In the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, compliance with cybersecurity regulations is a non-negotiable requirement. Ensuring the safety of patient data and the operational continuity of your healthcare business is paramount. However, these regulations can sometimes feel cryptic. Here are six practical strategies to address compliance knowledge, risk management, and vendor management in your Healthcare organization.

1. Cultivate a Cybersecurity and Compliance-First Culture

Nurture an environment where everyone assumes responsibility for adhering to cybersecurity rules, not just the IT or legal departments. This includes regular employee training, sharing updates on recent industry breaches and penalties, and incorporating compliance adherence into employee evaluations. Remember, maintaining compliance is an ongoing task that requires consistent effort over years of time.

2. Update and Patch Software Regularly

Outdated software presents a significant security risk due to its known vulnerabilities to the public. Therefore, it’s essential to patch and update software as soon as these become available leveraging a methodology like NIST 800-40. Using asset management to keep track of all devices and their update statuses will further ensure compliance and reduce the amount of risk to critical systems.

3. Embrace the 405(d) HICP Framework

The 405(d) HICP Framework is a set of requirements, created under the Cybersecurity Act of 2015, that provides healthcare organizations a roadmap for cybersecurity best practices. Implementing this framework will guide your organization in key areas of cybersecurity compliance such as email protection, access management, data loss prevention, asset management, vulnerability management, and medical device security.

4. Increase Visibility into ePHI

As healthcare becomes increasingly decentralized, having a comprehensive view of both structured and unstructured electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI) across your network and the broader healthcare ecosystem is essential. This enhanced visibility will ensure that data is created, stored, transferred, and shared securely, thereby improving patient data protection and compliance with 405(d) HICP.

5. Manage Third-Party Risk

HIPAA mandates business associate agreements (BAAs) with vendors, but these alone can not fully manage third-party risk. It’s vital to train vendors on your processes, limit their access, and establish safeguards against phishing attempts from those posing as vendors to further manage risk to your sensitive data.

6. Secure Mobile Devices

With healthcare increasingly leveraging mobile devices, ensuring these devices are configured with compliance is a must. Use encrypted methods for data flowing to, from, and stored in applications, require multi-factor authentication, and enable remote wiping of corporate data in case of device loss or theft.

Healthcare cybersecurity compliance is a complex but necessary responsibility that demands constant vigilance and action from your organization, employees, and vendors. By following the strategies outlined above, you can put cybersecurity governance programs in place to protect patient data, maintain compliance, and stay ahead of emerging threats and your competitors.

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