Without better technical safeguards, the confidential medical files of Albertans will remain vulnerable to security breaches, says one digital security expert. Alberta Health Services issued a warning Monday after thousands of patients had their confidential health information "inappropriately accessed" by a former AHS employee. The electronic files were accessed on the AHS Netcare and Netcare Personal Directory programs between January 2004 and July 2015. However, Keenan said it's "troubling" that health officials would continue to rely on whistle-blowers to maintain the privacy of patient files. AHS said patients affected by the breach are being notified via direct-mailed letters that were sent out Monday.

Source: CBC News September 27, 2016 14:26 UTC