Digital Health Tools: What are the Security Risks with Mobile Healthcare Apps?

Digital health tools are technologies designed to support health, wellness, and medical care. These include mobile health apps, wearable devices, telemedicine platforms, Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems, AI diagnostics, and remote patient monitoring. These tools not only enhance healthcare delivery but are also accessible, efficient, personalized, engaging, and cost-effective for the average user. We will focus in-depth on Mobile Health Apps—especially around the rising concern of data security leaks and their impact on healthcare systems and patient trust.

Now that you have an idea on digital health tools, lets tap into a popular health tool like Mobile Health Apps. We all have had access to them believe it or not, as a matter of fact any iPhone user has one which is called Health. The Health app on the iPhone goes into Medical ID like name, info, allergies, medications, sleep, health conditions, organ donation and more. We are putting this information in to help us in time of need; however, there are thoughts of who else maybe receiving this information, and what are they doing with it? Mobile Health Apps are an intricate part of modern healthcare.

According to industry healthcare there are over 350,000 health related apps available which continues to grow. Unfortunately, 350,000 apps come with lack of robust security features. Nearly eighty percent of health apps share data with third parties. And fewer of half use encryption, encryption, which is converting data into code to prevent unauthorized use. Hich also bring us to know, that these mobile health apps too are not covered by HIPAA if they are not affiliated with healthcare providers. For example, the covid-19 contact checker apps were needed extremely fast with the outbreak, that being rushed the app did not have adequate security and privacy testing. He problem is that because it is rushed hackers will try to break them. Contact tracing apps need to be tested for vulnerabilities and critical updates. Meaning, it is best to limit the location settings to run only when approved and when in use. It is suggested that the information being taken are used to extort and blackmail companies. Ransomware groups target specifically medical organizations, health care providers simply to sell information on cybercrime forums.

How can we reduce the risk of data leaks from mobile health apps? It is mentioned that app developers must implement more secure application programming interface (API) encryption. Not only that, but they should also follow Open Web Application Security Project guidelines (OWASP) as they are a non-profit organization that empowers communities of developers and volunteers to build and maintain secure software. For users, it is important to research apps before downloading. One should make sure their app comes from trusted sources by also reviewing app permissions. One can check other third-party app stores to see if they too have access. If they do, it is more likely that your information may be leaked. Use apps that allow data export and deletion on demand. Mobile health apps are still emerging, and they do pose significant privacy and security risks. Without stronger protections, these tools may undermine trust for users and compromise sensitive health information for companies, hospitals, and offices.