IT security is becoming increasingly complex due to the use of different devices and technologies and requires more and more specific knowledge. The introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation in 2018 in particular has introduced many requirements for companies, but also for medical practices. At the beginning of 2021, the federal government's IT security guidelines for doctors and psychotherapists came into force, which require a higher level of IT security in medical practices.
As a doctor, you have already had to ensure for some time that your patients' data is stored securely and protected from unauthorised access. However, the use of modern technology is making these requirements more and more difficult. In particular, the electronic patient record, which will be introduced on 1 January 2022, requires you to take additional security measures to protect confidential data. To this end, the IT security guideline has now been adopted and is being implemented by the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians.
Operating modes in German practices
Practices can be connected to the telematics infrastructure and the Internet using different operating modes. A distinction is made between serial operation without Internet, serial operation with "secure Internet service" and parallel operation.
Series operation is a secure operating mode. In this operating mode, devices and data are protected by the connector. However, complete protection of your practice is not guaranteed. Computers or smartphones that log into your patient WLAN network (if available) can put data at risk.
The most common operating mode in German surgeries is parallel operation.
This means that all technical devices that require Internet access are connected directly to the router in your practice. In turn, this means that you need a firewall to protect your practice, as there can be no protection from the connector in this operating mode. Accordingly, the IT security guideline requires a firewall that guarantees the protection of your practice. A hardware firewall is recommended by the KBV, as a higher level of IT security can be guaranteed.
Implementation made easy - contact us!
The IT security guideline requires you to have special knowledge of IT security, which is not easy to implement. You should take care of network security in your practice, not only because of the directive but also to protect your patient data. As a regional IT service provider, we can help you implement the IT security directive as quickly and reliably as possible. Contact us today and we will arrange an appointment so that you and your patients are protected from cyber attacks!
