Maintaining Privacy and Security When Seeking Healthcare

Always use secure websites with HTTPS encryption (look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar). This protects your data during transmission.

Verify the website’s legitimacy. Check for contact information, a physical address, and professional licensing details. Avoid sites lacking transparency.

Use strong, unique passwords for online healthcare accounts. Consider a password manager to simplify this process and enhance security.

Review your privacy settings on any healthcare app or website. Understand what data is collected and how it’s used. Opt out of unnecessary data sharing.

Be cautious about emails or texts requesting personal information. Legitimate healthcare providers rarely ask for sensitive details via these channels. Verify requests directly with the provider.

Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when accessing healthcare websites or apps on public Wi-Fi. This adds another layer of protection against data interception.

Report any suspicious activity or data breaches immediately to the website or app provider and relevant authorities.

Regularly review your credit reports for unauthorized activity. This can help detect potential identity theft related to compromised healthcare data.

Choose reputable online pharmacies with transparent policies regarding privacy and security. Check online reviews and ratings before using a service.

Understand your rights regarding your health information under relevant privacy laws (like HIPAA in the US). Know how to access and control your data.