The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity center released a draft guide last week for health IT professionals to use to bolster security for the use of mobile devices in the health care industry. The use of smartphones and other mobile devices have exploded in use in the health care industry and according to NIST “Mobile devices are being used by many providers for health care delivery before they have implemented safeguards for privacy and security.”

The how-to guide assists with directions on implementing security procedures across the network, including a mobile device management platform. The guide examines security risks that threaten patient data including the loss of mobile devices, and the importance of encryption was emphasized.

The guide is a useful tool for health IT professionals and it is worth a closer look. Public comment is open on the guide until September 25.

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