Police offer cybersecurity tips for telehealth users

Telehealth is a way for health providers to diagnose, treat, and communicate with patients remotely, by phone or video. While Telehealth may be an effective alternative to a typical doctor’s appointment, Kingston Police are warning it could also be a quick and easy way for cybercriminals to find targets.

Kingston Police are offering the following suggestions to safeguard personal information while using telehealth services.

1. Keep your device up-to-date

Whether you connect to telehealth using a smartphone or a computer, make sure the device is up-to-date with the latest security patches. This includes updating all applications, not just the ones used for telehealth purposes. Police caution that each app is a potential point of entry for cybercriminals. If the scammers gain access to your device in any way, then your sensitive medical information will be at risk.

2. Use an advanced login

Telehealth services typically require a username and password. Police suggest users take advantage of Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) if available. MFA requires you to enter your password and then enter another form of verification, such as a code sent via text message. If MFA isn’t offered, Kingston Police recommend using a password manager to generate and securely store complex passwords.

3. Connect with a secure network

Never use a public wifi connection for telehealth services. “You never know who could be watching and tracking your activity,” Kingston Police warn. When connecting from home, be sure to set up a strong password for your router. Default router passwords are often public knowledge or easy to guess. For the most secure network, connect to a virtual private network (VPN), which encrypts web traffic to protect your information.

“Stop, look, think,” Kingston Police warn. “Don’t be fooled by the scammers.”