Studycast PACS Adds Two-factor Authentication to Improve Data Privacy and Security

June 12, 2019 — Core Sound Imaging announced the addition of two-factor authentication (2FA) to the security measures available for the Studycast system, the company's cloud-based picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and reporting solution. For clients who choose to use 2FA, this addition will enhance system security by requiring users to enter a time-sensitive access code in addition to their username and password.

The Studycast system already boasts a powerful set of security measures, according to the company, including state-of-the-art encryption, geographically disparate enterprise-class tier III+ data centers and optional single sign-on. Adding 2FA to this offering provides clients with another option for strengthening security at the point of access.

In this age of digital transformation, healthcare providers are increasingly under attack from hackers and other cybersecurity threats. Healthcare has become the industry most vulnerable to data breaches in recent years, with cybersecurity incidents racking up more than $1.2 billion in costs in 2017 alone.  It is estimated that more than 80 percent of all data breaches are caused by compromised login credentials. In other words, lost or stolen passwords might be the biggest threat to the security of digitized protected health information (PHI).

Two-factor authentication can provide an additional safeguard against unauthorized access to PHI without disrupting the clinical workflow.  By requiring an additional piece of information at login, 2FA helps protect sensitive patient data even if a user's password is stolen. For the Studycast system, the additional piece of information users must enter to gain access is a code generated by an app installed on a separate device.  The code is time-sensitive, and when it expires, a new code will be generated.

Although HIPAA does not require the use of two-factor authentication, it does mandate that covered entities must protect the privacy and security of patient data.

For more information: www.corestudycast.com