Hipaa

HIPAA Risk and Data Breaches: Best Practices for Prevention and Response

Healthcare providers are under pressure to improve patient care’s accessibility, effectiveness, and efficiency while reducing costs and adhering to ever-evolving regulatory requirements. But according to recent studies, one of the main difficulties that contemporary healthcare practitioners confront is preserving patient information.

Health firms find it difficult to adjust to this new environment where a single breach might destroy the company. In this article, we will discuss the HIPAA risk and data breaches along with the best practices for prevention.

1 EMPLOYEE EDUCATION

The first line of protection against data breaches is education. According to a report, 40% of data breaches are the result of hostile attacks, and 30% are due to human error. Employee training on password protocol and the value of password security could significantly lower your risk. The now-famous annual Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report revealed that 63% of assaults make use of weak passwords.

The risk of a data breach can be decreased by establishing a cyber-safety training program to instruct the entire firm on how to develop strong passwords and steer clear of phishing and keylogger fraud. Make sure that everyone on staff is aware of any geographical operating restrictions as well as the locations where devices may be used. Moreover, inform them of endpoint corporate policies and legal requirements. Encourage them to take ownership of any portable devices that hold PHI.

2. PERFORM A RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk assessments were formerly optional under the original HIPAA regulations, but they are now required by the HITECH Act. Organizations must “identify weaknesses in information systems or security policies as well as natural, human, and environmental hazards to the security of protected health information,” according to the Security Rule. Do an internal risk assessment and consider the following inquiries:

  • Have you determined all PHI Data sources, sites of transfer, and storage?
  • Have you found any risks that could affect these endpoints and channels?
  • Do your endpoints send out an alert if they leave a set boundary?
  • Do you have the ability to remotely disable or freeze stolen or misplaced devices?

3. Buy the top security tools.

Organizations should consider a multi-layered approach that includes defending against security threats, identifying and keeping an eye on security concerns, and responding to safety threats and incidents. Use backup procedures and encryption standards to help reduce risks. Also, it’s crucial to regularly update and patch software.

Page with HIPAA (The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) on the table with stethoscope, medical concept

4. Check your compliance program’s performance.

There are various methods for doing this, through penetration, internal, and external audits, and through the use of social engineering techniques such as phony phone calls, phishing emails, and desk checks for passwords left exposed. Lastly, through drills simulating breaches.

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