Aintree NHS Trust deploys new USB security solution
21 January, 2009 – Aintree University Hospitals NHS Trust has deployed a new USB data security solution implemented by leading IT security specialist Network Defence. The solution will mean all data that is transferred using data sticks can only be read by users who have the correct password, ensuring that confidential data and sensitive information is kept secure.
Recent data security breaches within other government departments have led to calls for greater data security with transportable media devices, such as data sticks, and means that Aintree University Hospitals NHS Trust is setting the standard for others to follow.
Ward Preistman, director of informatics at Aintree University Hospitals NHS Trust said: “Patients expect us to take all reasonable steps to safeguard their data, and that's exactly what we are doing. We wanted to set the standard for others to follow and find a solution which would help keep our sensitive data secure. We also wanted a solution that would help reduce the number of service desk calls we get regarding issues with data storage.
“Network Defence has provided us with a cost-effective and easy-to-manage solution which gives us the flexibility and above all robust level of security we require. We have now banned the use of non-encrypted USBs for storing and transferring Trust data. This has increased levels of security as users now don’t need to make a decision about whether to encrypt data or not - it is done automatically.”
A key benefit of the device is its simplicity. Its ease of use means there is no real change to users’ day-to-day process of transferring data. Furthermore the USB can be used with any PC, at any location - this was a necessary requirement for the Trust.
Ward Priestman continues: “Network Defence have been extremely knowledgeable in advising us with the rollout and are providing us with any technical support we need. Their consultative and helpful approach has ensured we make the most of the benefits the solution has to offer; we would recommend them to anyone else looking to deploy a solution such as this.”
As part of the deployment Network Defence rolled out 500 SafeStick USB flash drives across the Trust to admin, clinical and non-clinical staff, who need to transfer data as part of their role.
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