Security Bulletin: Microsoft Outlook Reading Pane Vulnerability

We all have our preferences when it comes to how we work. Our Microsoft Outlook settings are no different.

Many people like to have their inbox set up with the reading pane to preview emails at a glance without fully opening them. This is a common practice that, unfortunately, opens up users for unwanted viruses and threats via email.

Emails sent to your inbox containing viruses or malware will install the threats when the emails are viewed in the preview pane, whether or not you've fully opened them or not.

To avoid this potential danger, simply turn off your Outlook reading pane. To do this, go to View > Reading Pane > Off.

This should be done for Outlook Web Access as well because the threat is the same.

Is Your Agency HIPAA and HITECH Compliant?

Does your agency have a benefits side? If so, you are required to protect the health information of your clients when transmitted via email.

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, passed as part of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), calls for protected health information (PHI) to be rendered unreadable and unusable.

Encryption is a logical and easy way to protect client information sent via email. There is a lot of confusion on the subject, so we have setup a page on our website with more information about HIPAA and HITECH compliance.

While you're there, you can learn about the solution we offer to help you achieve compliance.

Learn more.