Protect Your VA Health Data: Security Tips
The Department of Veterans Affairs is reminding veterans to take active steps to protect their personal health information when accessing VA digital services, emphasizing that while the agency builds security into its platforms, veterans themselves play a critical role in safeguarding their data. With online access to health records and telehealth appointments becoming standard practice, VA has issued updated guidance on three key security measures every veteran should follow when using My HealtheVet on VA.gov, VA Video Connect, and other digital health tools.
My HealtheVet is the VA's primary patient portal that allows veterans to view their health records, communicate with their care teams, schedule appointments, and manage prescriptions online. VA Video Connect enables telehealth appointments from home, eliminating the need for in-person visits for many routine consultations. These platforms contain sensitive medical information, service records, and personal data that could be exploited if accessed by unauthorized individuals, making security practices essential for every veteran who uses these services.
This guidance applies to all veterans who access VA health care services online, regardless of disability rating or enrollment status. Whether you're managing a service-connected condition, attending mental health appointments via telehealth, or simply reviewing lab results, the security of your account depends on the practices you follow every time you sign in. Veterans who rely heavily on telehealth services face particular risks if their connections are compromised, as appointments and medical discussions could be intercepted on unsecured networks.
VA now requires veterans to use either a Login.gov account or an ID.me account to access VA.gov and VA mobile applications, as older credentials like My HealtheVet usernames and DS Logon are no longer accepted. Both approved sign-in methods meet the highest federal security standards and require multifactor authentication, which verifies identity through a second method such as a text message or app notification. This additional layer ensures that even if someone obtains your password, they cannot access your account without also having access to your phone or authentication device. Veterans are also advised to avoid public Wi-Fi networks when managing health information or attending video appointments, instead using mobile hotspots or private connections to reduce the risk of data interception. When using public or shared computers, veterans must fully sign out and close their browsers afterward, and should never save passwords on devices others can access.
For disabled veterans managing complex health conditions, the security of medical records takes on heightened importance. Service-connected disabilities often require ongoing documentation, and any compromise of health records could affect not only privacy but also the integrity of claims and appeals. Veterans receiving mental health care through telehealth have additional privacy concerns, as unauthorized access to therapy sessions or psychiatric records could have serious personal and professional consequences.
Veterans who need assistance with creating secure accounts or who experience difficulty signing in can contact the My HealtheVet Help Desk at 877-327-0022, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. If you haven't yet transitioned to Login.gov or ID.me, creating one of these accounts should be your immediate priority to maintain uninterrupted access to your VA health services. Additionally, make it a routine practice to update the software and apps on all devices you use for VA services, as these updates frequently include critical security patches that protect against evolving cyber threats.