Veterans Affairs information technology professionals say protecting private health data is a must.

All devices and information shared by the VA must meet Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS), according to Kirk Hastings, VA Butler supervisory information technology specialist.

FIPS’ 140 standards are specific security requirements for encryption within a security system.

Before the VA provides computer tablets or other devices, an app called AirWatch is used that encrypts information provided during any type of video conferencing or information shared between doctor and patient.

AirWatch is controlled by an “admin,” which is someone who performs administrative duties on a network, server or forum. A VA mobile help desk console for AirWatch controls every computer tablet or device in the VA network, according to VA Butler Information Specialist Steve Iman.

“They can see everything that’s on the computer tablet. It checks in every 48 hours to make sure it meets all the standards,” Iman said.

Should a veteran lose his mobile device, it is secured and can’t be used by anyone else. Devices are password protected and can be turned off remotely and erased.

“Let’s just say this computer tablet is out in the community, someone loses it at Burger King or it gets dropped in a field, or for some reason someone loses it, these devices are protected,” Hastings said. “Security is the number one priority. If we can’t secure it, we don’t put it on the network.”

A VA nurse or employee in the home helping a veteran get patient records through the network must use dual-factor authentication to enter the system. Entry would require a password plus a token, which is a code that expires every 30 seconds.

“You have to log in with that code within that 30-second window in order to access the VA network,” Iman said.

Iman and Hastings said the VA’s ultimate goal will be for veterans to gain access to their doctors or health information through their cell phones or other devices through a secure network.

“VA Butler Healthcare, and the VA as a whole, are committed to safeguarding patient information. Our people and technology solutions place veterans and the security of their information at the center of everything we do,” Hastings said.