OIPC confirms AHS responded responsibly to virus incident
December 10, 2009
EDMONTON – The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) has found that Alberta Health Services (AHS) did not fail to safeguard health information and took a prudent and responsible course of action in responding to a computer virus that briefly infected the AHS-Edmonton network in May 2009.
These findings, detailed in an OIPC report released today, are consistent with an internal review that AHS completed and shared with the Information and Privacy Commissioner in July.
“We are pleased that the OIPC has reviewed our response to this incident,” says AHS Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Bill Trafford. “AHS is committed to upholding internationally recognized information security practices, and the report is a great endorsement of the work we’re doing to ensure the highest standards are met.”
In direct response to this incident, AHS put forward seven internal recommendations, all of which are in the process of being implemented as part of the organization’s larger information security and management program, AHSecure.
The AHS recommendations address areas where improvement will directly benefit the prevention, detection and containment of computer virus attacks, and will enhance the ability of AHS to maintain the privacy and security of patient information.
Two of the seven recommendations are expected to be implemented by end of January 2010 and the remaining five will be complete before March 31, 2010.
“Protecting patient information is, and has always been, of utmost importance to our organization. We remain focused on the roll-out of enhanced security measures and appreciate the support of the OIPC as we do so.”
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.5 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
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