5 Factors to Consider When Opting for a HIPAA-Compliant VPN Service Provider

If you're in the healthcare industry, you've likely heard about the critical need for HIPAA compliance. Ensuring the security and privacy of patient information is non-negotiable, especially in an era where the healthcare sector accounts for the highest number of security breaches compared to other industries, as the HIPAA Journal reports.

As the healthcare sector increasingly relies on digital systems to streamline processes and enhance patient care, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. HIPAA compliance sets a foundational standard for safeguarding sensitive patient information, but it's just the beginning.

Today, as healthcare providers, insurers, and institutions embrace the power of technology, the need for HIPAA-compliant VPN services isn’t merely a choice but has become a necessity. Your patients' confidentiality and the integrity of your operations hinge on the VPN service provider you select. With data breaches reaching record numbers, this choice has profound implications for the future of healthcare.

Here’s how you can navigate the intricacies of HIPAA compliance and discern the five critical factors that will shape your decision.

Meeting Your HIPAA Regulations: A Quick Overview

You don't need every single clause in HIPAA spelled out. If you're reading this, you're likely already well aware of what the Act contains and the demands it makes from healthcare organizations. But it's always handy to refresh what you know, especially before assessing some solutions that might be employed.

• Know who is covered:

  HIPAA covers both Covered Entities (CE), which generally provide physical care for patients, and gather data due to appointments and procedures. But it also covers Business Associates (BAs), who may have no direct contact with patients. So, even if your company provides equipment or data services to healthcare organizations, you need to factor HIPAA into your security measures.

• Physical data protections:

  If you work for a HIPAA-authorized organization, you must ensure there are procedures in place to govern physical access to computers and other devices that store or access patient records. This includes addressing remote work and using SD cards or other removable media.

• Shield against record changes:

  You should document and implement technical procedures to guarantee that any changes to patient ePHI are properly logged and transparent. This also encompasses disaster recovery processes to secure patient records from theft or harm in emergencies.

• Access control measures:

  As part of your responsibilities in ensuring HIPAA compliance, user ID control is essential. You should make sure that anyone with access to healthcare records is appropriately authorized. This entails data protection through encryption and authentication software.

• Network security:

  If your company utilizes extended networks or Internet-of-Things technology in its operations, it's your responsibility to secure this hardware from external threats. You should ensure that all data transmission methods, including on and off-site storage, intranets, and physical hardware, are protected in this manner.

Cancer Care Group: A Costly Wake-Up Call for HIPAA Compliance

While the remote work trend offers potential cost savings for companies, a substantial challenge for those bound by HIPAA regulations is ensuring the security of clients' protected health information (PHI). Non-compliance can lead to hefty financial penalties imposed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Incident Overview

Cancer Care Group reached a $750,000 settlement after a laptop and backup drive were stolen from a remote employee's car. This equipment contained the protected health information (PHI) of over 50,000 patients.

An investigation by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) revealed that, before this breach, Cancer Care Group was largely non-compliant with the HIPAA Security Rule.

Compliance Failures

• Lack of Risk Analysis:

  Cancer Care Group had neglected to conduct a comprehensive risk analysis across their enterprise, a key requirement under HIPAA.

• Absence of Written Policy:

  They lacked a written policy concerning the transportation of hardware containing PHI to and from their facilities. This policy gap contributed to the breach and non-compliance.

How does a HIPAA-Compliant VPN Service Enhance Compliance

A HIPAA-compliant VPN service plays a pivotal role in maintaining your compliance efforts by offering secure remote access to your organization's internal assets. It fortifies all endpoints handling sensitive information with an additional layer of security for accessing your network, databases, or cloud tools.

• Data Access Control:

  Ensure secure, efficient data access for users using a HIPAA-compliant VPN, following Zero Trust security principles.

• Secure Remote Access:

  Healthcare institutions must maintain robust network security for remote and hybrid work scenarios in line with HIPAA regulations.

• Data Encryption:

  Protect sensitive data with AES 256-bit encryption through a HIPAA-compliant VPN, mitigating cyber risk.

• Multi-factor Authentication:

  Implement Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) on HIPAA-compliant VPNs for robust security and compliance with Zero Trust practices.

• Activity Monitoring & Visibility:

  Enhance HIPAA compliance by monitoring and tracking user access through features provided by HIPAA-compliant VPNs.

HIPAA Violation Penalty Tiers

Tier 1:

An entity that unintentionally violates HIPAA rules and can prove they were unaware of the violation.

Tier 2:

An entity aware of the violation but has a reasonable cause for neglecting HIPAA rules.

Tier 3:

An entity willfully neglects HIPAA rules but takes corrective action within 30 days after discovering the violation.

Tier 4:

The entity knows about the violation, willfully neglects it, and fails to correct it promptly. Severe neglect cases can lead to criminal charges in addition to civil penalties.

Selecting the Right HIPAA-Compliant VPN Service: Key Considerations

When choosing a VPN service for HIPAA compliance, you must exercise diligence, as not all VPNs are created equal. To mitigate the risk of data breaches and ensure utmost data safety, it's crucial for you to select a secure VPN that aligns with specific criteria.

Essential Security Features:

A HIPAA-compliant VPN must be built on robust security. This involves implementing essential measures, including:

• AES-256 Encryption:

  Industry-standard encryption to protect data.

• Kill Switch:

  Ensures data protection by preventing data leakage during network interruptions.

• IP, DNS, and WebRTC Leak Protection:

  Critical safeguards against unexpected data exposures.

Data Privacy Assurance:

Privacy is a cornerstone of HIPAA compliance. You should look for a VPN service that avoids data collection and provides proof of its commitment to your privacy through third-party audits. Furthermore, it should be based outside the Fourteen Eyes alliance to steer clear of data retention laws.

Secure Tunneling Protocols:

For a smooth workflow and enhanced information security, opt for a VPN provider that offers open-source tunneling protocols. While industry standards like WireGuard and OpenVPN are reliable, you can trust some proprietary protocols as well.

Enhanced Security Features:

Look for VPN providers that offer extra protection features. These additional layers of protection can further fortify your HIPAA compliance.

Consider VPN providers that offer extra features, including:

• Dedicated IPs:

  Ensuring stable, secure connections for specific tasks.

• Threat Detectors:

  Enhancing security with real-time threat detection.

• Two-factor authentication (2FA):

  An additional security layer for access control.

• Password Managers:

  Convenient tools for managing strong, unique passwords.

Broad Device Compatibility:

A HIPAA-compliant VPN should seamlessly integrate into your daily healthcare workflow. Opt for a VPN that offers compatibility with popular operating systems such as Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. This ensures that you can utilize the VPN across all devices used in medical practice, promoting maximum comfort and efficiency.

How do HIPAA-Compliant VPN Services Benefit Organizations?

You can use a HIPAA-compliant VPN service to help your organization safeguard sensitive healthcare data and maintain compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). It addresses the stringent security and privacy requirements set forth by HIPAA, ensuring the protection of your electronic protected health information (ePHI).

Here is how a HIPAA-compliant VPN can help you achieve and maintain compliance, safeguarding the confidentiality and integrity of healthcare data.

Deploying a HIPAA-Compliant VPN Solution in Healthcare

If you work in the healthcare industry, ensuring the security and confidentiality of patient data is paramount. Deploying a HIPAA-compliant VPN solution is a crucial step in achieving this goal while maintaining compliance with the HIPAA.

Here is how you can deploy a HIPAA-compliant VPN solution:

• Conduct a Thorough Risk Assessment:

  BAs should conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to pinpoint potential Protected Health Information (PHI) risks and vulnerabilities within their existing VPN solutions.

• Select a HIPAA-Compliant VPN Solution:

  Choose a VPN solution that aligns with the encryption requirements  outlined in HIPAA regulations, ensuring the highest level of data security.

• Configure the HIPAA-Compliant VPN:

  Business associates should configure the VPN solution to guarantee it meets the stringent authentication, encryption, and other stipulations set by HIPAA regulations.

• Provide Employee Training:

  Training employees on correctly using the VPN solution and educating them about the consequences of non-compliance is essential to maintaining data security.

• Audit and Monitor:

  Regularly monitor the VPN solution to confirm compliance with HIPAA standards. This practice is vital for detecting and responding to security incidents promptly.

Wrapping Up

Safeguarding patient data stands as a paramount responsibility for business associates. HIPAA-compliant VPN solutions are pivotal in ensuring secure and encrypted access to Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) and other patient data from remote locations. By implementing a HIPAA-compliant VPN solution, you can reduce the risk of data breaches, meet the technical safeguard requirements mandated by HIPAA regulations, and enhance overall productivity.