ShoCard and RF IDeas Enhance Security, Privacy, and Efficiencies in the Healthcare Industry
On the heels of announcing its upcoming ICO, ShoCard marked its official entrance into the healthcare services industry with the announcement of its partnership with RF IDeas, a leading innovator and manufacturer of employee badge and card readers that enable innovative solutions for single sign-on, secure print, attendance tracking and other applications that require authentication. ShoCard integrated its patented enterprise solution, ShoBadge, with RF IDeas’ pcProx® Plus BLE dual-frequency reader to deploy the latest in security technologies by applying blockchain-enabled mobile credential readers to the healthcare industry.
Healthcare workers use the ShoBadge app in much the same way they would use their employee ID badge. The difference is that with ShoBadge, their badge and all the associated identifying information is encrypted and s
tored on their mobile device, enabling an emerging concept called Bring Your Own ID (BYOID). After the one-way hashes of data are digitally signed and stored on the blockchain, an institution, like a healthcare facilty or employer, can certify the user, storing that certification on the blockchain. The blockchain only stores identity certifications, as opposed to personally identifiable information (PII), which cannot be reverse-engineered or changed.
The implementation of a new, blockchain-based solution that meets compliance guidelines is the next step for healthcare institutions adopting the latest, high-tech solutions. However, the real value of this new mobile reader is found in the day-to-day improvements for doctors, nurses and administrative staff. So, how exactly does a blockchain-based credential reader really impact healthcare workers and patients?
Security
Thanks to six-factor authentication capabilities provided through the ShoBadge app, such as PIN, Touch ID, Face ID, facial recognition, liveliness and geo-fencing, and the use of blockchain technology, ShoBadge brings an unprecedented level of security to healthcare workers. It prevents “middle man” attacks, or an attack characterized by a malicious actor intercepting and controlling communication between two parties who believe they are communicating with each other. For environments like e-prescribing software, that brings physicians, pharmacies, and benefit managers together to share patient information, this high-level security is especially valuable. Patients can rest easy, knowing their information is being transferred safely to the correct parties, and never falling into the wrong hands.
Seamless SSO Integration
In addition to security, ShoBadge also improves operational efficiencies for RF Ideas healthcare clients. The mobile identity app seamlessly integrates into existing single sign-on (SSO) federated systems and their supported applications, like Imprivata, Okta and Microsoft Azure. Healthcare workers do not have to learn any new processes, meaning they do not have to sacrifice time and resources that could be used for patients.
Eliminates Usernames and Passwords
The new ShoBadge-enabled RF IDeas application solution eliminates the need for manual entries of usernames and passwords. For example, if different applications used by healthcare workers require different sets of usernames and passwords, the workers do not need to remember them, instead they can use ShoBadge to access them all. Additionally, staff easily can authenticate themselves when working across different hospitals, clinics, healthcare facilities, even locations that may be owned and operated by different healthcare systems. The quicker a healthcare worker can enter a facility and securely access important documentation and applications, the quicker a patient can receive care.
Privacy
Privacy always is protected with the ShoBadge-powered RF IDeas application solution. When healthcare facilities enable BYOID, they no longer need to store employee usernames and passwords in large databases that are vulnerable to sophisticated hackers. Bad actors wishing to obtain this information and pose as a healthcare worker to access PII, prescriptions and more are unable to do so when there is no database to attack and no usernames and passwords to breach. When patients feel their privacy is protected, the line of communication between patient and healthcare worker opens up, and the overall care will improve.
For more information on ShoCard and ShoBadge:
- How ShoBadge Works…
- Request a demo of ShoCard products
- Request our whitepaper by contacting info@shocard.com
Sean Bouani is responsible for leading ShoCard’s Enterprise business development. Sean brings more than 15 years of business leadership experience in the enterprise, digital media, mobile, connected TV, privacy and software sales. He is skilled at building business through the expansion of client and partner bases, generating new revenue opportunities and designing, launching and directing high-impact strategic plans that result in long-term value creation for the clients. A proven growth leader, Sean has created significant stakeholder value across multiple industries. Previously, Bouani was VP of North America Sales at numberly, Sr. Director of Strategic Sales at Aol (bought by Verizon) and prior to that, he was Sr. Director of Strategic Sales at Buysight and part of the team that led to the acquisition by AOL’s Advertising.com Group in December of 2012. As Vice President, Americas — Professional Services and Enterprise Systems at EyeWonder, he was part of the team that led to the acquisition by Limelight Networks.
