HIPAA and PHI Cybersecurity Best Practices in the COVID-19 Era

Looking Forward

The technology implications of the COVID-19 era have created significant opportunity for cybercriminals. Since the beginning of this year, there has been a sharp increase in the number of phishing and ransomware attacks, among other cyber issues. Now is the time to identify your risks and vulnerabilities and take steps to mitigate those threats in order reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a cyber attack.

It is highly recommended that you review your policies and procedures, develop and test your incident response plan, and frequently train employees on identifying and responding to cyber attacks.

Steven M. Harris, Esq., is a nationally recognized healthcare attorney with McDonald Hopkins LLC. Contact him at [email protected].

Reference

1. Security standards: Physical safeguards. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. HIPAA Security Series. 2005 Feb (revised 2007 Mar);2(3).