Healthcare providers continue to be a prime target for hackers. According to Bitglass, cyberattacks on medical providers rose by over 55% in 2020 compared to previous years as many practices focused on virtual care. Patients’ data is extremely valuable on the black market, and hackers know that clinics are often not well-protected. In this article, we will discuss more about the importance of data management, HIPAA policies, and cybersecurity.
The Importance of Cybersecurity for Medical Clinics 
With the increasing reliance on electronic medical records, e-prescriptions, and other digital health technologies, medical clinics need to invest in secure data management, clinic HIPAA policies, and cybersecurity. Hackers who gain access to patient data can not only cause havoc but also put patients at risk of identity theft and fraud. In some cases, they may even be able to manipulate or delete vital medical records. By investing in cybersecurity measures such as firewalls, 2-step verification, and encryption, medical clinics can help safeguard their patients’ data and protect their own reputation.
Protecting Your Patients’ Data
In the age of digital medicine, securing patient data is more important than ever. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, is a set of federal regulations that protects the privacy of patients’ health information. HIPAA applies to all forms of protected health information, including electronic medical records. When choosing a medical software system, it is important to select one that is compliant with HIPAA regulations. Additionally, you want to choose a software that encrypts all medical records. This makes it difficult for hackers to access the data and prevents them from being able to sell it on the black market.
Tips for Protecting your Clinic’s Online Data
It’s essential for clinic owners to take the necessary steps to protect their online data. In general, you should ensure that only authorized personnel have access to patient records and that these records are stored in a secure location. A HIPAA-compliant system will also have features in place to prevent unauthorized access, such as password protection and audit trails. You should also create strong passwords for all of your accounts and change them regularly. Additionally, it’s important to keep your software up to date and to educate your staff on cybersecurity best practices. By taking these steps, you can help to ensure that your clinic’s data remains safe and secure.
Measures to Take if Your Clinic is Hacked
No organization is immune to the threat of a cyber attack. Healthcare data is particularly valuable to hackers as it can be used to commit identity theft or insurance fraud. If your clinic falls victim to a hacker, there are a few steps you should take to mitigate the damage. First, you will need to contact your local law enforcement agency. They will be able to conduct an investigation and help you determine what data has been compromised. You should also notify your patients about the breach and let them know what steps they can take to protect their information. Finally, you will need to work with a reputable cybersecurity firm to help you further secure your systems and prevent future attacks.
Virtual and digital tools are becoming the norm, so you want to make sure you’re choosing the right one for your clinic. Outsource Receivables Inc. can help improve your revenue cycle through our outsourced billing services and help to implement HIPAA policies, choose secure software, and network provider solutions.