BIDMC CIO outlines mobile device encryption program

John D. Halamka, Chief Information Officer of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, has outlined a strategy for mobile device security with an emphasis on encryption programs, according to Halamka's blog "Life as a Healthcare CIO."  Halamka explains the mandatory encryption program that will go into effect for all staff members at BIDMC, including programs for mobile devices, financial and administrative data, and all programs and documents related to BIDMC.  

Halamka says the encryption program will be implemented by BIDMC Information Systems along with the cooperation and security education of all the staff, which includes preparing personal devices for encryption and then leaving them with the IS department. 

This mandatory program and the introduction of new, stricter security precautions follow a breach of patient records which occurred when a physician's laptop was stolen in May. BIDMC hospital execs hope the encryption program will prevent future security breaches.  Post