We all have tons to do and very little time to do it. So when an extra security step like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) pops up, it doesn’t exactly make our day better—or move us any faster. We groan when we have to grab our phones to enter a six-digit code or confirm a login. And yet, we’ve come to accept these measures as part of our digital lives. Why? Because the alternative—getting hacked, losing sensitive data, or having patient records held for ransom—is far worse.
Cybercriminals don’t take days off. In 2023 alone, over 88 million patient records were exposed in healthcare breaches, often due to simple human errors like weak passwords, phishing scams, and unencrypted emails. Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue—it’s something everyone in healthcare needs to take seriously, whether you’re a front-desk receptionist or a senior executive.
Let’s look at the biggest threats and what we can do to protect ourselves and our patients from digital attacks.
Cybersecurity: More Than Just an IT Concern
Cybercriminals don’t need sophisticated hacking tools if we make things easy for them. A single, well-placed phishing email—disguised as an urgent message from IT—can trick an employee into handing over their login credentials. That’s all it takes for an attacker to gain access to sensitive patient data.
Or consider this: A nurse logs into a shared workstation and walks away without logging out. A cybercriminal posing as a maintenance worker now has direct access to electronic health records (EHRs). This may sound dramatic, but similar breaches happen all the time because healthcare teams are focused on patient care—not on cybersecurity.
Simple Steps for Stronger Security
- Embrace Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Yes, it’s an extra step, but it prevents unauthorized access by requiring a second verification method.
- Train Every Team Member. Phishing scams and social engineering attacks target people, not just systems. Educating staff on what to look for is one of the best defenses.
- Conduct Regular Security Risk Assessments (SRAs). HIPAA requires ongoing risk assessments, and they help organizations identify vulnerabilities before cybercriminals do.
The High Stakes of Healthcare Cyberattacks
Imagine you walk into your office, turn on your computer, and see a message demanding $1 million in Bitcoin to unlock patient records. This isn’t just the stuff of movies—it happened to a small medical practice in California that was forced to shut down permanently after a ransomware attack made it impossible to access critical patient files.
Or take the case of a hospital system in 2022 that had its entire network frozen by ransomware, forcing doctors to cancel surgeries and divert emergency patients. The financial cost was massive, but the biggest loss was patient trust.
How to Reduce Cyberattack Risks
- Ensure Encrypted Backups. If ransomware strikes, having encrypted, offsite backups can mean the difference between paying a ransom and restoring operations quickly.
- Limit Data Access. Not every employee needs access to all patient data. Implementing role-based access controls minimizes risk.
- Update Systems Regularly. Cybercriminals exploit outdated software. Patching vulnerabilities and disabling outdated protocols keeps attackers at bay.
The Hidden Risk: Mobile Devices
Smartphones and tablets make work more convenient—but they also create new security risks. Lost or stolen devices account for a significant number of HIPAA breaches each year. Even something as simple as texting a patient’s name and medical details over regular SMS can lead to a compliance violation.
Protecting PHI on Mobile Devices
- Use Mobile Device Management (MDM) Solutions. These tools enforce security policies, enabling remote wipes if a device is lost or stolen.
- Stick to Secure Messaging. Regular text messages aren’t secure. Use encrypted, HIPAA-compliant messaging apps instead.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi. Coffee shop Wi-Fi may be convenient, but it’s also a hacker’s dream. If you must access patient data remotely, use a VPN.
Email & Texting: The Compliance Blind Spot
Think your email is secure? Unless encryption is enabled, HIPAA considers sending PHI via email a violation. Many providers don’t realize this until it’s too late.
Take the case of a Texas-based dental office that was fined $10,000 for emailing patient details without encryption. They weren’t trying to be careless—it was just an everyday mistake. But in cybersecurity, everyday mistakes lead to major breaches.
What You Can Do
- Use HIPAA-Compliant Email Encryption. If you’re sending PHI via email, encryption isn’t optional—it’s required.
- Be Wary of Phishing. Cybercriminals send emails that look legitimate but are designed to steal passwords. If something feels off, verify before clicking.
- Encourage Secure Patient Portals. Instead of sending sensitive details via email, guide patients to use secure portals for messaging.
Breaking Free from Compliance Gaps
Most compliance failures aren’t due to negligence—they happen because processes are outdated or because people don’t realize the risks. The good news? Preventing these mistakes is entirely possible.
For organizations looking to strengthen their compliance posture, EPICompliance provides solutions, from HIPAA Security Risk Assessments to cybersecurity training and policy templates. If you’re already an EPICompliance customer, take full advantage of your resources, including ongoing security updates and training modules.
Cyber threats aren’t going away, but with the right precautions, healthcare organizations can stay ahead of attackers. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and most importantly, protect your patients’ trust. Learn more at www.tainoconsultants.com and www.epicompliance.com.
