• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Unsworth LaPlante is open for in-person meetings! We have taken precautions in our office to ensure the safety and well-being of our clients and staff. To learn more about how Unsworth LaPlante is helping people through the COVID-19 pandemic, click here.

Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC

Vermont Estate Planning Attorneys

Vermont: (802) 879-7133

Attend A Free Webinar
  • Home
  • Our Firm
    • About Our Firm
    • Meet Our Team
  • Services
    • Elder Law
    • Estate And Gift Tax Figures
    • Estate Planning
    • Incapacity Planning
    • IRA & Retirement Planning
    • Legacy Planning
    • LGBTQ Estate Planning
    • Pet Planning
    • SECURE Act
    • Special Needs Planning
  • Resources
    • Articles
    • Elder Law Reports
    • Elder Law Resources
      • Burlington
      • Free Estate Planning Seminars
      • Montpelier
      • Rutland
      • St. Johnsbury
      • White River Junction
    • Free Estate Planning Worksheet
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Estate and Gift Tax
      • Estate Planning
      • FAQs for Families Without an Estate Plan
      • Incapacity Planning
      • IRA & Retirement Planning
      • Legacy Wealth Planning
      • LGBTQ Estate Planning
      • Medicaid
      • Pet Planning
      • Special Needs Planning
      • Trust Administration
      • Trusts
      • Wills
    • Is Your Estate Plan Outdated?
    • Medicaid Resources
      • Medicaid Analysis Worksheet
      • Medicaid Guide
      • Vermont Medicaid
    • Newsletters
    • Presentations
    • Reports
      • Advanced Estate Planning
      • Basic Estate Planning
      • Estate Planning for Niches
    • Top Estate Planning Techniques
  • Webinars
  • Communities We Serve
    • Burlington
  • Reviews
    • Our Reviews
    • Review Us
  • BLOG
  • Contact
Home » Should Seniors Be Concerned About Cloud Security?

Should Seniors Be Concerned About Cloud Security?

September 1, 2015 by Ellen LaPlante

cloud securitySometimes, we can be resistant to new technology. It’s human nature: that with which we feel uncomfortable, we tend to steer clear of. But with technology permeating every business sector, including healthcare, many are wondering if their wearable devices, such as emergency notification systems, is safe.

If you’re concerned, you’re not alone. Collecting health and fitness data through wearable devices is raising concerns among consumers – both seniors and their loved ones. A recent survey revealed a full 25 percent of consumers who used some sort of wearable health device, whether it was for tracking how many calories they’re burning on a daily average or aging consumers who relied on it as a safety net, stated they were concerned about the data being moved.

With new breaches reported every day, including two, one at Anthem and one at UCLA Medical School, those numbers are sure to rise. The 25 percent surprises some, “What is remarkable here is the numbers are as low as they are,” said Derek Gordon, general manager of healthcare IT at Healthline. “I would have expected the numbers to be higher.”

Then there are those who say the numbers are not higher because consumers know their data is safe. But how safe can it really be with new breaches announced almost daily?  “Once their data leaves their device and goes to the cloud, there’s a greater concern about security,” said Gordon.

Even if only 25 percent worry about their devices, they should know that 45 percent are indeed worried about what happens after the information leaves their devices. But even then, they’re concerned it might be “misplaced” versus “hacked” or “stolen”

Some argue smartphones collect considerably more data than today’s wearables, because they have more sensors and apps that present their own risks. And for those worried about their wearables, some experts say it’s simply fear of the new and unknown.

There are legitimate worries, even if some insist there’s nothing to fret over. A full one third of these medical mobile apps don’t use encryption, so its data is available to anyone who can access it. Not only that, but many of the wearables share data, so even if your choice is safe, if it’s sharing data, your information is at greater risk.

We know that often, it’s seniors who are targeted in various scams, so understanding the risks are important. That’s not to say they don’t offer a great solution – they do. Due diligence matters and seniors and their families are encouraged to do a bit of research before settling on any product with sharing technology.

Experts agree that what companies should do is before aggregating the data, putting in place better encryption so that the identity of a person is never compromised. This will minimize the harm to consumers if data is compromised in a breach.

“If there’s no way to tie this data back to you, your concern of risk should be low,” said Lee Kim, director of privacy and security technology solutions at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. That’s crucial: it’s one of the best ways to protect your loved one’s identity and safety.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ellen LaPlante
Ellen LaPlante
Ellen LaPlante is an attorney whose mission is to provide clients with guidance in Estate Planning, Elder Law, and Medicaid Preparation. She is barred in Vermont and New York. Ellen helps clients put together unique estate plans, including assistance with Trusts, Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Advance Directives. She also works with clients on Medicaid Planning and qualifying for Medicaid assistance.
Ellen LaPlante
Latest posts by Ellen LaPlante (see all)
  • Tony Hsieh of Zappos Fame Died Without a Will - January 13, 2021
  • New Year’s Resolution: End the Estate Planning Procrastination - January 6, 2021
  • IRS Releases 2021 Estate Tax Exclusion Adjustment - January 4, 2021

Filed Under: General

Other Articles You May Find Useful

Burlington Elder Law Attorneys
Estate Planning Considerations for a Second Marriage
Burlington Medicaid Attorneys
How Many People Rely on Medicaid?
durable power of attorney
What if Your Power of Attorney Isn’t Durable?
Vermont inheritance laws
Vermont Inheritance Laws for Minor Children
Asset protection strategies
What are Some of the Top Asset Protection Strategies?
Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC
What’s Behind Soaring Medicare Prescription Costs?

Primary Sidebar

Elder Law and Medicaid Planning Attorneys

Unsworth LaPlante, PLC

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHEET

There's a lot that goes into setting up a comprehensive estate plan, but with our FREE worksheet, you'll be one step closer to getting yourself and your family on the path to a secure and happy future.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Blog Subscription

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Essex Junction, VT

26 Railroad Ave
Essex Junction, VT 05452
United States (US)
Phone: (802) 879-7133
Fax: (802) 879-0408

Map

unsworth_sidbr_map

Office Hours

Monday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Footer

footer-logo
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

The information on this Vermont Attorneys & Lawyers / Law Firm website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this or associated pages, documents, comments, answers, emails, or other communications should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information on this website is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing of this information does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Disclaimer | Site Map | Powered by American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys

© 2021 American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.