Boston University



DELETE FILES YOU DON’T NEEDWhy do I need to delete unnecessary files? When a cyberattack – using phishing or other tactics – is successful, an attacker could access data in your email account and on your computers. While some of the data is necessary, some isn’t. And the worst breach is a breach of data we don’t need.What data should I be worried about? If you have ever been involved in billing, you may have Social Security Numbers, checking account numbers, or debit/credit card numbers. If you have ever been involved in patient care or research you may have HIPAA or personally identifiable health data. Boston University classifies these types of data as Restricted Use because impermissible access, use, or disclosure may require breach reporting to patients or government agencies. When Restricted Use data is de-identified, the de-identified data becomes Confidential, while the code or key remains Restricted Use. – if the code or key to de-identified data is also on your computer or in your email the data is not de-identified. Keep the code or key in a locked cabinet/safe or encrypt the file with a password that is different from your BU (email) password.How do I encrypt Microsoft documents and workbooks?Check out this link for instructions on how to encrypt Microsoft documents and workbooks: should I do about data I must keep? Medical records must be kept for 20 years, after final treatment, and some records related to human subject research must be kept for 7 years. email and your computer, however, are not safe archiving methods. If you have data that should be in a patient’s medical record, add it. Likewise, when research is complete, transfer the data to the appropriate repository (e.g., Office of Research Compliance), then delete related emails and files on your computer. questions? Contact your HIPAA Contact or your HIPAA Security Rule Officer, David Corbett, at corbettd@bu.edu ................
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