Concerns over data security are common among physicians using EHRs, but a new report suggests that doctors may actually have significantly less reason to worry than professionals in other fields.

Investigators from Verizon Wireless published a report indicating that data breaches in the healthcare industry made up just 1 percent of all cybersecurity failures in 2010. Furthermore, this number is down from 3 percent the previous year.

The researchers analyzed data collected by Verizon's fraud investigation team. This group looked into data breaches that took place in businesses representing all areas industries. The report indicated that hospitality services, retail and financial services were far and away the most common targets of fraud.

The report suggests that 2010 was a strong year overall for data security efforts. The number of compromised records was down significantly compared to previous years.

Findings from the investigations may give providers the confidence they need to feel comfortable that their patients' data will not be at risk should they decide to proceed with EHR implementation. With this obstacle overcome, there may be fewer reasons than ever to delay implementing the technology.