Using online healthcare options can lower your risk of catching something in a waiting room. Telehealth options can also make long-term travel or relocation a much simpler process. To keep your health information private, use the tips below so your health data is better protected on your personal computer.
1. Check Your Surroundings
Even if you’re using headphones, there’s a chance that your conversation can be overheard. If you need to confirm your identity with private numbers and data, your risk of a breach goes up.
Book your appointments when you know you can be in a private space. If you have a roommate, move to your bedroom. If you have a home security system, turn off the cameras. Your goal is to prevent yourself from being overheard, protect yourself from being recorded by another device that may not be secure, and express yourself fully and freely.
As possible, book your appointment at a time when you are the only person in your apartment or home to lessen the risk of being overheard. Turning on music or white noise between you and a shared wall with a neighbor or roommate can also lower your risk of being overheard.
2. Use a Private Wi-Fi Access
One of the greatest security risks is public Wi-Fi exposure. Even if your telehealth appointment is done on your private data access, plugging your tools into a public Wi-Fi access increases the chance that you can pick up malware. Once malware is installed, there is a risk that your private telehealth appointments can be monitored by a hacker.
Use effective digital hygiene habits on your personal devices. As soon as you get a notification of a security update, install it. On the day before your telehealth appointment, consider a scan to make sure that any system updates are installed and that you’re fully protected before your appointment.
Additional digital hygiene tools include checking your social media accounts to make sure that they are private. Careful monitoring of your social media accounts, for odd friend requests or suspicious suggestions, is an ongoing task.
3. Use All Available Authentication Tools
Take the time to turn on at least a two-step authentication process for your telehealth appointments. Take the time to log in early so you don’t have to rush to make your appointment. The longer it takes you to log in, the less likely you are to risk your personal data.
Of course, your password choice can also protect your data. If your chosen password is so unique that you need to change it before each appointment, make the time to do so. Consider setting up a password list on another device that can only be accessed by your thumbprint or facial recognition. Another option is to set up a password reminder list on your existing machine that will only make sense to you.
The option to attend a telehealth appointment can lower your stress level and help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Protecting your data will require you to carefully guard both your devices and your surroundings.
