It’s obvious, yet we’ll state it here: patient data needs to be protected at all costs, given its highly sensitive nature. That’s why cybercriminals love to target the healthcare industry, and that’s why healthcare businesses need to fortify their cybersecurity. One of the best ways to achieve this is by conducting annual cybersecurity audits.
Why are these audits so important? How do they benefit your practice and your patients? How affordable is a yearly cybersecurity audit for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in healthcare? Let’s find out.
Why cybersecurity audits matter
Just as patients need to schedule regular exams with their doctors to catch problems early, your system also needs a technology health check-up every year. By doing so, you can spot weaknesses in your IT before criminals can take advantage of them.
A comprehensive cybersecurity audit typically covers the following areas:
- Network security (firewalls, routers, and Wi-Fi)
- Data storage and backup systems
- Software updates and patching schedules
- Employee access controls and login policies
- Compliance with industry regulations (e.g., HIPAA)
A review that evaluates these critical areas will show you whether your technology is in tiptop shape and compliant with strict healthcare standards.
Key benefits of yearly cybersecurity audits
Here are some of the benefits an annual security audit provides healthcare organizations:
Staying compliant with HIPAA
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, lays down strict guidelines for protecting patient data. Any intentional or accidental violation would mean hefty fines and worse, a loss of patient trust. For healthcare providers, the damage to reputation can be far more costly than any monetary penalty. Regular audits can confirm that your system remains compliant with HIPAA standards and your patients’ data stays protected.
Preventing costly data breaches
The cost of recovering lost data and regulatory fines can amount to thousands of dollars, which can cause an SMB to go under. It would be far cheaper to prevent security and compliance issues in the first place, and one of the best ways to do this is through regular audits. These audits can spot security gaps, such as weak passwords or outdated software, before attackers have a chance to exploit them.
Building patient trust
The healthcare industry is built on trust. Patients entrust their personal data to professionals who are expected to keep it private. Maintaining that trust requires more than promises — it calls for ongoing action. Conducting annual cybersecurity audits is one way to show patients that you take their privacy and security seriously. Not only does it strengthens your defenses but also reinforces your reputation as a reliable, responsible provider, setting you apart from competitors.
Reducing downtime
Most cyberattacks result in costly downtime, with lost productivity and disgruntled patients. A regular audit ensures your systems remain resilient so that, should disruptions happen, they’ll be kept to a minimum.
Protecting against insider threats
Threats can also come from your staff. They have access and the ability to expose sensitive data either by accident or by malicious design. Your regular audit should include a review and update of employee access controls to make sure that authorized personnel can access only the records they need for their tasks.
Keeping up with evolving threats
Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving and often outpace the defenses created to address them. For healthcare organizations, staying ahead is critical. Regular annual audits will help you adapt your defenses and security strategies to emerging risks and boost your overall protection.
Making cybersecurity audits work for your practice
Most healthcare SMBs don’t have the manpower or the expertise to handle cybersecurity audits. Partnering with a managed IT services provider (MSP) is a viable option for businesses, especially SMBs, who may find cybersecurity audits overwhelming.
A trusted MSP partner can:
- Perform thorough annual audits
- Implement recommended fixes quickly
- Monitor systems 24/7 for suspicious activity
- Provide staff training to reduce human error
- Offer reliable data backup and recovery solutions
With an MSP’s expertise and support, healthcare professionals can focus on their patients and feel confident that their data and systems are secure.
An experienced MSP like Refresh Technologies can be your trusted partner in navigating cybersecurity audits and strengthening your defenses. Our cybersecurity experts will guide you through every step of the audit process. Contact us for a consultation today.