Gold Coast cyber experts warn about My Health data concerns

SHOULD Gold Coasters opt out of the My Health data? We ask one of the city’s top cyber security experts their thoughts on the controversial record system.

A GOLD Coast cyber security expert is urging patients to opt out of a controversial My Health Record medical system with revelations of ninety-nine data breaches within six years.

While the agency responsible for its rollout insists there has never been a “security or privacy” breach, data expert David Rudduck the Director of Insane Technologies said those who haven’t considered opting out of the national data base should.

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Ninety nine data breaches were reported during a Senate Inquiry into My Health Record. Picture: Supplied

“Many of the doctors I have spoken with have opted out of My Health themselves, concerned about the safety of their personal medical records,” Mr Rudduck said.

“The system is putting a lot of trust in one location and the government hasn't exactly had a good record with cyber security given previous breaches.

“I think the Government is too desperate to get rungs on the board instead of trying to get it right.”

Eleven data breaches occurred between July and September this year, according to the Office of Australian Information Commissioner’s submission to a recent Senate Inquiry into the My Health Record.

A further 88 cases occurred from July 2012 to June, including at least eight cases where an unauthorised third party had access to records.

Health Minister Greg Hunt has defended the digital records, which will be created for every Australian from this Thursday unless individuals opt out.

Mr Hunt’s office said the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) had “no evidence that any of these matters led to unauthorised access to any individuals’ health information”.

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Minister for Health Greg Hunt defended the national digital health record program. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

An ADHA spokesman told News Corp the 11 most recent breaches were either administrative processing errors where inaccurate or incorrect data was uploaded to the system.

“These do not constitute privacy or security breaches to the system,” he said.

“In six years of operation, there has never been a reported security or privacy breach of the system.”

Asked about the eight cases where unauthorised third parties had access to My Health Records, the spokesman said: “The term ‘privacy breach’ is not defined in legislation.”

Parkwood GP Dr Maria Carla Coliat said she has seen a lot of confusion around My Health Record.

“The service would be really helpful for a patient who accesses a number of services,” she said.

“In my practice I have had a lot of patients raise concerns and I know of doctors who are also asking how rigid the security is around this.

“I can only speak as a GP, not an IT expert so I am not able to guarantee them the data will be safe,” she said.

The Government intends to introduce changes to the legislation so people can permanently delete their record or just parts of their record at any time in their lives.