{"id":23647,"date":"2021-08-10T18:51:06","date_gmt":"2021-08-10T13:21:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mobisoftinfotech.com\/resources\/?p=23647"},"modified":"2025-11-23T13:21:07","modified_gmt":"2025-11-23T07:51:07","slug":"how-to-mitigate-protected-health-information-risks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mobisoftinfotech.com\/resources\/blog\/how-to-mitigate-protected-health-information-risks","title":{"rendered":"How to Mitigate Protected Health Information Risks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Healthcare has taken giant leaps from physical patient records to EHRs, telehealth, and healthcare apps. <\/span>O<\/span>nline portals with seamless access to patient data have replaced registers with patient information in physical form. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While this seamless availability of <\/span>protected health information (PHI) is beneficial for both patients and providers, it comes with a big roadblock \u2013 cybersecurity threats. As new technologies continue to revolutionize healthcare, several PHI security risks have also emerged.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a comprehensive understanding of how healthcare providers can mitigate PHI risks and vulnerabilities while offering the best-quality experience and care to their patients. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peer-Driven Tactics to PHI Risk Discovery<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most prominent step in PHI risk management is to determine the risk. This includes identifying the data that PHI has access to and the impact it can create in case of a breach. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowadays, healthcare organizations leverage big data to store, share, and maintain large volumes of data. While this supports the delivery of proper and efficient care, it has its downsides. Service providers must deploy security measures and conduct HIPAA risk assessments to continually assess risk and safeguard both clinical and administrative data. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1<\/span> Determine PHI access<\/b><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

First, find out the <\/span>protected health information accessibility. That\u2019s the data required to protect. Determine which solutions are used to store and transmit data. Interview employees, review documentation, and analyze current projects to gain better insights. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2<\/span> Examine security measures<\/b><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Once the data is identified that requires protection, identify the measures needed to achieve the desired level of security. Ensure that the employees are in line with the privacy and security requirements and the <\/span>patient data management system offers adequate protection.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3<\/span> Understanding vulnerabilities and level of risk<\/b><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

No matter how robust the security infrastructure is, <\/span>PHI breaches can happen. Therefore, it\u2019s equally critical to realize organizational vulnerabilities and the possible exposure to potential cyberattacks. Determine the risk level for all exposures that can be encountered and the impact it could have. This will give a clear idea about where you stand as an organization from a security and privacy standpoint.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4<\/span> Finalize everything<\/b><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The last step is to document everything and finalize it. Organizations and businesses can select a format that best suits their needs. Just ensure that the document is easy to comprehend and gives a clear idea about the risks and vulnerabilities associated with <\/span>HIPAA-protected health information.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Increasing Role of Technology in Healthcare<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Internet of Things and healthcare has bridged the gap between healthcare providers and patients. Patient-doctor interactions that were once limited to physical visits are now being conducted over telehealth apps. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the <\/span>Internet of Things applications in healthcare has opened the door for remote monitoring and seamless healthcare delivery, they have also put <\/span>protected health information at risk. Most patient data is stored and available online, making it easier to access. Machine learning has emerged as an effective technology to tackle the cybersecurity risk associated with IoT devices. Whether the type of attack is known or unknown, ML-based models can protect against cybersecurity threats.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vulnerabilities Placing PHI at Risk <\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Healthcare remains the most vulnerable sector to cyberattacks, with almost<\/span> 80% of providers<\/span><\/a> reporting at least two breaches. Hence, healthcare technology vendors need to readily assess PHI security risks. Let\u2019s discuss some vulnerabilities that can put <\/span>protected health information at risk. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1<\/span> Mobile devices and cloud<\/b><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Mobile healthcare and telehealth apps have paved the way for portable communication between patients and providers. However, these devices lack the security of computer systems used in healthcare facilities. Using the cloud in portable communications further increases the risk of a potential breach, as users are responsible for compliance and data security. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2<\/span> Dissemination of data<\/b><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The dissemination of data between health providers and third parties is a weak security link that causes numerous security breaches. Normally, these transfers occur over <\/span>File Transfer Protocol (<\/span>FTP) sites, lacking security and tracking capabilities. This makes it easier for cyber attackers to get access to the data being disseminated. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3<\/span> Outsourcing to third-party vendors<\/b><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Many healthcare providers lack the technological capabilities essential to maintain PHI. They tend to outsource it to privately-owned third-party vendors that may not necessarily follow regulations like HIPAA. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4<\/span> Failure to assess risk<\/b><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

According to the HIPAA security rule, organizations must regularly perform risk assessments. Yet, <\/span>many organizations avoid performing risk assessment and optimization, resulting in data breaches<\/span>. It puts <\/span>protected health information at risk and invites litigation and fines. Providers must implement and adhere to risk assessment policies, such as regularly reviewing data inventories and exploring weak links in security.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5<\/span> Lack of awareness and training<\/b><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Organizations take around 280 days to identify and contain a breach. This delay boils down to a lack of awareness of system activity. When the infamous<\/span> Anthem breach of 80 million<\/a> records<\/span> was analyzed, it was discovered that the breach began 11 months back. This delay is often a result of improper training. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most organizations conduct General Security Awareness training, but it\u2019s not enough. Workers need to receive training depending upon the technology implemented. Software Development Lifecycle and Secure Development Training are two training areas that healthcare technology providers should focus on.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Providers can alleviate these risks by readily identifying and neutralizing them. It\u2019s essential to understand the scope of the PHI environment, including PHI entry, storage, and transmission. Familiarising with PHI environments, businesses can consider possibilities like:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n