{"id":545,"date":"2023-05-01T12:32:24","date_gmt":"2023-05-01T17:32:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/bellevue-wa-1140\/?p=545"},"modified":"2024-07-18T12:01:54","modified_gmt":"2024-07-18T17:01:54","slug":"healthcare-cybersecurity-where-to-start","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/bellevue-wa-1140\/blog\/healthcare-cybersecurity-where-to-start\/","title":{"rendered":"Healthcare Cybersecurity: Where To Start"},"content":{"rendered":"

Healthcare organizations use many different systems in today\u2019s tech-heavy world. Protecting those systems and the information they contain \u2014 whether it\u2019s patients\u2019 records, prescription systems, management support software or computerized physician order systems \u2014 is crucial for healthcare cybersecurity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Patients\u2019 protected health information (PHI) has a particularly high price tag on the dark web, meaning hackers see the healthcare industry as a potential jackpot for stolen data.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In this blog, we\u2019ll go over several main ways that healthcare organizations can step up their <\/span>cybersecurity practices<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

[Related: <\/b>The Importance of Cybersecurity for Engineering Firms<\/b><\/a>]<\/b><\/p>\n

Begin Staff Cybersecurity Training<\/span><\/h2>\n

Cybersecurity training is extremely important for employees in any industry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For starters, it helps staff recognize the signs of an impending data breach and empowers them to make the right decisions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Furthermore, the HIPAA Privacy rule mandates that providers train employees on cybersecurity. Specifically, HIPAA requires that a practice <\/span>\u201ctrain all members of its workforce on the policies and procedures with respect to PHI.\u201d<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Regular best-practices training ensures your practice is well equipped to recognize threatening situations where PHI warrants special protections. Plus, ongoing <\/span>training in healthcare cybersecurity is a major line of defense against future cyberattacks. Consider educating them on the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including the distinction between spoofing vs phishing<\/a> attacks and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keep Compliant With HIPAA and Other Regulations<\/span><\/h2>\n

As we previously mentioned, a vital component to healthcare cybersecurity is keeping compliant with the <\/span>HIPAA Privacy Rule<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Security Rule<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These mandates include a wide range of provisions to safeguard patients\u2019 PHI and keep your practice secure. <\/span>HIPAA guidelines<\/span><\/a> ensure healthcare information remains safe. Additionally, they illustrate policies and procedures for managing this information from administrative, physical and technical perspectives.<\/span><\/p>\n

When your healthcare practice partners with a <\/span>managed IT service<\/span><\/a> provider, they can help your practice keep up to date with all the current laws and guidelines. Furthermore, they <\/span>ensure you remain compliant<\/span><\/a> \u2014 and your information stays secure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[Related: <\/b>Accounting Firms\u2019 Guide to Safeguarding Client Data<\/b><\/a>]<\/b><\/p>\n

Focus on Password Strength and Management<\/span><\/h2>\n

Passwords are easy targets for hackers. That makes them some of the most serious weak points for industries handling large amounts of confidential information, like healthcare.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Require that your staff regularly change their passwords, and consider adopting a company-wide password management system that stores and generates unique passwords. Many of these systems can even allow for secure sharing and storing among employees.<\/span><\/p>\n

Practice Email Security<\/span><\/h2>\n

Email is a primary means of communication within the healthcare spheres.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

First, email communication deals with all sorts of valuable information, including financial data, patient info and intellectual property. As a result, email security is paramount when it comes to healthcare cybersecurity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Phishing<\/span><\/a> is especially common within healthcare practices. This type of cyberattack occurs when a hacker disguises an email to make it appear as though it comes from a trusted source. The hacker then asks for confidential data and\/or provides malicious links or attachments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some best email practices in healthcare cybersecurity:<\/span><\/p>\n