Hyogo Clinical Laboratory Research Institute Implements AssetView for Enhanced Information Security Management

Introduction

In a significant development for data management in the healthcare sector, Hyogo Clinical Laboratory Research Institute has adopted the integrated IT operational management solution, AssetView. This move comes from a growing need to better handle sensitive information, ensuring it meets the stringent security requirements demanded by the healthcare industry.

Background of Hyogo Clinical Laboratory Research Institute

Headquartered in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, the Hyogo Clinical Laboratory specializes in a wide array of clinical tests based on requests from medical institutions. These tests include biochemistry, serology, hematology, microbiology, pathology, and genetic analyses. The institute also conducts food safety inspections, water quality checks, and environmental tests within hospitals, making it a comprehensive healthcare partner. With robust connections to medical institutions in southern Hyogo and eastern Okayama, the laboratory plays a crucial role by providing high-value testing services, cultivating trust among healthcare providers.

Challenges Faced by the Institute

Handling a significant volume of highly confidential information, the Hyogo Clinical Laboratory required a system that could effectively track and manage the lifecycle of this sensitive data. The computers utilized during testing often accumulated vast amounts of this confidential data temporarily. Therefore, there was an urgent need for an efficient management structure in place to ensure the secure handling of this information, especially during the replacement of computers. In addition, should any issues arise, having comprehensive logging for quick identification of causes became a critical requirement.

The institute had previously managed their devices, such as various USB memory sticks—used for transferring specimen data—through manual logs and QR codes. This system posed risks of loss or theft and led to considerable management overhead due to the absence of technological measures for device control.

Choosing AssetView

To address these challenges with minimal costs while enabling incremental adoption of necessary features, Hyogo Clinical Laboratory decided to implement AssetView. This decision was driven by the flexibility and capability of AssetView to support their operational requirements.

What is AssetView?

AssetView is an integrated IT operational management solution designed to enhance PC asset management and mitigate information leak risks. After its initial release in 2000, it has garnered widespread usage across various companies, government institutions, and organizations. The solution provides a broad range of IT asset management features, including a management ledger for IT assets, monitoring Windows updates, and security patch application status.

One of AssetView’s key features is its modularity; users can select which of the 14 available functionalities to implement based on their specific needs, thereby establishing effective information security measures at minimal costs. The logging capabilities allow the institute to track operational logs efficiently, aiding in the identification of any unauthorized activities while also promoting a culture of heightened security and compliance awareness among users.

Additionally, AssetView's device control functionality empowers organizations to regulate external storage devices such as USB drives and SD cards with flexible settings like “write permitted,” “read-only,” or “prohibited,” effectively reducing information leak risks. The solution also extends support for managing communication devices like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, integrating operational management efficiency with risk mitigation.

Conclusion

The implementation of AssetView at Hyogo Clinical Laboratory is a forward-thinking step towards bolstering its information security management. With its tailored approach and comprehensive features, AssetView promises to deliver enhanced control over sensitive data, further solidifying Hyogo's reputation as a reliable partner to its network of medical institutions. For more information about AssetView and its offerings, please visit Hammock's official website.