Protecting healthcare information is a challenging endeavor. Ensuring privacy and security in healthcare means not only maintaining the sanctity of patient confidentiality but also adhering to rigorous standards like HIPAA and GDPR. The importance of this cannot be overstated since patient health information (PHI) is exceptionally sensitive and is a prime target for criminals.
HIPAA’s Dual Role in Healthcare Data Protection
HIPAA’s regulations are pivotal for U.S. healthcare providers, with implications even for global operations. Two main aspects of HIPAA [A1] pertain to healthcare compliance management:
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HIPAA Security Rule
: Emphasizes the protection, receipt, creation, and upkeep of electronic personal health data.
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HIPAA Privacy Rule
: Mandates the safeguarding of personal health information, putting limits on its usage and disclosure.
Why the Urgency in Protecting Healthcare Data?
With the digitization trend, electronic health records are becoming more common, escalating risks and the chances of data breaches. Recent studies highlighted that criminal attacks leading to data breaches in the healthcare sector have surged, reflecting the industry’s vulnerability and underscoring the urgent need to protect patient data.
Ten Best Practices to Fortify Healthcare Cybersecurity
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Empower Through Education
: Equip healthcare staff with the knowledge to handle patient data responsibly, reducing errors and potential breaches.
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Gatekeep Data Access
: Implement strict controls to ensure only authorized individuals can access crucial information. This includes leveraging multi-factor authentication methods.
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Control Data Usage
: Move past just monitoring. Prevent unauthorized activities such as data uploads, copying, or printing of sensitive information.
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Monitor and Document
: Keep detailed logs of all data access and actions to maintain an audit trail, ensuring transparency and accountability.
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Champion Encryption
: Secure data, both at rest and in transit, by encrypting it. This ensures that even if malicious entities access the data, they cannot understand or misuse it.
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Safeguard Mobile Devices
: Implement robust measures to protect data on mobile devices, including enforcing strong passwords, ensuring timely software updates, and using mobile security solutions.
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Manage IoT Risks
: Secure all connected devices by keeping them updated, authenticated, and monitored for any unusual activities.
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Regularly Assess Risks
: By periodically examining the organization’s security posture, vulnerabilities can be identified and addressed proactively.
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Backup Data Offsite
: To protect against cyberattacks and natural disasters, regularly backup data to a secure offsite location, ensuring it’s encrypted and tightly controlled.
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Vet Business Associates Thoroughly
: Ensure that any third-party associates or vendors involved in handling PHI are compliant with necessary regulations and can guarantee data protection.
Secure your healthcare data today with ComplyAssistant’s GRC software and expert cybersecurity services.