• Digital Workplace
  • Security
  • Danoffice IT
  • Imprivata
  • Case story

The digitalization of healthcare and social care has increased the demands for security, with one of the most common measures being the requirement for staff to verify their identity through Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). At the same time, healthcare is becoming increasingly mobile, and mobile devices have become an essential tool for care professionals in their daily work with patients. However, equipping each employee with a personal device requires significant resources, both financially and administratively.
Shared mobile devices offer a resource-efficient solution, but combining this concept with the requirements of MFA has long been a paradox for many municipalities. The City of Malmö is one of several municipalities that has taken a groundbreaking step to solve this challenge by investing in a revolutionary solution for shared mobile devices, Imprivata Mobile Device Access. This solution has enhanced the security of shared mobile devices and significantly streamlined the work of care professionals. 

 

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Shared Mobile devices and MFA – A paradox?

A common challenge faced by many municipalities, including the IT department in the City of Malmö, was ensuring that their mobile device solutions complied with legal and security requirements within home care and assisted living facilities. The Swedish Patient Data Act (PDL) mandates the use of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for access to sensitive patient data.

 

The City of Malmö implemented personal mobile phones with Freja eID as an electronic ID for approximately 4,500 full-time employees. However, for the large number of temporary staff, around 1,500, the combination of personal mobile phones and Freja eID was not a viable option. The only alternative was shared mobile devices, which left the challenge of how to implement MFA unresolved.

"The MFA Solution That Works on Shared Mobile Devices"

These challenges meant that temporary staff used shared devices without screen locks, requiring them to log in and out of each application using usernames and passwords. Unlocked phones, where users forgot to log out, posed a significant risk for the exposure of sensitive information.

The City of Malmö concluded that they needed to explore alternative solutions to improve both user experience and security on shared mobile devices. "Imprivata Mobile Device Access (MDA) is the MFA solution that works on shared mobile devices," says Jens Klemedsson, IT Specialist and Imprivata Coordinator for the City of Malmö.

The City of Malmö tests Imprivata MDA

The City of Malmö was introduced to Thomas Lehmann (Head of Digital Health, Danoffice IT) through a recommendation. "Imprivata Mobile is a security solution that requires MFA while providing users with single sign-on to all systems and applications, and it also automates the logout process," explains Thomas.

 

The City of Malmö decided to conduct a pilot project and quickly confirmed that Imprivata worked excellently—it was both secure and user-friendly. "At first, I thought the solution was too good to be true as it increased security while also simplifying usage—for both IT and healthcare staff in the field," says Jens.

Increased Security and Improved User Experience

 

The implementation of Imprivata Mobile has had a positive impact on security and efficiency in several ways.

"With Imprivata's solution, authorized staff gain personal access to shared mobile devices using their badge and PIN, along with single sign-on to the applications and systems needed for their work. The solution makes it easier and more convenient for staff to securely access information while documenting their work on the mobile device. This facilitates the follow-up of completed tasks, helping to maintain patient safety," concludes Jens Klemedsson.

Do the Same Journey as Malmö

Many regions and municipalities are now looking toward innovative digital solutions in healthcare that better complement their operations and staff. Take the step and discover the power of people-centered, efficient, and secure IT solutions with Digital Health and Imprivata.

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