Public Wifi Use and HIPAA
I love going to the local coffee shop for a change of scenery, especially now that the weather is so nice here in North Carolina! I’m sure this is pretty common for most folks. The great thing about these places, besides a good cup of coffee, is the free public WiFi...
A Closer Look at the Facebook Privacy Fiasco
Does this message look familiar? If you’re like the 71 million other Americans who use Facebook, it does. All eyes are on the world’s largest social media company as it is under fire for ultimately revealing unknowing members’ personal information and selling it to a...
Cybercrime and Your Small Business
Almost 90% of small business owners don’t feel like they’re at risk of experiencing a breach. Based on a poll by Manta1 in March 2017, that’s a big problem, especially since 12% revealed that their small business has experienced a cyber attack in the past. Small...
What Does HIPAA Enforcement Look Like in 2018?
If there aren’t repercussions for breaking laws or rules, there’s no point in having them at all. For example, if you drive over the speed limit, the police give you a ticket which may result in fines. If a child breaks the rules at school, the principal suspends...
The Importance of a Risk Assessment
Why is a HIPAA Risk Assessment So Important? HIPAA requires you to complete a Risk Assessment, often referred to as a Risk Analysis, regularly and for specific situations. If your organization is audited, you will be required to show a Risk Assessment as a part of...
Protect Yourself from Phishing Scams
Data breaches generated through emails are the primary channel for hackers to access your company’s data. Phishing attacks are so frequent and successful that the Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights devoted an entire newsletter about basic phishing...
UnitedHealthcare of CA – Second Carrier Requiring Agents Sign Updated Business Associate Agreement
In Total HIPAA’s February 5, 2018 blog entitled BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBS-T) Now Requires Agents Confirm They are HIPAA Compliant, we wrote on BCBS-T’s requirement for agents to sign a more stringent Business Associate Agreement (BAA). As part of this...
States Strengthen Opportunity for Financial Compensation to Breach Victims
When you think of fines related to a HIPAA breach, you likely think of the federal government doling out charges from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (HHS OCR). The Feds aren’t the only group penalizing those who aren’t protecting...