When it comes to healthcare data security, HIPAA is the name everyone knows. It’s been around for decades, laying down the law on handling patient information. But what if I told you there’s another player in town? I’m talking about the HICP—the “Health Industry Cybersecurity Practices” publication. If you haven’t heard of it, you’re not alone. 

This blog will explore the differences between HICP and HIPAA, their respective roles in healthcare compliance, and how they impact healthcare organizations’ cybersecurity strategies.

The Evolution of Healthcare Cybersecurity: From HIPAA to HICP

When HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) was enacted in 1996, it was a new era for healthcare privacy and security. For the first time, healthcare organizations had to consider how they were protecting patient data seriously. Back in the ’90s, the landscape of cyber threats was a different beast. HIPAA laid the groundwork, focusing on protecting health information’s privacy and ensuring security. But as the years rolled on, the cyber threat landscape evolved faster than a flu virus in the flu season.

Fast-forward to the 21st century, and the healthcare industry found itself squarely in the crosshairs of cybercriminals. The rise of ransomware attacks, data breaches, and other sophisticated threats made it clear that the healthcare sector needed more than just HIPAA  security and privacy rules. The HICP, introduced in 2019, responded to the mounting cybersecurity threats and the recognition that healthcare needed more robust, practical guidance to tackle these challenges head-on.

Unlike HIPAA, a legal requirement with compliance mandates, HICP is more of a friendly neighborhood guidebook—born out of a collaboration between industry leaders and the government. It’s voluntary but potentially a lifesaver (or at least a budget-saver) in the increasingly hostile cyber environment. HICP didn’t replace HIPAA but emerged as a complement, providing detailed, practical cybersecurity practices that the HIPAA security framework couldn’t fully address.

A Closer Look at the Threat Landscape

What threats have made HICP such a vital resource?

Let’s dive into the top five nasties that HICP aims to tackle:

1. Ransomware: This is the big, bad wolf of the cyber world, and healthcare is one of its favorite targets. It can lock down entire systems, making patient records inaccessible unless a ransom is paid. For healthcare providers, this isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a matter of life and death.
2. Phishing: I’m sure we’ve all seen that carefully crafted email that looks like it’s from your CEO but contains a link that compromises your system. That’s phishing, and it’s alarmingly effective. Health information security and privacy practitioners are often the target of these scams because of their access to sensitive information.
3. Insider Threats: Not all threats come from outside. Sometimes, the danger is from within—disgruntled employees or even well-meaning staff who accidentally expose data. HICP offers strategies to mitigate these risks, focusing on access management and monitoring.
4. Medical Device Vulnerabilities: As healthcare becomes increasingly connected, medical devices—from MRI machines to insulin pumps—are also becoming vulnerable points of entry for hackers. HICP guides securing these critical devices.
5. Data Breaches: Breaches can occur in many ways, from stolen laptops to unsecured networks. The fallout from a data breach in healthcare is severe, often involving huge financial penalties, loss of trust, and most notoriously, risk to patient safety.

Key Differences Between HICP and HIPAA

Legal Status and Enforcement

• HIPAA: A federal law with mandatory compliance requirements. Non-compliance can result in significant fines and penalties.
• HICP: A voluntary set of guidelines designed to enhance cybersecurity practices. While not legally binding, adherence to HICP can demonstrate a commitment to cybersecurity and may help in mitigating risks and regulatory scrutiny.

Focus and Scope

• HIPAA: Primarily focuses on the privacy and security of PHI, with a strong emphasis on compliance through risk assessments and the implementation of safeguards.
• HICP: Broader in scope, addressing a wide range of cybersecurity threats that go beyond just the protection of PHI. HICP aims to integrate cybersecurity into the daily operations of healthcare organizations.

Approach to Cybersecurity

• HIPAA: Provides a high-level framework that organizations must follow, but it does not specify the exact tools or methods to use. The emphasis is on meeting the required standards.
• HICP: Offers healthcare cybersecurity best practices and actionable steps for mitigating threats. The practices are tailored to different sizes of healthcare organizations, making it more practical for implementation.

Audience and Applicability

• HIPAA: Applies to all covered entities and business associates that handle PHI. Its requirements are uniform across the board, regardless of the organization’s size.
• HICP: Designed to be adaptable, with guidelines that cater to the varying capabilities of small, medium, and large healthcare organizations.

Enhancing Cybersecurity Through HICP and HIPAA

While HIPAA provides a strong foundation for protecting patient information, HICP enhances this by addressing broader cybersecurity concerns. Together, they offer a comprehensive approach to health information security.

For example, a HIPAA-compliant organization may conduct regular HIPAA risk assessments and implement the required safeguards. However, by adopting HICP practices, the organization can further reduce risks related to email phishing, ransomware, and insider threats—areas that HIPAA does not explicitly cover in detail.

Putting Them Together

Healthcare organizations can benefit from integrating HICP’s healthcare cybersecurity best practices with their HIPAA compliance efforts. Here’s how:

• Risk Assessments: Use HIPAA risk assessments as a starting point, and then apply HICP’s tailored practices to address specific threats.
• Cybersecurity Training: HICP emphasizes the importance of training non-tech-savvy staff. Healthcare organizations can incorporate HICP’s training recommendations into their HIPAA training programs.
• Incident Response: While HIPAA mandates the creation of an incident response plan, HICP provides detailed steps for responding to specific threats like ransomware.

Practical Tips for Healthcare Organizations

So, how can your organization start implementing HICP alongside HIPAA? Here are a few actionable steps:

1. Conduct a Cybersecurity Audit

Start by assessing your current cybersecurity posture. Identify gaps in your defenses that HIPAA compliance might not fully cover. Use HICP’s guidelines to address these gaps, particularly in email protection, endpoint security, and access management.

2. Engage with HICP Training Resources

HICP isn’t just a static document—it’s a resource. Make use of the training materials and templates provided in the HICP volumes to educate your staff on the latest threats and best practices. This is especially important for IT and cybersecurity teams who will be on the front lines of implementing these practices.

3. Prioritize Practices Based on Your Organization’s Needs

Not every recommendation in HICP will be immediately applicable to every healthcare organization. Start with the practices that address your most pressing vulnerabilities. For example, if ransomware is a major concern, focus on enhancing your backup systems and email protections.

4. Integrate HICP into Your Risk Management Strategy

Make HICP part of your ongoing risk management efforts. Regularly review and update your cybersecurity practices as new threats emerge and HICP guidelines evolve. This proactive approach will help you stay ahead of potential cyber threats.

5. Align with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework

HICP aligns with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, which many organizations are already familiar with. Leverage this alignment to ensure your cybersecurity practices are comprehensive and cohesive, rather than piecemeal.

Cost of Cybersecurity: HIPAA Compliance vs. HICP Implementation

Let’s talk dollars and cents. HIPAA compliance is often seen as a necessary, albeit costly, part of running a healthcare organization. Training, technology, and auditing investments are required to protect patient data as required by law. 

Implementing HICP guidelines, on the other hand, might involve additional costs—think enhanced security measures, advanced staff training, and possibly upgrading your IT infrastructure. However, the return on investment can be significant. By following HICP’s practices, healthcare organizations can potentially avoid the astronomical costs associated with a data breach or ransomware attack, which can far exceed the price of prevention.

For decision-makers, the choice isn’t between HIPAA and HICP—it’s about integrating the two. HIPAA sets the baseline, ensuring that you’re legally compliant, while HICP helps you go beyond compliance to build a more resilient cybersecurity risk posture. It’s an investment in peace of mind and, ultimately, in patient safety.

The Price of Negligence: HIPAA vs. HICP

Ignoring HIPAA and HICP can have serious financial and operational repercussions. HIPAA noncompliance can result in hefty fines ranging from $100 to $50,000 per violation, with an annual maximum of $1.5 million. Beyond the fines, organizations may face lawsuits, legal fees, and significant reputational damage if patient data is compromised. This strict regulatory framework ensures that healthcare organizations protect patient information as required by law.

Neglecting HICP, while not legally binding, exposes organizations to increased cybersecurity risks such as ransomware and phishing attacks. These threats can lead to severe operational disruptions and heightened regulatory scrutiny. While HIPAA sets the baseline for data protection, HICP provides crucial, practical guidance to address specific cybersecurity challenges. Adopting both frameworks helps ensure comprehensive protection for patient data and strengthens your overall cybersecurity posture.

The Synergy Between HICP and HIPAA

HIPAA and HICP serve distinct yet complementary roles in healthcare cybersecurity. HIPAA provides the legal framework for protecting patient information, while HICP offers practical guidance for addressing the healthcare industry’s broader cybersecurity challenges. By understanding and applying both, healthcare organizations can create a more resilient cybersecurity posture, safeguarding patient data and ensuring compliance in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

The post HICP vs. HIPAA: Understanding the Differences and Their Impact on Healthcare Compliance appeared first on Centraleyes.

*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from Centraleyes authored by Rebecca Kappel. Read the original post at: https://www.centraleyes.com/hicp-vs-hipaa-understanding-the-differences/