By Frank Ruelas
Facility Compliance Professional, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center/Dignity Health
The Pokemon Go phenomenon that is sweeping the world is certainly something that has sparked a number of conversations on a number of topics. When having these discussions, it is not unusual to hear people refer to others as “they”. For example, what do “they” who download and engage in the Pokemon Go game get out of doing so, don’t “they” have anything better to do with their time, don’t “they” realize the danger they are putting themselves and others in as they play the game, and so on.
Certainly all is well and good if it helps build awareness and an understanding of what we read and hear about as the Pokemon Go craze quickly stretches around the globe so if nothing else we can become somewhat informed on what is happening. However, it should be no surprise that the popularity of Pokemon Go has sparked another type of activity. The popularity of Pokemon Go has also provided an opportunity for people who wish to infect portable devices with another application that is also becoming increasing popular, albeit in a much more negative and perhaps sinister way and that is the opportunity to have people fall victim to ransomware.
That’s right, already there are reports from around the world that ransomware developers are using the popularity of Pokemon Go to infect devices with ransomware by offering applications that on the surface appear to be versions of the Pokemon Go application. So here’s our call and need to take action.
Compliance professionals are constantly on guard reminding the members of their organizations that are using mobile devices on how to be careful to protect their devices from malware. However, who would ever suspect that ransomware may be cleverly hidden behind the image of a cute Pokemon on a site offering users a way to obtain the Pokemon Go application.
So my takeaway…along with the many emails people are probably sharing about Pokemon Go and the latest report of someone walking into a building because they were playing the game or some other similar activity, let’s also remind ourselves the time is now to remind folks that in the wired in, electronically connected world we live in on how to protect themselves from malware as well as what we think may be important to pass along as reminders when it comes to the appropriate use of company issued devices.
Pokemon Go is certainly achieving a level of popularity never seen before to the satisfaction of those who may want to use its popularity in a way that is less than entertaining.
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Great article Frank! Did you see the news this weekend, including a car crash? This will be interesting to follow as gamers enter hospitals and other facilities and see what policies develop. Are compliance professionals assisting their organizations in ensuring policies that staff don’t Pokémon at work?
Many public services already have long standing policies in place that prohibits or limits the usage of cell phones, such as banks and hospitals. These policies may just be enforced more strictly in case it becomes a nuisance or harmful.
Companies, similarly may have non loitering policies and prohibit employees from playing (any) games at work, as it reduces productivity. Employees also have privacy rights, which could make it difficult to impose disciplinary action.
Using a cell phone while driving is illegal in some parts of the world, unless the driver has a hands free device. Texting while driving has presented all the dangers that Pokemon Go brings to the table, except perhaps if the driver suddenly stops in the middle of the road.
Pokemon Go didn’t really create a new problem, but certainly amplified many existing problems.
Our organization has recently prohibited, visitors, patients and employees from using Pokémon Go on any campus. Other organizations are following suit due to patient privacy considerations. Imagine the influx this would create of folks who aren’t being treated at the hospital or not visiting a loved one. This could also potentially pose a security risk.
good
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