Guest guest Posted August 7, 2006 Report Share Posted August 7, 2006 I'm in the early stages of implementing my EHR and I'm wondering what most of you use for internet security. What antivirus and antispyware software is actually best and adequate to protect patient files both in and out of one's EHR. I have Windows XP and Internet Explorer. Consumer Reports has a great review of different software products in their Sept 06 issue. They recommend having 2 spyware programs. Do any of you use external hardware such as sonic wall for even better protection and is it worth the expense? Are there any specific requirements for health care providers re these issues? Is the encryption on my EHR for backing up data offsite sufficient? Thanks. I'm feeling concerned that my software may not be adequate. Janice Pegels, MD Vestal, NY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2006 Report Share Posted August 7, 2006 I use Norton Client Security (version 3.0? I think) & also sometimes scan manually with SpyBot or Microsoft’s Antispyware software. I believe the inherent encryption & that put in place by our local IT guy is also sufficient (along with the Norton software). internet security I'm in the early stages of implementing my EHR and I'm wondering what most of you use for internet security. What antivirus and antispyware software is actually best and adequate to protect patient files both in and out of one's EHR. I have Windows XP and Internet Explorer. Consumer Reports has a great review of different software products in their Sept 06 issue. They recommend having 2 spyware programs. Do any of you use external hardware such as sonic wall for even better protection and is it worth the expense? Are there any specific requirements for health care providers re these issues? Is the encryption on my EHR for backing up data offsite sufficient? Thanks. I'm feeling concerned that my software may not be adequate. Janice Pegels, MD Vestal, NY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2006 Report Share Posted August 7, 2006 Janice - I use Ad-aware SE, spybot search and destroy, microsoft antiware AND spyware blaster (all free and downloadable from the web, and easy to use). I run them all every few weeks. The Ad-aware SE seems to pick up the most stuff. I used both Norton and McAfee but they were a royal pain- too clunky, too embedded in the registry - and ultimately I had to reformat my computers a few times because I couldn't wipe them off the registry and they were wreaking havoc. Now I use AVG-Free for antivirus (also free!) which works well. I'm NEVER going to use Norton or Mcafee again. Haven't had a virus problem , but have definitely had problem with commercial anti virus programs! Lynn > >Reply-To: >To: " practice improvement " < > >Subject: internet security >Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2006 03:25:38 -0400 > >I'm in the early stages of implementing my EHR and I'm wondering what most >of you use for internet security. >What antivirus and antispyware software is actually best and adequate to >protect patient files both in and out of one's EHR. I have Windows XP and >Internet Explorer. Consumer Reports has a great review of different >software products in their Sept 06 issue. They recommend having 2 spyware >programs. Do any of you use external hardware such as sonic wall for even >better protection and is it worth the expense? Are there any specific >requirements for health care providers re these issues? Is the encryption >on my EHR for backing up data offsite sufficient? Thanks. I'm feeling >concerned that my software may not be adequate. > >Janice Pegels, MD >Vestal, NY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2006 Report Share Posted August 7, 2006 Janice - I use Ad-aware SE, spybot search and destroy, microsoft antiware AND spyware blaster (all free and downloadable from the web, and easy to use). I run them all every few weeks. The Ad-aware SE seems to pick up the most stuff. I used both Norton and McAfee but they were a royal pain- too clunky, too embedded in the registry - and ultimately I had to reformat my computers a few times because I couldn't wipe them off the registry and they were wreaking havoc. Now I use AVG-Free for antivirus (also free!) which works well. I'm NEVER going to use Norton or Mcafee again. Haven't had a virus problem , but have definitely had problem with commercial anti virus programs! Lynn > >Reply-To: >To: " practice improvement " < > >Subject: internet security >Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2006 03:25:38 -0400 > >I'm in the early stages of implementing my EHR and I'm wondering what most >of you use for internet security. >What antivirus and antispyware software is actually best and adequate to >protect patient files both in and out of one's EHR. I have Windows XP and >Internet Explorer. Consumer Reports has a great review of different >software products in their Sept 06 issue. They recommend having 2 spyware >programs. Do any of you use external hardware such as sonic wall for even >better protection and is it worth the expense? Are there any specific >requirements for health care providers re these issues? Is the encryption >on my EHR for backing up data offsite sufficient? Thanks. I'm feeling >concerned that my software may not be adequate. > >Janice Pegels, MD >Vestal, NY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2006 Report Share Posted August 7, 2006 Which “Norton” are you referring to? There are many products. I used the Systems Works ( I think that is what it was called) product a long time ago, and yes it was a big mess. Now I use the Client Security product (firewall, anti-virus, antispyware, etc) & it works great. I use Alteer & have my server onsite. internet security >Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2006 03:25:38 -0400 > >I'm in the early stages of implementing my EHR and I'm wondering what most >of you use for internet security. >What antivirus and antispyware software is actually best and adequate to >protect patient files both in and out of one's EHR. I have Windows XP and >Internet Explorer. Consumer Reports has a great review of different >software products in their Sept 06 issue. They recommend having 2 spyware >programs. Do any of you use external hardware such as sonic wall for even >better protection and is it worth the expense? Are there any specific >requirements for health care providers re these issues? Is the encryption >on my EHR for backing up data offsite sufficient? Thanks. I'm feeling >concerned that my software may not be adequate. > >Janice Pegels, MD >Vestal, NY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2006 Report Share Posted August 7, 2006 We use Trend Micro (http://www.trendmicro.com/en/home/us/home.htm) for virus protection rocky --- Janice wrote: > I'm in the early stages of implementing my EHR and I'm wondering what > most of you use for internet security. > What antivirus and antispyware software is actually best and adequate > to protect patient files both in and out of one's EHR. I have Windows > XP and Internet Explorer. Consumer Reports has a great review of > different software products in their Sept 06 issue. They recommend > having 2 spyware programs. Do any of you use external hardware such > as sonic wall for even better protection and is it worth the expense? > Are there any specific requirements for health care providers re > these issues? Is the encryption on my EHR for backing up data > offsite sufficient? Thanks. I'm feeling concerned that my software > may not be adequate. > > Janice Pegels, MD > Vestal, NY > Rakesh Patel MD Arizona Sun Family Medicine, P.C. 633 East Ray Road, #101 Gilbert, Arizona 85296 www.azsunfm.com PLEASE NOTE: Email is not a secure form of communication. It should not be used for urgent or sensitive messages. Email may be done securely through our web portal. If you have a medical emergency go to an Emergency Room or call 911. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2006 Report Share Posted August 7, 2006 We use Trend Micro (http://www.trendmicro.com/en/home/us/home.htm) for virus protection rocky --- Janice wrote: > I'm in the early stages of implementing my EHR and I'm wondering what > most of you use for internet security. > What antivirus and antispyware software is actually best and adequate > to protect patient files both in and out of one's EHR. I have Windows > XP and Internet Explorer. Consumer Reports has a great review of > different software products in their Sept 06 issue. They recommend > having 2 spyware programs. Do any of you use external hardware such > as sonic wall for even better protection and is it worth the expense? > Are there any specific requirements for health care providers re > these issues? Is the encryption on my EHR for backing up data > offsite sufficient? Thanks. I'm feeling concerned that my software > may not be adequate. > > Janice Pegels, MD > Vestal, NY > Rakesh Patel MD Arizona Sun Family Medicine, P.C. 633 East Ray Road, #101 Gilbert, Arizona 85296 www.azsunfm.com PLEASE NOTE: Email is not a secure form of communication. It should not be used for urgent or sensitive messages. Email may be done securely through our web portal. If you have a medical emergency go to an Emergency Room or call 911. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2006 Report Share Posted August 7, 2006 We have it so that our server is never connected to the internet except when we are doing software updates to avoid virus issues. All our emr data is stored on the server. When we need offsite access we connect to one of our work stations. We also do have a firewall. Of course you still need antivirus protection for your workstations. For our back up we encrypt the files and burn them to a cd or a dvd. Larry Lindeman MDI'm in the early stages of implementing my EHR and I'm wondering what most of you use for internet security.What antivirus and antispyware software is actually best and adequate to protect patient files both in and out of one's EHR. I have Windows XP and Internet Explorer. Consumer Reports has a great review of different software products in their Sept 06 issue. They recommend having 2 spyware programs. Do any of you use external hardware such as sonic wall for even better protection and is it worth the expense?  Are there any specific requirements for health care providers re these issues?  Is the encryption on my EHR for backing up data offsite sufficient? Thanks. I'm feeling concerned that my software may not be adequate. Janice Pegels, MDVestal, NY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2006 Report Share Posted August 7, 2006 LARRY JUST WONDERED I YO NEED SPECIAL ENRYOTION SOFTWARE/ /? GEORD > We have it so that our server is never connected to the internet > except when we are doing software updates to avoid virus issues. All > our emr data is stored on the server. When we need offsite access we > connect to one of our work stations. We also do have a firewall. Of > course you still need antivirus protection for your workstations. For > our back up we encrypt the files and burn them to a cd or a dvd. > Larry Lindeman MD > > >> >> I'm in the early stages of implementing my EHR and I'm wondering >> what most of you use for internet security. >> What antivirus and antispyware software is actually best and >> adequate to protect patient files both in and out of one's EHR. I >> have Windows XP and Internet Explorer. Consumer Reports has a great >> review of different software products in their Sept 06 issue. They >> recommend having 2 spyware programs. Do any of you use external >> hardware such as sonic wall for even better protection and is it >> worth the expense? Are there any specific requirements for health >> care providers re these issues? Is the encryption on my EHR for >> backing up data offsite sufficient? Thanks. I'm feeling concerned >> that my software may not be adequate. >> >> Janice Pegels, MD >> Vestal, NY >> >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2006 Report Share Posted August 8, 2006 At the recommendation of Computer Connection, the family owned company that manages my computer hardware and advises me about the rest, I am using something called PANDA for security. It Costs $40 a year and protects against spyware, cookies, viruses and, apparently, Gordon 's attachments. It updates itself automatically every night at 3:00 AM. I have to turn off the firewall at the server to connect SOAPware to the network in the morning, which is a hassle. However, since I put it on, no virus, computer slowing with excessive spyware, and no problems. You have to have 128 megs to start it up, but it only takes 8 to run it, so it doesn't slow the system I have. Joanne Holland Old MD in Drain, Oregon. What security do most of you have? See the all-new, redesigned Yahoo.com. Check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2006 Report Share Posted August 8, 2006 There are specific provisions in HIPAA regarding EMR security, storing copies off site, how it is encrypted, etc. Annoying, but backed up by nasty fines if violated. On the other hand, I hear that there is no budget for any enforcement (I've not verified this last bit). Gordon At 01:12 PM 8/7/2006, you wrote: We use Trend Micro ( http://www.trendmicro.com/en/home/us/home.htm) for virus protection rocky --- Janice wrote: > I'm in the early stages of implementing my EHR and I'm wondering what > most of you use for internet security. > What antivirus and antispyware software is actually best and adequate > to protect patient files both in and out of one's EHR. I have Windows > XP and Internet Explorer. Consumer Reports has a great review of > different software products in their Sept 06 issue. They recommend > having 2 spyware programs. Do any of you use external hardware such > as sonic wall for even better protection and is it worth the expense? > Are there any specific requirements for health care providers re > these issues? Is the encryption on my EHR for backing up data > offsite sufficient? Thanks. I'm feeling concerned that my software > may not be adequate. > > Janice Pegels, MD > Vestal, NY > Rakesh Patel MD Arizona Sun Family Medicine, P.C. 633 East Ray Road, #101 Gilbert, Arizona 85296 www.azsunfm.com PLEASE NOTE: Email is not a secure form of communication. It should not be used for urgent or sensitive messages. Email may be done securely through our web portal. If you have a medical emergency go to an Emergency Room or call 911. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2006 Report Share Posted August 8, 2006 There are specific provisions in HIPAA regarding EMR security, storing copies off site, how it is encrypted, etc. Annoying, but backed up by nasty fines if violated. On the other hand, I hear that there is no budget for any enforcement (I've not verified this last bit). Gordon At 01:12 PM 8/7/2006, you wrote: We use Trend Micro ( http://www.trendmicro.com/en/home/us/home.htm) for virus protection rocky --- Janice wrote: > I'm in the early stages of implementing my EHR and I'm wondering what > most of you use for internet security. > What antivirus and antispyware software is actually best and adequate > to protect patient files both in and out of one's EHR. I have Windows > XP and Internet Explorer. Consumer Reports has a great review of > different software products in their Sept 06 issue. They recommend > having 2 spyware programs. Do any of you use external hardware such > as sonic wall for even better protection and is it worth the expense? > Are there any specific requirements for health care providers re > these issues? Is the encryption on my EHR for backing up data > offsite sufficient? Thanks. I'm feeling concerned that my software > may not be adequate. > > Janice Pegels, MD > Vestal, NY > Rakesh Patel MD Arizona Sun Family Medicine, P.C. 633 East Ray Road, #101 Gilbert, Arizona 85296 www.azsunfm.com PLEASE NOTE: Email is not a secure form of communication. It should not be used for urgent or sensitive messages. Email may be done securely through our web portal. If you have a medical emergency go to an Emergency Room or call 911. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2006 Report Share Posted August 8, 2006 We have mostly Macs in our office. They have a utility built in that will encrypt your discs with AES 128 encryption and it will only open with a password. Larry Lindeman MDLARRY JUST WONDERED I YO NEED SPECIAL ENRYOTION SOFTWARE/ /? GEORD> We have it so that our server is never connected to the internet> except when we are doing software updates to avoid virus issues. All> our emr data is stored on the server. When we need offsite access we> connect to one of our work stations. We also do have a firewall. Of> course you still need antivirus protection for your workstations. For> our back up we encrypt the files and burn them to a cd or a dvd.> Larry Lindeman MD> >>>>> I'm in the early stages of implementing my EHR and I'm wondering>> what most of you use for internet security.>> What antivirus and antispyware software is actually best and>> adequate to protect patient files both in and out of one's EHR. I>> have Windows XP and Internet Explorer. Consumer Reports has a great>> review of different software products in their Sept 06 issue. They>> recommend having 2 spyware programs. Do any of you use external>> hardware such as sonic wall for even better protection and is it>> worth the expense? Are there any specific requirements for health>> care providers re these issues? Is the encryption on my EHR for>> backing up data offsite sufficient? Thanks. I'm feeling concerned>> that my software may not be adequate.>>>> Janice Pegels, MD>> Vestal, NY>>>>>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2006 Report Share Posted August 8, 2006 We have mostly Macs in our office. They have a utility built in that will encrypt your discs with AES 128 encryption and it will only open with a password. Larry Lindeman MDLARRY JUST WONDERED I YO NEED SPECIAL ENRYOTION SOFTWARE/ /? GEORD> We have it so that our server is never connected to the internet> except when we are doing software updates to avoid virus issues. All> our emr data is stored on the server. When we need offsite access we> connect to one of our work stations. We also do have a firewall. Of> course you still need antivirus protection for your workstations. For> our back up we encrypt the files and burn them to a cd or a dvd.> Larry Lindeman MD> >>>>> I'm in the early stages of implementing my EHR and I'm wondering>> what most of you use for internet security.>> What antivirus and antispyware software is actually best and>> adequate to protect patient files both in and out of one's EHR. I>> have Windows XP and Internet Explorer. Consumer Reports has a great>> review of different software products in their Sept 06 issue. They>> recommend having 2 spyware programs. Do any of you use external>> hardware such as sonic wall for even better protection and is it>> worth the expense? Are there any specific requirements for health>> care providers re these issues? Is the encryption on my EHR for>> backing up data offsite sufficient? Thanks. I'm feeling concerned>> that my software may not be adequate.>>>> Janice Pegels, MD>> Vestal, NY>>>>>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 I did some research on HIPAA a while back regarding these issues as they apply to my homegrown Linux based EMR. I may be wrong, but other than mandating the use of the ANSI X12 format for electronic exchange of healthcare related billing information, the technical details regarding EMR encryption, backup etc. in HIPAA are intentionally left rather vague and allow for a lot of flexibility in the technical details of how EMR security and privacy rules might be implemented, as long as they are reasonable. This seems logical, as a rule written in 1996 would not be able to account for uncertain technical changes in computer technology in the future. The administrative part of it seems to be where the emphasis was placed, in terms of your having to have a written plan in place with an " officer " in charge of implementing your policies and procedures, and most importantly, making sure all your staff understands and is implementing the plan, as well as policies and procedures for ensuring privacy of patient information when dealing with any other business entities you nead to interact with. Caldwell M.D. > > > > > I'm in the early stages of implementing my EHR and I'm wondering what > > > most of you use for internet security. > > > What antivirus and antispyware software is actually best and adequate > > > to protect patient files both in and out of one's EHR. I have Windows > > > XP and Internet Explorer. Consumer Reports has a great review of > > > different software products in their Sept 06 issue. They recommend > > > having 2 spyware programs. Do any of you use external hardware such > > > as sonic wall for even better protection and is it worth the expense? > > > Are there any specific requirements for health care providers re > > > these issues? Is the encryption on my EHR for backing up data > > > offsite sufficient? Thanks. I'm feeling concerned that my software > > > may not be adequate. > > > > > > Janice Pegels, MD > > > Vestal, NY > > > > > > >Rakesh Patel MD > >Arizona Sun Family Medicine, P.C. > >633 East Ray Road, #101 > >Gilbert, Arizona 85296 > > > >www.azsunfm.com > > > >PLEASE NOTE: Email is not a secure form of > >communication. It should not be used for urgent > >or sensitive messages. Email may be done > >securely through our web portal. If you have a > >medical emergency go to an Emergency Room or call 911. > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 I did some research on HIPAA a while back regarding these issues as they apply to my homegrown Linux based EMR. I may be wrong, but other than mandating the use of the ANSI X12 format for electronic exchange of healthcare related billing information, the technical details regarding EMR encryption, backup etc. in HIPAA are intentionally left rather vague and allow for a lot of flexibility in the technical details of how EMR security and privacy rules might be implemented, as long as they are reasonable. This seems logical, as a rule written in 1996 would not be able to account for uncertain technical changes in computer technology in the future. The administrative part of it seems to be where the emphasis was placed, in terms of your having to have a written plan in place with an " officer " in charge of implementing your policies and procedures, and most importantly, making sure all your staff understands and is implementing the plan, as well as policies and procedures for ensuring privacy of patient information when dealing with any other business entities you nead to interact with. Caldwell M.D. > > > > > I'm in the early stages of implementing my EHR and I'm wondering what > > > most of you use for internet security. > > > What antivirus and antispyware software is actually best and adequate > > > to protect patient files both in and out of one's EHR. I have Windows > > > XP and Internet Explorer. Consumer Reports has a great review of > > > different software products in their Sept 06 issue. They recommend > > > having 2 spyware programs. Do any of you use external hardware such > > > as sonic wall for even better protection and is it worth the expense? > > > Are there any specific requirements for health care providers re > > > these issues? Is the encryption on my EHR for backing up data > > > offsite sufficient? Thanks. I'm feeling concerned that my software > > > may not be adequate. > > > > > > Janice Pegels, MD > > > Vestal, NY > > > > > > >Rakesh Patel MD > >Arizona Sun Family Medicine, P.C. > >633 East Ray Road, #101 > >Gilbert, Arizona 85296 > > > >www.azsunfm.com > > > >PLEASE NOTE: Email is not a secure form of > >communication. It should not be used for urgent > >or sensitive messages. Email may be done > >securely through our web portal. If you have a > >medical emergency go to an Emergency Room or call 911. > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.