mHealth Apps: A Threat to User Privacy?

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mHealth Apps

We are assuming that all the readers are now well familiar with the concept of mHealth apps!

How can we be so sure? 

Well, who wouldn’t enjoy the convenience of remote health monitoring, especially in the times of COVID-19? 

People started witnessing the revolution only after the pandemic hit as experts and professionals began leveraging new technologies into traditional activities. Therefore, gone are the days when mobile apps were only used to play games or listen to music. These apps are now much more than that, and one of the most prominent examples is mHealth that enables patients to monitor their health remotely. 

Isn’t it incredible?

BUT HOW? We agree that the bigger question is how patients can monitor and diagnose with the help of just an app? 

Under normal conditions, when someone gets sick, they visit the doctor and tell all about their medical history and the current problem they are facing. Thus, the doctor suggests the appropriate diagnosis. 

Surprisingly, mHealth apps do pretty much the same! They collect information about the users and educates them based on the same. 

BUT do healthcare apps maintain user privacy? 

The Importance of Data Privacy in the Healthcare Industry

If you’re new to the healthcare digital transformation journey, this article will highlight the importance of data privacy. So, continue reading to learn more!

Undoubtedly, technology is efficiently making its space in numerous industries, including the healthcare sector. 

According to HealthGlobal data, more than 80% of Covid tracking apps were found to leak data. On the other hand, about 70% of medical apps consist of one high-level security issue, which causes a major breach of data. 

Why should you emphasize app security for your users?

  • Medical apps can consist of sensitive patient information, and if leaked, they could lose users in a significant number. 
  • If you want to successfully run your medical app, having a robust security system is a must as it’ll enhance the consumer experience. 

How to Build a Secure mHealth App? 

As mentioned above, it is vital to build a secure mHealth mechanism, keeping the privacy concerns in mind. 

How will you do so? Here’s what you need to know:

  • Conduct Compliance Analysis

No matter the medical and healthcare industry advancements, it is still bound by some legal regulations for handling sensitive patient data. 

Notably, every app falls under a specific compliance standard; therefore, you must conduct research if your mHealth app needs compliance.

We understand that the concept might be new for you, so how would you decide if your app needs compliance? 

In cases where an app is expected to be used by the healthcare personnel and transfer sensitive data, policy compliance will be needed. 

  • Ensure Encryption of Data

A mobile app becomes successful only when it manages to rope in more users, and how does that happen? 

It happens only when the app developers are able to win their customer’s trust! 

If patients’ doubt that their confidentiality is getting breached, they’ll stop availing the services from you, further leading to uninstallation. 

One perfect solution to make it a win-win situation is to encrypt the information. Thus, it’ll help in protecting the databases, communication channels, sensitive information, and more. 

  • Execute User Authentication 

Adding multiple layers of authentication can ensure high security of data by preventing any unauthorized use of the app. 

For instance, if any user’s phone gets stolen or lost, the MFA system leveraged into the system will require a password to get into the mHealth app. 

  • Regulate Testing 

What will happen if you do not emphasize thorough testing of your mHealth app?

It can put your business at stake! 

Therefore, the testing stage is vital to make sure that your app doesn’t lack anything and offers higher quality. Additionally, running security tests will be the cherry on the cake. 

Build an Applaud-Worthy Healthcare App

Mobile applications have efficiently contributed to the transition that has taken place after the COVID-19 pandemic. Be it education or healthcare, apps leveraged with modern tech and trends are doing wonders for the people at home for the security of their health. 

Undoubtedly, being able to access the services remotely is one of the biggest convenience factors in today’s era, making mobile apps a huge success. 

So, are you convinced to build one for your business? 

If that’s a yes, we applaud you for your great decision! First, however, you’ll need to connect with the experts for more insights on your idea and professional advice. Therefore, reach out to the best healthcare app development companies and build an efficient product for your business. 

Take care and have a happy innovation!