Security vs. Compliance: Key Differences for Healthcare

The healthcare industry stores a vast amount of sensitive patient data – Electronic Health Records (EHRs), billing information, and more. This data makes healthcare organizations a prime target for cybercriminals. A recent Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report found healthcare as the second most targeted industry. Furthermore, a report by 2022 HIMSS stated that data breaches in healthcare cost an average of $9.3 million per incident, highlighting the immense financial burden such breaches inflict. Beyond the financial toll, data breaches can erode patient trust and disrupt critical operations. 

But how do healthcare organizations navigate the complex world of cybersecurity and compliance regulations? Terms like “security” and “compliance” are often used interchangeably but represent distinct concepts. Understanding these differences is crucial to protect your patients’ data and business. 

We will explore the key differences between security and compliance, common challenges in balancing both, and how an MSP can be your partner in navigating this complex landscape.

Defining Security and Compliance

What is Healthcare IT Security?

Healthcare IT security involves a range of technologies, processes, and practices aimed at safeguarding electronic health information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, or destruction. The main objective of security measures is to protect patient data against threats like cyberattacks, data breaches, and other malicious activities.  These security measures enforce compliance or provide evidence of compliance/non-compliance.

Key security measures of healthcare IT security include:

• Data Encryption: Ensure patient information is encrypted in transit and at rest. 
• Endpoint Security: Ensure workstations and servers are protected against intrusion.  Commons solutions are Endpoint Protection (AV) and Endpoint Detection and Response.   
• Access Controls: Implement strict access controls to ensure that only authorized individuals can access patients’ sensitive information. Common solutions are Privileged Access Control (PAM) and Zero Trust tools. 
• Security Information and Event Management (SEIM) and Unified Threat Detection: Ensures that all IT systems are protected by solutions that monitor threat behavior and that threats are able to be assessed\acted upon by a Security Operations Center 24/7. 

What is Healthcare Compliance?

Healthcare compliance involves adhering to the regulations and standards set forth by governmental and industry bodies to ensure that healthcare organizations handle patient data responsibly and ethically. In healthcare, the primary focus is on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA outlines various requirements for protecting patient data privacy and security. Compliance aims to demonstrate that you are actively meeting the regulatory requirements.  

Key aspects of healthcare compliance include:

• Regulatory Adherence: Ensure all policies and procedures comply with applicable laws and regulations. 
• Documentation: Maintain thorough documentation to demonstrate compliance efforts. 
• Regular Audits: Conduct routine audits to assess compliance status and identify areas for improvement. 
• Incident Response: Create and maintain a robust incident response plan to address security breaches swiftly. 

Key Differences Between Compliance and Security

Common Challenges in Balancing Security and Compliance

As an SMB healthcare leader, you might face several challenges in maintaining a balance between security and compliance: 

• Resource Limitations: Many small healthcare organizations operate with limited resources, making it challenging to allocate sufficient budget and personnel to both security and compliance efforts. 
• Complexity of Regulations: Healthcare regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR are complex and continuously evolving. Staying updated with these changes and ensuring ongoing compliance requires significant effort and expertise. 
• Technological Advancements: Rapid technological advancements, such as cloud computing and telemedicine, present both opportunities and challenges for healthcare organizations. While these technologies can enhance patient care and operational efficiency, they also introduce new security risks and compliance requirements. 

Why Work with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) for Enhanced Security and Compliance

A successful breach can expose sensitive patient data, putting your reputation and patients’ well-being at risk. Managing security and compliance in-house requires constant vigilance, specialized skills, and significant resources. Doing it alone is too big a gamble. 

Working with a MSP specializing in healthcare IT security is like having a dedicated security team on your side, but without the burden of building and maintaining one yourself. Here’s how an MSP can help you: 

• Expertise and Experience: MSPs bring expert knowledge in healthcare IT security and compliance. They ensure your organization stays protected and meets regulatory standards. 
• Cost-Effective Solutions: MSPs offer scalable solutions tailored to your organization’s needs and budget, making it more cost-effective than building an in-house team. 
• Continuous Monitoring and Support: MSPs promptly identify and address any security or compliance issues with continuous monitoring and proactive support. 

As healthcare IT faces constant change and new challenges, a clear understanding of the difference between security and compliance is crucial. While security focuses on protecting data from breaches and cyber threats, compliance ensures adherence to legal and regulatory requirements. Both are essential for safeguarding patient information and maintaining trust.  

Managing these aspects on your own can be challenging and time-consuming for small businesses due to limited resources and expertise. Partnering with a trusted MSP like BlackPoint IT Services provides the necessary support and knowledge to develop a robust security posture, ensure compliance with HIPAA and other regulations, and protect patient data and your business.