Cybersecurity is an increasing threat to healthcare companies, but there’s a larger threat looming within the potential for cyber attacks: HIPAA compliance in cloud servers and physical networks at an office or hospital location is a digital healthcare asset that needs to be protected.
Last year was the target of two severe healthcare data breaches, making it one of the worst on record. Though an improvement over 2015, where over 78.8 million healthcare records were compromised in a single attack, 2017 revealed there is still much work to be done to protect patient data in today’s digital world.
Why Hospitals and Labs struggle with of HIPAA Compliance in the Digital Age
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was established around the same time that dial-up internet started creeping into homes. Back then, the threat of a healthcare data breach wasn’t on many radars. Times have certainly changed, for better and for worse, which has led to the evolution of the Security Rule that establishes standards to protect patient data in electronic form.
The problem for many healthcare facilities isn’t necessarily establishing a HIPAA-compliant digital network, but rather safeguarding it through ongoing maintenance.
Technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with security features continually being updated to fend off would-be cybercriminals. It’s become a problem for many IT departments in the healthcare space because of the added layer of complexity presented by HIPAA and the Security Rule. As cyberattackers become smarter, more skilled, and more desperate, IT teams must be constantly vigilant of any advances in security to ensure facilities can remain HIPAA compliant.
Remote Connections Can Expose your Network to Malicious Activity
The rise of remote connections and portable devices in healthcare facilities have only made it tougher for IT teams in healthcare.
Nowadays, your network might have hundreds of devices requesting access at any given time. Physicians may opt to bring their own devices, such as a smartphone, to use at work. Nurses are charting tablets. Many facilities opt to provide mobile devices to streamline daily operations.
Add in the increasing switch from local servers to cloud storage and you’ve got the perfect recipe for compliance issues.
Is your Medical Network HIPAA Compliant?
It’s a never-ending battle, and healthcare companies like Anthem have already lost big. You can avoid becoming one of them by ensuring your digital network is HIPAA compliant.
Start by reviewing your current policies on network access and compare them to how your users are accessing the network. Getting specific with how users can leverage mobile devices, even their own, to access the network can help you mitigate some of the risk associated with remote connections.
Also, reviewing security measures like two-factor authentication, encryptions, firewalls, and other network components should be a routine procedure.
Make sure your cloud server is HIPAA compliant. Check with your service provider to see if they are protecting your data. It should be noted in your service agreement that they are HIPAA-compliant to further reduce any risk to your organization.
Get a FREE HIPAA Network Evaluation
Maintaining up-to-date HIPAA compliance on your network isn’t just the job of your IT professionals – it’s everyone’s responsibility. Every person who accesses the network should be trained on best practices and procedures that provide safe, secure connections during every session.
Contact us today to learn more about how LifePoint helps you uphold HIPAA compliance in your organization.
FAQ: HIPAA Compliant Cloud Servers
What is HIPAA compliance in cloud servers?
HIPAA compliance in cloud servers involves adhering to the standards set by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which ensures the protection of patient data in electronic form. This includes implementing security measures such as encryption, two-factor authentication, and firewalls.
Why is HIPAA compliance important for healthcare facilities?
HIPAA compliance is crucial for healthcare facilities to protect sensitive patient information from cyberattacks and breaches. Non-compliance can lead to severe legal and financial penalties, and damage to the facility’s reputation.
How can healthcare facilities maintain HIPAA compliance in their digital networks?
Healthcare facilities can maintain HIPAA compliance by regularly reviewing and updating their security measures, such as encryption, firewalls, and two-factor authentication. They should also ensure that their cloud server providers are HIPAA-compliant and conduct routine training for staff on best practices for secure network access.
What are the risks associated with remote connections in healthcare networks?
Remote connections can expose healthcare networks to malicious activities, as multiple devices, including personal smartphones and tablets, request access. Without proper security measures, these connections can lead to data breaches and non-compliance with HIPAA regulations.
How does Lifepoint help in maintaining HIPAA compliance?
Lifepoint offers solutions to help healthcare organizations uphold HIPAA compliance. This includes conducting free HIPAA network evaluations, providing guidance on secure network access policies, and ensuring that their cloud servers are HIPAA-compliant.
What steps can be taken to ensure mobile device security in healthcare networks?
To ensure mobile device security, healthcare facilities should implement strict policies on network access, use encryption, and enable two-factor authentication. Regular training on secure practices for all staff accessing the network is also essential.
How can I get a HIPAA network evaluation from Lifepoint?
You can contact Lifepoint to schedule a free HIPAA network evaluation. This service helps identify potential vulnerabilities in your network and provides recommendations to ensure compliance with HIPAA standards.
What should I look for in a HIPAA-compliant cloud server provider?
When choosing a HIPAA-compliant cloud web portal provider, ensure they offer encryption, secure access controls, and regular security updates. Verify that HIPAA compliance is stated in the service agreement to minimize risks to your organization.
What are the consequences of not maintaining HIPAA compliance?
Failure to maintain HIPAA compliance can result in hefty fines, legal action, and loss of trust from patients and partners. It can also lead to significant financial and reputational damage for healthcare facilities.