In a watershed moment for the healthcare industry, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR), recently finalized a $100,000 settlement with Doctors’ Management Services, a Massachusetts-based medical management company. This historic agreement, the first of its kind for OCR, comes in response to a ransomware attack that exposed...
In the interconnected world of healthcare, where data is both invaluable and vulnerable, the rise of social engineering attacks poses a significant threat. Beyond sophisticated software and firewalls, cybercriminals often exploit the human element to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. This blog explores the nuances of social engineering in healthcare, sheds light on common...
Back in the day, physical safeguards were all we had to protect patient files. In today’s world where most information is stored digitally, a filing cabinet and key can no longer do the trick. The utilization of data encryption stands as one of the most fundamental and effective methods to ensure the confidentiality and integrity...
Introduction As tempting as it may be to check off compliance requirements and leave them until the following year, these items require continuous attention. Covered entities and business associates handle vast amounts of sensitive patient information, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. Regular cybersecurity audits have become essential to ensure the safeguarding of this critical...
Introduction As technology booms, healthcare has become increasingly reliant for patient care, record-keeping, and communication. While this digital transformation has brought many benefits, it has also made the healthcare sector a prime target for cyberattacks. Protecting patient data and ensuring the integrity of healthcare systems is of paramount importance. To stay ahead of cyber threats,...
Introduction: “You’ve been breached”: three words that no business owner ever wants to hear, but for which they should be prepared. Data breaches have become an unfortunate reality for many organizations, especially those in the healthcare industry. Protecting sensitive patient information is not just a matter of compliance; it’s a crucial component of maintaining trust...
Introduction In a world where health records are considered 50 times more valuable than credit card information on the dark web, the OCR’s basic requirements are no longer sufficient on their own. Covered entities and business associates need comprehensive solutions and cybersecurity training to avoid data breaches and safeguard their patient data. Like pediatrics and...
Introduction Navigating HIPAA can be an intimidating process, from finding information to documenting completed requirements. According to the training page of the OCR’s website: “The HIPAA Rules are flexible and scalable to accommodate the enormous range in types and sizes of entities that must comply with them. This means that there is no single standardized...
IT Experts Fall Victim to Cyberattack Last week, CloudNordic, a prominent Danish cloud provider, became the victim of a devastating ransomware attack. This malevolent intrusion sent shockwaves through the IT company as cybercriminals encrypted their servers, grinding all operations to a halt and endangering the integrity of both company and customer data. Remaining Calm and...
5 Vital Plans Every Covered Entity and Business Associate Should Have in Place With cyberattacks and data breaches on the rise in healthcare, safeguarding sensitive information has become paramount for organizations. For covered entities and business associates, proactivity is key to maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of data. Here are five essential plans that every...
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