Protect Your Health Online (posted June 25, 2025)

By Adam Behnke, Communications Specialist for Brown County Public Health 

The internet plays a major role in our lives these days. Aside from the everyday uses — internet searches, email, social media scrolling — Many of us go online to check test results, message our doctor, refill prescriptions, or attend video visits with a provider. That’s why June, which is National Internet Safety Month, is a great time to make sure we’re staying safe online, especially when it comes to our personal health. 

Your health information is some of the most personal data you have and should be protected as much as possible. Staying safe online is essentially keeping your ‘digital self’ happy and healthy. In today’s edition of the Healthy Herald, we’ll explore some important ways you can keep your health information secure. 


Strong Passwords Protect Your Health 

Many of us have online accounts for things like MyChart or other patient portals. These tools are great for keeping track of your health, but they also contain a trove of personal data. That’s why it’s vitally important to protect these accounts with a strong password. 

A strong password is one that’s hard to guess. Instead of using your pet’s name or your birthday, try to come up with something long and unique. Experts recommend using at least 12 characters and mixing in letters, numbers, and symbols. Many websites these days require passwords with a mixture of these characters. Using a challenging password might feel like a hassle at first, but it does wonders for your account’s security. 

If you have trouble remembering all your passwords, many suggest using a password manager: a secure app that stores all your passwords in one place. It’s much safer than writing your passwords down or reusing the same one on all the sites you frequent the most. 

The importance of strong passwords is highlighted by news just a few days ago that billions of login credentials have been leaked and compiled into datasets online. Cybersecurity outlet Cybernews puts the number of compromised credentials at 16 billion, which is far more than the number of people on earth. That most likely means people had credentials for more than one account leaked, and that there are probably duplicates across all the datasets. 


Two-Step Verification=Double the Peace of Mind 

Most online health accounts now offer what’s called two-step verification, also known as multi-factor authentication. This means that after you enter your password, the site asks for a second piece of information (usually a code either texted or emailed to you). 

Even if someone guesses or steals your password, they still won’t be able to log in without that second step. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your account. If your health app or portal gives you the option to turn this two-step verification, it’s a wise decision do so. 


Treat Telehealth Like an In-Person Appointment 

Virtual doctor’s appointments, also called telehealth visits, have become much more common in recent years. They’re great if you can’t get to a clinic or want to avoid the waiting room. But just like in-person visits, the conversations you have during a telehealth appointment should be private and secure. 

Before your visit begins, try to find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted. It’s best to sit in a room with a door you can close. If you live with other people, using headphones can help make sure no one else can overhear your conversation. 

It’s also important to use a safe internet connection. Public Wi-Fi, like what you find at a coffee shop or library, might not be secure enough for a health visit. Whenever possible, use your home network or mobile data to connect. 


Be Smart on Social Media 

Social media is a great way to stay connected with family, friends, and acquaintances, but it’s also a place where people often share too much without realizing it. Sometimes this oversharing can happen when someone is documenting their health journey and end up posting photos or stories that includes their full name, where they see a doctor, or even what prescriptions they’re on. 

This kind of information might seem harmless, but it can be used by scammers to guess your passwords, send you fake health messages, or steal your identity. That’s why it’s a good idea to think twice before posting anything that includes private health details. If you wouldn’t want information shared with a stranger, it’s probably best to keep it offline altogether. 


Don't Get Swindled by Scammers or Hooked by Phishing 

Scammers often take advantage of people who are looking for help with their health. You might get an email that looks like it’s from your doctor or insurance company. It might say you have a bill to pay or that your test results are ready to view. But if it asks you to click a strange link or enter your password, it might very well be a phishing attempt (a scam designed to steal your personal information). 

A legitimate health care system won’t ask for your login info in an email or text message. If something just feels off, don’t click any links. Instead, call your clinic or visit their website directly to verify if the message is real. 

Other scams promise free health products, miracle cures, or quick fixes that sound too good to be true... which means they are too good to be true. Always talk to your doctor before trying something new, especially if it involves providing your personal or financial information. 


Keep Your Devices Up to Date 

The way you access the digital side of life (your computer, phone, and tablet) need protection, too. Just like your body needs check-ups, your devices need regular software updates. These updates often include security fixes that protect against new online threats. When your device asks to install an update, please don’t ignore it. 

It’s also a good idea to use antivirus software if your device supports it. And pay attention to any warning messages that pop up when you’re visiting websites or downloading apps.  


Health and Internet Safety Go Hand in Hand 

Keeping your health information safe online doesn’t have to be very hard. Small steps like using strong passwords, being careful during telehealth appointments, and avoiding scams, can go a long way toward protecting yourself and your family from serious problems. 

This National Internet Safety Month, take a moment to check how you’re using the internet for your health. If you haven’t already, change your health account password, check your device’s privacy settings, or have a quick talk with your kids about online safety.  

Staying safe online is part of being well in the modern world. We at Brown County Public Health urge you to protect your ‘digital health’ as diligently as you protect your physical health.  

Stay (Digitally) Healthy, Brown County! 


Resources 
https://staysafeonline.org/resources/june-is-internet-safety-month/ 
https://www.healthit.gov/how-to-keep-your-health-information-private-and-secure 
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/online-health-privacy 
https://www.americantelemed.org/resource/ata-principles/ 
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/telehealth/about/pac-20488197 
https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/index.html 
https://www.nist.gov/itl/smallbusinesscyber/guidance-topic/passwords 
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/health-care-scams 
https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/guidance/index.html 
https://apnews.com/article/large-login-leak-cybernews-google-apple-meta-2a758a40c398b0a68fb2371a522f70ed