HIPAA requires covered entities and business associates to secure protected health information (PHI). Failing to do so can result in steep fines and penalties. Some PHI breaches, however, are out of the organization’s control. Determined hackers can expose PHI, and employees can make mistakes — they’re only human, Despite training, rigorous security protocols, and constant monitoring, data breaches can happen.

Considering the forensic-level attention to data residency that was paid in the early days of cloud, it’s interesting how little regard is now given to the matter. Explaining the many pitfalls of certain data residency challenges to fellow CISOs (and key stakeholders) and why real-time visualisations of data flow matter, is often an interesting exercise.

Microsoft 365 provides a powerful document management and collaboration platform. However, with so many applications available in the platform to store and share information internally and with external parties, such as partners, contractors and vendors, ensuring proper access and data security can be a challenge. In this blog we examine how to ensure secure file sharing in Microsoft 365 and Teams.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we analyzed the UK National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) guidance relating to backups and data protection. Now in this post, we will examine NCSC’s guidance around mitigating malware and ransomware attacks. Recall that NCSC, at present, provides information and practical guidance in various articles on its website rather than formal requirements or regulations.

Over the last few years, the rise in data breaches involving personally identifiable information (PII) has resulted in the loss of millions of records.

There is no doubt that digital transformation is changing the way people coordinate and work. While it is a blessing in many ways, as it keeps businesses and people connected by creating opportunities and easy exchange of information, it has also paved way for cybersecurity risks. Ransomware, Phishing, data breaches, denial-of-service attacks have become increasingly common and threaten businesses of all sizes.

HIPAA compliance requires covered entities and business associates to secure protected health information. Social Security numbers, medical record numbers, health plan beneficiary numbers, account numbers, and names of patients, relatives, or employers all must be secured from unauthorized access. The penalties and fines for HIPAA violations can be steep — in some instances reaching millions of dollars. And, HIPAA isn’t prescriptive about what it takes to be in compliance.

Those who work in the healthcare industry know: HIPAA compliance is often fiercely enforced by the Department of Health and Human Services, and penalties can be steep. “Each covered entity is required to implement safeguards to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of PHI. These safeguards will vary depending on the size of the covered entity and the nature of healthcare it provides, but the penalties for failing to safeguard the integrity of PHI can be extremely high.

HIPAA’s regulations refer to two parties: a covered entity and a business associate. These groups are required to achieve PHI compliance. Specifically, this means these groups are liable for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of personal health information.

The Nightfall blog is a knowledgebase for cybersecurity professionals with news and insights from the world of cloud security. Each week, we’re publishing new content to help you stay up-to-date on cybersecurity topics and to prepare you for the issues and threats that occur every day on the job.