The Difference Between a HIPAA Checklist and a Real Risk Assessment
A HIPAA checklist can be useful. It can remind a healthcare organization to review policies, passwords, employee training, business associate agreements, backups, and other common safeguards. But checking boxes is not the same as understanding risk. The HIPAA Security Rule requires covered entities and business associates to conduct an accurate and thorough assessment of potential […]
Shadow AI in Healthcare: The HIPAA Risk You May Not See
Healthcare employees are looking for faster ways to complete routine work. An AI tool can summarize a document, draft a patient message, organize meeting notes, or help prepare administrative content in seconds. The problem begins when employees use AI tools that the organization has not reviewed or approved. This practice is often called shadow AI, […]
MFA, Encryption, Annual Pen Tests: The New HIPAA Checklist No Clinic Can Skip
For years, a lot of the HIPAA Security Rule read like a suggestion. Safeguards were “addressable,” which many clinics quietly interpreted as optional. That era is over. The updated Security Rule now in effect spells out specific, mandatory controls, and the Office for Civil Rights is already citing them in enforcement actions. If you run […]
The Most Common HIPAA Risk Assessment Mistakes—And How to Avoid Them
When it comes to protecting sensitive patient information, ensuring compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is non-negotiable. One of the key components of staying HIPAA-compliant is conducting regular risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities in your system that could compromise data security. Unfortunately, many organizations make mistakes when performing these assessments, […]
Cybersecurity Awareness Month: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a timely reminder for business owners to assess and strengthen their company’s defenses against cyber threats. With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, protecting your business from data breaches, ransomware, and other malicious activities has never been more critical. As we prepare for next month, here are the top […]
5 Ways Cyber Criminals Are Getting Crafty in 2024
Cybercriminals are becoming more creative, using sophisticated tactics to trick unsuspecting individuals and businesses. While technology evolves, so do the methods these criminals use to breach security. Below are five ways cybercriminals are getting craftier: 1. Facebook Messages and Comments Claiming Account Issues A common scam currently plaguing Facebook users involves receiving messages or comments […]
Simplifying HIPAA Risk Assessment for Practice Administrators
HIPAA compliance is an essential aspect of running a healthcare practice, yet it’s a topic that many administrators would rather avoid. The mere mention of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) can evoke a sense of dread due to its complexity and the severe consequences of non-compliance. However, despite the unease it may cause, […]
Hospital Ransomware Attack Turns Deadly
Ransomware attacks have been a costly threat to companies and computer systems for years. Now, these malicious attacks are upping the ante by targeting hospitals and healthcare facilities – a dangerous crime that may have deadly consequences. According to a lawsuit filed against Springhill Medical Center, a 2019 ransomware attack that crippled hospital computer systems […]
Local Alabama Hospital Wants to Settle Data Breach Lawsuit
The data breach at Flowers Hospital in Dothan, Alabama finally nears the end after a four-year long nightmare. While there has been no final court approval, the hospital has decided to settle with the 1,200 victims whose information was breached. Each person will receive roughly $5,000 and Flowers Hospital has said payments won’t total more […]
How Security Awareness Training Can Greatly Reduce Security Breaches [VIDEO]
Did you know that 95% of breaches involve employee error? Your employees are both your greatest asset and biggest downfall. And right now, hackers are becoming more sophisticated and finding new ways to infiltrate your network through unsuspecting employees. Some of their latest schemes include fake emails and hacked websites. Your staff needs to be […]