As the FBI reports, there have been thousands of complaints related, specifically, to COVID-19. There are scams and cyber actors working to target medical facilities, among other institutions, and take advantage of businesses and individuals working from home. 

The FBI goes on to warn and educate that less secure video platforms are vulnerable to eavesdropping and recording private information. This is particularly important to note, because as clinicians, we have an ethical responsibility to protect clients’ confidentiality and the personal details they share in session. In creating safe spaces emotionally and physically, we need to also consider cyber safety as equally important.

Below are some actions the FBI suggests taking and being aware of: 

Do: 

• Select trusted and reputable telework software vendors; conduct additional due diligence when selecting foreign-sourced vendors.
• Restrict access to remote meetings, conference calls, or virtual classrooms, including the use of passwords if possible.
• Beware of social engineering tactics aimed at revealing sensitive information. Make use of tools that block suspected phishing emails or allow users to report and quarantine them.
• Beware of advertisements or emails purporting to be from telework software vendors.
• Always verify the web address of legitimate websites or manually type it into the browser.

Don’t:

• Share links to remote meetings, conference calls, or virtual classrooms on open websites or open social media profiles.
• Open attachments or click links within emails from senders you do not recognize.

Motivo knows the importance of cyber security as well. Supervisors and supervisees can feel confident using our software. Motivo utilizes a third-party tele-health portal for all clinical supervision sessions and has a Business Associates Agreement (BAA) with a third-party tele-health platform, which provides HIPAA-compliant protection measures throughout the site.

And in a time of uncertainty and unknowns, staying informed and cyber savvy is one way we can help assure those we help that they are safe in our care. 

Are you a tele-health provider with cyber safety tips to share? Let us know! Email emily@wearemotivo.com to share your ideas.