Encryption
The process of converting data into a coded format to prevent unauthorized access during transmission or storage.
Why is Encryption Important?
There are regulations governing the handling of protected information and significant penalties for non-compliance. Encryption is the generally accepted solution that helps guarantee the safety of the patient’s information and provides a safe harbor for the institution from having to notify patients, the media and the government in the event a breach or other loss of protected health information occurs.
What Information Needs to be Encrypted?
All PHI must be encrypted. PHI is information related to the provision of past or present healthcare to patients and can include patient name, date of birth, date of service, MRN, invoice number, social security number, address, email address, facial photos or other identifying photos
What Devices and Platforms Need to be Encrypted?
- Portable devices, such as flash drives and smart phones
- E-mail attachments that contain PHI and go outside the secure Washington University/Barnes-Jewish Hospital system
- Laptops
- Desktops, if protected health information is stored on the hard drive
Policies
Resources
- Encrypting Email Messages in Outlook
- WUSTL Box
- Filevault Encryption Instructions (laptop)
- Bitlocker Encryption Instructions (laptop)
Where Do I Go For Help?
The university has many resources available to assist you. The first resource is your department or schools IT support staff who will be able to assist in determining which laptops, workstations, and departmental servers need encryption software. They will also assist you with encrypted flash drives and document encryption.