld device. 

This was a task that a travel agent had to perform in the past, and now with just a few taps, a person can plan an elegant vacation. When it comes to education, the Internet is a never-ending source of educational materials and learning tools. There is basically nothing that you cannot learn to do on the Internet.

Technology: The Bad

When it comes to HCI or Human-Computer Interaction, it has caused several negative effects on society. Some of the effects that come from the overuse of technology may possibly affect the cognitive development of children. 

There is a new generation of children who are being raised with technology. Instead of running and playing with friends, many kids stay inside of their house and play video games or watch cartoons on a device. 

Apart from that, human relationships have changed drastically. There is a phenomenon called Virtual Distance which basically means that people can be right next to each other, but since they are all on their devices, there is a distance between them. 

All of the effects that come from the heightened use of technology over the last decade can not be understood until more time has passed.

Technology and You

The truth is that there are good and bad aspects of technology when it comes to its use in humans. Regardless of what you may believe about technology, it is here to stay. 

You, like everyone else, have the responsibility to use technology wisely, and take advantage of its positive aspects, and do your utmost to avoid its negative aspects.

Smartphones are really becoming more convenient with every new model. Long ago, we only considered mobile phones as calling and messaging mediums. However, this perception is increasingly changing with time. Currently, we can use mobile phones to take pictures, play our favourite games, and even transact with them.

The type of convenience offered by mobile phones has made us value the use of this device. That’s not all; the portable nature of smartphones is even more reason why we love them. But with so many options on the market, making an informed decision on purchasing the right one may become an overwhelming experience.

Benefits of Using Smartphones

There are many advantages associated with using smartphones, especially the new Samsung Galaxy Note 20. Here are some of the benefits of using this and other smartphones:

Instant Communication

Like mentioned earlier, mobile phones were primarily designed to make distant communication possible. With time, this device has evolved into a magnificent piece of technology that’s used by almost anyone.

Currently, smartphones offer instant communication services and in different ways as well. Other than just calls and short text messages, smartphones now feature communication messaging and video call apps that also facilitate instant communication.

Web Browsing

Surfing the web used to be something only for the computer but has significantly changed since the inception of smartphones. In fact, most people now prefer surfing the web and other social media platforms using their smartphones.

This is mostly due to this device’s portable nature because it allows everyone to use it in any location so long as there is an internet connection. It’s actually proven that about 10% of the total time that most people spend on their smartphones is used upon web surfing.

Photography

This is another wholesome upgrade to smartphones that make them even more exciting. Taking pictures is now made easy by using smartphones because they come with built-in cameras. And the pictures produced by smartphone cameras are usually of good quality. However, this will depend on the camera quality of the smartphone in question.

 For instance, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 features 4 different types of cameras embedded in it. These include:

• A 12MP Ultra Wide Camera
• A 12MP Wide-angle Camera
• A 64MP Telephoto Camera
• A 10MP Selfie Camera

As you can see, this smartphone is stacked with high camera quality. As a result, it can offer you a better photography experience when you want to capture those captivating moments and images.

Entertainment

Other than impressive features, web surfing ability, and instant communication services, smartphones are also great sources of entertainment. This includes playing games, watching movies, reading books, and listening to music. But to do all this, the device’s performance needs to be up to par, especially in gaming.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 featured a smooth 120Hz display alongside a new and renovated impressive processor that enables the phone to handle some of the most complex games.

Other benefits of using smartphones include privacy, education, and using productivity apps. Therefore, investing in a modern smartphone would be a great investment towards making your daily activities more convenient.