Frequently Asked Question: FAQ:

Is sending patient data via iMessage safe?

Other FAQs

Simply put, text messaging is not secure. There are three issues:

  1. iMessage uses end-to-end encryption, but this isn't the holy grail of security. Apple is a US owned company. Cough, "Snowden".
  2. Messages are being stored indefinably on the sender and recipient's device; and
  3. iOS sends messages to other iOS devices via iMessage (Apple's messaging platform), meaning patient data leaves the country.

As well as removing photos from your gallery, all patient data should be manually removed from the messaging app once sent and viewed by following these steps:

Delete an SMS/MMS

iOS
  • Open the Messages app.
  • Navigate to the message you want to delete.
  • Tap and hold the message you wish to delete.
  • Tap the More… option.
  • Select the messages you wish to delete.
  • Tap the Delete All button (top left).

As stated above, if you're using an iPhone, SMS messages are being bundled together with iMessage messages. You should turn off iMessage if you wish to use SMS for sending patient data.

How to turn off iMessage and send through SMS only

iOS
  • Open the Settings app.
  • Scroll down and tap the Messages row.
  • Turn the iMessage switch off.

Of course, you can use a service like PicSafe where all data is encrypted and decrypted using a key acquired from a PicSafe Key Server.