{"id":102245,"date":"2024-01-28T18:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-28T19:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=102245"},"modified":"2024-01-28T19:56:24","modified_gmt":"2024-01-28T19:56:24","slug":"protect-your-online-information-when-using-my-healthevet-and-va-apps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=102245","title":{"rendered":"Protect your online information when using My HealtheVet and VA apps"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jan. 28 is Data Privacy Day. As we integrate technology more and more into our daily lives, keeping our online data secure is crucial. This is especially true for your online health information.<\/p>\n

If you use our My HealtheVet<\/a> online health portal or VA apps<\/a>, such as VA Video Connect, VA Health and Benefits and Share My Health Data, there are steps you can take to keep your online health information safe.<\/p>\n

Here are four tips to help you keep your personal information out of the hands of scammers and avoid other online threats.<\/p>\n

Create a Login.gov or ID.me account<\/h2>\n

If you haven\u2019t yet done so, create a Login.gov or ID.me account.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>
Keeping data secure is especially true for your online health information<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Both of these accounts meet modern security standards. They encrypt your data at two levels so only you can access and change your stored information.<\/p>\n

Both Login.gov and ID.me let you use a single, secure account to access your VA benefits, services and information. You can also use your Login.gov or ID.me account to manage some other government benefits and services (like Social Security benefits).<\/p>\n

Login.gov is a U.S. government account provider. ID.me is a private account provider that partners with the U.S. government.<\/p>\n

If you use your My HealtheVet or DS Logon username and password to access VA apps or the My HealtheVet portal, now is the time to switch to a Login.gov or ID.me.<\/p>\n

Learn more about creating an account for VA.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Set up multifactor authentication<\/h2>\n

Multifactor authentication is an extra layer of protection on your account. It helps us make sure that it\u2019s you trying to access your account and not a scammer. Multifactor authentication is a common practice for many websites and apps. You may already use it to access your email, bank account and social media accounts. Both Login.gov and ID.me accounts require multifactor authentication.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how multifactor authentication works for VA websites and apps. Each time you sign in to a VA website or app with your Login.gov or ID.me account, you\u2019ll use multifactor authentication to verify you\u2019re you. You\u2019ll do this using a device that only you should have access to, such as your mobile phone. You\u2019ll get a unique code by text message, phone call\u00a0or\u00a0through\u00a0another option\u00a0you choose.<\/p>\n

Other options may include a\u00a0supporting\u00a0app\u00a0like Google Authenticator, a security key or backup code. You\u2019ll then enter that code to access your account.<\/p>\n

This extra step helps prevent fraud and identity theft. Even if someone were to correctly guess or steal your username and password, multifactor authentication can stop them from accessing your account.<\/p>\n

Play our video on multifactor authentication (YouTube)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Read an article about multifactor authentication on our Digital VA website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Set strong passwords<\/h2>\n

Use a unique password for every website. And make sure each password is hard to guess.<\/p>\n

When you create a new password, follow the instructions of the site or app you\u2019re signing in to. You can often make a password stronger by including all these features:<\/p>\n