As phishing attack statistics get staggeringly high, healthcare data security becomes more important. Healthcare regulatory bodies and governments require healthcare centers to incorporate a robust data security program that assures transparency and confidentiality of PHI (protected health information).

Data security is one of the tools that can optimize data security and ensure compliance across healthcare organizations.

As an IT compliance service, we understand the significance of healthcare IT compliance and offer cutting-edge services targeted at healthcare data security. You can learn more about our services today!

Healthcare Compliance and HIPAA Privacy Rules

HIPAA requires healthcare organizations to safeguard PHI such as personal health information, insurance information, medical records and other details. Care providers cannot use a patient’s protected information in unauthorized ways.

As the healthcare system shifts to the cloud to store and access records electronically, the risk of data breaches also increases. The cybercrime attacks have hiked to 125% since 2010 leading to data breaches in healthcare. Yet, healthcare centers aren’t prepared to protect sensitive data amidst security threats.

How Can You Ensure IT Compliance?

Healthcare organizations can ensure IT compliance in several ways to protect data. Some of the data security measures they should consider include:

User Authentication

One of the ways to ensure compliance with HIPAA and GDPR rules is to restrict patients’ data access to only medical professionals and administrators. This ensures that only authorized people can access a patient’s PHI.

Medical centers can provide different access rights based on the role and needs of each professional. Admins and doctors can have limited or full rights to delete, access, read or modify information. With user authentication, only those with proper credentials can access the data.

Data Encryption

Healthcare organizations can use IT software that features data encryption to prevent malware and unauthorized activities. For instance, cybercriminals can alter, profit from or destroy PHI. However, data encryption can prevent these illicit practices by securing sensitive data in transit.

Security Audit

Healthcare organizations can undertake IT security audits to maintain the integrity of their system. Internal audit helps secure medical applications and overall IT infrastructure.

These internal audits also assess the vulnerability of medical applications and software so that they can protect all the stored and transmitted data across the organization.

Employee Training

If you want your care center to adhere to data security rules, you must train employees accordingly. You cannot expect them to understand the rules and comply with HIPAA regulations when they have no clue what’s expected of them.

Train medical professionals and admin staff regarding procedures and data security protocols. An annual training outlining HIPAA basics and cybersecurity practices can help employees understand why IT compliance is important.

Device Security

Employees can and will connect their personal mobile devices to access information. Make sure they’re safely connected. Data security measures such as strong passwords, data encryption, whitelisting guidelines and software updates are some of the ways to keep mobile devices secure.

Hire IT Partners You Can Rely On!

If you’re ready to ensure IT compliance in Nashville, reach out to SunRiver IT. We provide IT services to healthcare organizations. Our IT solutions include cloud-managed IT services, cybersecurity and business continuity plans. Contact us today!