1. Introduction to Protecting Your Health Information Online
In today’s digital age, health information is increasingly stored, shared, and accessed online through Electronic Health Records (EHRs), patient portals, mobile health apps, and telemedicine platforms. While digital health technologies offer numerous benefits, they also introduce significant risks related to data privacy and security.
Why is protecting your personal health information (PHI) online important?
✅ Prevents identity theft and medical fraud.
✅ Ensures unauthorized individuals do not access your private health data.
✅ Maintains trust in digital health services.
✅ Complies with privacy laws such as HIPAA (USA), GDPR (Europe), and Kenya’s Data Protection Act.
This lecture will cover essential strategies for safeguarding your personal health data online and how to recognize potential threats.
2. Common Threats to Your Online Health Data
🔹 Data Breaches – Cybercriminals may hack hospitals, health apps, or insurance companies to steal sensitive information.
🔹 Phishing Attacks – Fraudsters impersonate healthcare providers to trick patients into revealing personal details.
🔹 Weak Passwords – Using simple or reused passwords makes it easy for hackers to access your patient portal or medical records.
🔹 Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks – Accessing health portals using public Wi-Fi can expose your data to hackers.
🔹 Unauthorized Sharing – Some health apps sell patient data to third parties without clear user consent.
3. Best Practices for Protecting Your Health Data Online
3.1. Use Strong and Unique Passwords
Passwords are the first line of defense against unauthorized access.
✅ Create long, complex passwords (at least 12 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols).
✅ Use a password manager to generate and store passwords securely.
✅ Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security.
🔹 Example of a strong password:
Instead of using 123456 or password123, create a unique password like:H3@lth!D4t@_S3cure98#
3.2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra step when logging into online health accounts.
✅ Requires a password + a second verification step (e.g., a code sent to your phone).
✅ Even if someone steals your password, they cannot access your account without the second factor.
Where to enable 2FA:
- Patient portals (MyChart, NHS Online, etc.)
- Health apps and telemedicine platforms
- Email accounts used for health communication
🔹 How to set up 2FA on Google accounts (for email security):
https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185839
3.3. Only Use Secure & Trusted Health Apps
Many mobile health applications (mHealth apps) track your medical conditions, fitness levels, or prescriptions. However, not all apps protect user data.
✅ Check the app’s privacy policy before downloading.
✅ Use apps from verified sources (Apple App Store, Google Play Store).
✅ Avoid apps that request unnecessary permissions (e.g., why would a fitness app need access to your contacts?).
🔹 How to check app permissions on Android:
https://support.google.com/android/answer/9431959?hl=en
🔹 How to check app permissions on iOS (Apple devices):
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209084
3.4. Be Cautious with Emails & Messages (Avoid Phishing Scams)
Cybercriminals often send fake emails pretending to be healthcare providers to steal patient data.
✅ Do not click on suspicious links in emails or text messages.
✅ Verify requests for personal health information by calling your healthcare provider directly.
✅ Check for signs of phishing:
- Spelling mistakes in email addresses
- Urgent requests asking you to provide health or payment details
- Fake hospital logos
🔹 Example of a phishing email:
🔴 “Dear Patient, Your recent test results are available. Click here to log in and view your results: fake-link.com. Please respond within 24 hours.”
🔹 How to recognize phishing attacks (FTC guide):
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams
3.5. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Accessing Health Records
Public Wi-Fi (airports, coffee shops, hotels) is not secure for logging into EHRs, patient portals, or health insurance accounts.
✅ Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection.
✅ Use mobile data instead of public Wi-Fi when accessing sensitive health information.
🔹 How to choose a VPN service:
https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-vpn/
3.6. Regularly Review Your Medical Records
✅ Check your Electronic Health Records (EHRs) regularly for unauthorized access or errors.
✅ Report any unfamiliar entries (e.g., fake prescriptions, unknown treatments).
✅ Request an audit log from your healthcare provider to see who accessed your records.
4. End of Lecture Quiz
1. What is the most secure way to log into a patient portal?
A) Using “password123” as a password
B) Using a unique, strong password with two-factor authentication (2FA)
C) Sharing login details with a trusted friend
D) Using public Wi-Fi for quick access
✅ Answer: B – A strong password + 2FA significantly improves security.
2. Why should you avoid clicking links in emails about your health data?
A) The links may contain viruses or phishing scams
B) It is unnecessary to check health records
C) Healthcare providers never send emails
D) Clicking on links makes the data disappear
✅ Answer: A – Fraudsters often impersonate hospitals or insurance companies to steal patient information.
3. What is one way to protect your personal health data when using mobile apps?
A) Download any app with 5-star ratings
B) Read the privacy policy and check permissions
C) Disable all security features
D) Share your data with as many health apps as possible
✅ Answer: B – Always check the privacy policy and ensure the app does not request unnecessary permissions.
5. Additional Learning Resources
🔹 HIPAA & Online Health Data Protection (U.S. Government Guide)
https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/guidance-materials-for-consumers/index.html
🔹 GDPR & Health Data Protection (EU Guide)
https://gdpr.eu/
🔹 Kenya Data Protection Act (2019) Guide
https://www.odpc.go.ke/
6. Summary & Key Takeaways
✅ Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
✅ Be cautious of phishing emails and suspicious links.
✅ Check app permissions before installing mobile health apps.
✅ Avoid accessing health records using public Wi-Fi.
✅ Review your medical records regularly for errors or fraud.
Protecting your health data online requires awareness, strong security habits, and vigilance. By following these strategies, you can safeguard your sensitive medical information from cyber threats. 🚀
