What are robust security practices for healthcare organizations?

Robust security practices for healthcare organizations include using strong and unique passwords or passphrases, updating all software when patches are released, recognizing red flags in phishing emails and smishing text messages, enabling multi-factor authentication, and regularly backing up important files and data. These robust security practices must be put in place and adhered to for companies small and large.

Why should I use unique passwords for each account?

Using strong and unique passwords or passphrases is essential because you should not use the same password for multiple accounts. If one account is compromised, reused passwords allow attackers to access all your other accounts. Consider using a password manager to securely store passwords as part of robust security practices.

How important are software updates for security?

Software updates are critical robust security practices. Update all software when patches are released because they not only fix vulnerabilities that threat actors exploit, they often contain security patches. Enable automatic updates on operating systems and antivirus software to maintain strong security.

What are red flags in phishing and smishing attacks?

Red flags in phishing emails or text messages (smishing) include requests to log into an account asking for personal information and passwords, attachments to be opened or links to click on, and senders telling you to follow steps right away as time is of the essence. When in doubt contact the sender directly and verify the source.

What is multi-factor authentication and why is it important?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another layer of security to online accounts in addition to a password. The advantage to MFA is the second layer of security would be something unique to the individual such as a fingerprint scan or cell phone. This makes robust security practices much stronger.

Healthcare cyber attacks - HIPAA security and data protection

HIPAA Tip: Simple Steps to Strengthen Cybersecurity

October 28, 2025

Why Robust Security Practices Are Essential for Healthcare

TL;DR – Robust Security Practices:

Use strong, unique passwords or passphrases with password managers
Update all software immediately when patches are released
Recognize red flags in phishing emails and smishing text messages
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for additional security layers
Regularly back up data to multiple locations (onsite and offsite)
These robust security practices protect against evolving cyber threats

The Growing Need for Robust Security Practices

Almost every day there is an article online or a story over the news about the latest Cybersecurity attack on some large business or healthcare organization. For companies small and large, and individuals trying to dodge the hacker or threat actor bullet, robust security practices must be put in place and adhered to.

Five Essential Robust Security Practices for Healthcare

Use strong and unique passwords or passphrases to include long and complex passwords. Do not use the same password for multiple accounts. Consider using a password manager to securely store passwords.
Update all software when patches are released. Not only will they fix vulnerabilities that threat actors exploit, they often contain security patches. Enable automatic updates on operating systems and antivirus software.
Know the Red Flags in a phishing email or text messages (smishing) requesting the recipient to log into an account asking for personal information and passwords. Is there an attachment to be opened or a link to click on? Is the sender telling you to follow these steps right away as time is of the essence? When in doubt contact the sender directly – verify the source.
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), adding another layer of security to online accounts in addition to a password. The advantage to MFA is the second layer of security would be something unique to the individual (fingerprint scan; cell phone).
Regularly back up important files and data either onsite, offsite (secure cloud storage), or ideally, both. Multiple backup sites ensure business continuity by allowing for faster recovery during incidents and enhancing data security and protections against cyberattacks.

HIPAA Compliance Is an Ongoing Journey

HIPAA compliance isn’t a one-time checklist. It’s ongoing, programmatic in nature, and requires demonstrated reasonable diligence to stay in good standing with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Anatomy IT can provide you peace of mind with our expert HIPAA compliance services. To learn more, contact us here.

About the Author: Dawn Meglino
HIPAA Compliance Specialist, CHPSE, CCSA, CCAP

Dawn Meglino is a certified HIPAA Compliance Specialist at Anatomy IT helping healthcare organizations navigate complex security and compliance requirements. She holds multiple cybersecurity and compliance certifications and regularly advises medical practices on breach prevention and HIPAA best practices.