Call Us Today! 877-659-2467

Two factor vs Two Step Authentications

man_coffee_tablet

By Aris Medical Solutions

Sometimes these terms are interchanged which is is not exactly correct. Let us explain the difference!

Two factor authentication is typically a username AND a password. This can also be explained as who you are and something you know.

Two step is using two different types of authentication like a username and password PLUS a one time code that is text to your phone. Some providers permit the use of a fingerprint to authorize the second step.

The use of a security word is also used as a second step type of authentication so you need to be very careful about posting any type of personal information on social media. Aris suggests when the security question asks for your mother’s maiden name, make up a name! Just don’t forget what name you used!

No matter what type of the second step authentication that is offered, it is best to select whatever is offered because although a username and password is the most common type of authentication, it is also easily compromised.

People who work within the Health Care sector are heavily targeted since the type of data they access is very valuable on the dark web. Anyone who works with patient information or for a company that provides services to a medical facility can be targeted. Again, special care must be taken to ensure that patient information is not compromised.

First step in protecting patient data is conducting a HIPAA Security Risk Analysis. Know where your data is and understand how to protect it. Secondly, make sure you have a full set of Privacy and Security Policies and Procedures. Members of your staff need to know how important protecting patient data is and understand what they need to do to accomplish this.

For more information on how Aris Medical Solutions can help your organization with HIPAA Compliance and Protecting your Data call 877.659.2467 or click here to contact us.

“Protecting Organizations through Partnership, Education, and Support”

About Suze Shaffer

Suze Shaffer is the Owner and President of Aris Medical Solutions, a healthcare compliance company dedicated to simplifying HIPAA compliance. Through its online compliance solution, the HIPAA Keeper™, Aris Medical Solutions provides healthcare providers and business associates with the tools, documentation, training, and expert guidance needed to achieve and maintain HIPAA compliance.

Through the HIPAA Keeper™, Aris has assisted organizations nationwide with conducting risk analyses, developing risk management plans, implementing HIPAA Privacy and Security policies and procedures, and strengthening safeguards for protected health information. Aris Medical Solutions also considers applicable federal and state privacy and security requirements to help clients build a more comprehensive compliance program.

Suze is also a speaker and has presented at numerous conferences and professional events on HIPAA compliance, cybersecurity, risk management, and data breach prevention. Helping organizations understand their responsibilities and identify vulnerabilities before they result in a breach, audit, or investigation. She believes effective compliance begins with education. By helping organizations understand not only what they are required to do, but why those safeguards are important, organizations are better prepared to protect patient information and reduce their compliance risks.

At Aris Medical Solutions, the mission is simple: “Simplifying HIPAA” through education, expert guidance, and the HIPAA Keeper™, Aris Medical Solutions helps organizations turn complicated compliance requirements into a manageable, ongoing process.

The information provided reflects regulatory requirements and guidance available at the time of writing and is intended for educational purposes only. It should not be considered legal advice.

Share This HIPAA Blog

MIPS, MACRA, and Risk Assessments

December 16, 2017

Healthcare Cyber Attacks went up almost 90% in 2017

February 15, 2018
©2026 Aris Medical Solutions – HIPAA Risk Management | HIPAA Compliance Consultants | All Rights Reserved | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy
The content and images on this website is owned by Aris Medical Solutions and their owners. Do not copy any content or images without our consent.
Powered by Bandwise LLC