Is Airdroid Business HIPAA Compliant?
Airdroid is a HIPAA-compliant all-in-one Android Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution for small businesses and enterprises that can be used by HIPAA-covered entities and their business associates to improve privacy and comply with many provisions of the HIPAA Security Rule.
Managing increasing numbers of mobile devices can be a major challenge for healthcare organizations. Mobile devices can be used to access and store protected health information and if a device is lost or stolen, sensitive data could easily be exposed. Vulnerabilities in mobile devices and mobile applications can easily be missed and can be exploited by malicious actors to gain access to PHI. Compromised devices may also be used as a stepping stone in a broader attack on the organization. The problem for IT teams is they often do not have visibility into mobile devices so ensuring the devices are kept up to date and secured can be a major challenge.
An MDM solution makes managing mobile devices much more straightforward. These solutions provide IT teams with full visibility into their mobile devices, no matter where they are located. Through a central admin console, IT teams can apply updates, remotely configure and deploy apps, apply security policies to protect data, and uninstall apps on demand. IT teams can access devices remotely to resolve issues quickly, and tracking can be enabled to monitor device movement, identify where individuals are currently located, and instantly secure and wipe devices in the event of loss or theft.
MDM Solutions and HIPAA Compliance
Since MDM solutions are used to manage devices that can access, store, process, alter, and transmit protected health information, the provider of the software is classed as a business associate and has responsibilities under HIPAA. Before any MDM solution can be used by a HIPAA-regulated entity to manage devices that can create, access, store, or transmit ePHI, a HIPAA-compliant business associate agreement must be in place. Any vendor that is not willing to enter into a business associate agreement should be avoided.
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It is important to stress that no software solution can be fully HIPAA compliant. The software developer can ensure that their software supports HIPAA compliance, and they can enter into a business associate agreement, but HIPAA compliance is also about the users of the solution. Training must be provided to users, appropriate access controls configured, an audit trail should be maintained of any access, alteration, or deletion of PHI, logs must be maintained and monitored for unauthorized access and suspicious activity, and the software must be kept fully up to date to ensure vulnerabilities are addressed before they can be exploited.
The Airdroid Mobile Device Management Solution
Airdroid is a comprehensive, easy-to-use MDM solution with many healthcare-specific features. The solution allows diversified healthcare security policies to be set to protect sensitive data and allows devices to be monitored in real-time and for devices and apps to be remotely installed and updated. The solution supports compliant use of restricted devices, features real-time location monitoring and tracking, remote locking and wiping of devices, and helps healthcare organizations comply with the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules regarding patient privacy and data protection.
The platform allows healthcare providers to manage and control employee devices as well as Android tablets provided to patients. The platform supports transfers of files and documents to multiple devices, gives IT teams full control through remote access, the status of devices can easily be monitored, specific devices can be configured to receive actionable alerts, and devices can be configured to update automatically for improved security. Updates can also be scheduled to fit in with busy healthcare workflows. Administrators can apply and configure mandatory password policies, place restrictions on the apps and websites, lockdown devices into a single app or set of apps, restrict USB connections and remotely wipe data for data loss prevention.
The platform has an application management service (AMS) that allows IT admins to remotely manage, install, update, and distribute apps on enrolled devices according to specific needs, and any troubleshooting can be performed in blank screen mode to enhance privacy. The solution also allows different policies to be set for individual or groups of devices, with roles assigned with appropriate access rights. Airdroid also allows healthcare providers to monitor patient data, set alerts about device usage, and trigger notifications under certain circumstances to improve patient safety, privacy, and security.
Is Airdroid Business HIPAA Compliant?
Airdroid provides an MGM solution that supports HIPAA compliance. The company will enter into a business associate agreement with HIPAA-regulated entities for its Airdroid Business product, and the solution incorporates the necessary privacy and security features for HIPAA compliance. Further, the features offered to healthcare organizations help them to meet many requirements of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules. Airdroid can be considered a HIPAA-compliant MGM solution that is suitable for use by HIPAA-covered entities and their business associates and can help them improve their security posture through increased visibility into their mobile devices and easy and effective mobile device management.
