Author: Tyler Howard (Tyler Howard)

email messages on an iphone
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How to Spot a Phishing Email (Part 1)

Welcome to the first part of our email series on the critical topic of how to spot a phishing email, particularly in the healthcare sector. As digital communication becomes increasingly prevalent, the risk of falling prey to these deceptive schemes also grows. These phishing scams often mimic communications from trusted entities like insurance providers or...

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Is WhatsApp HIPAA Compliant?

In today’s digital era of instant messaging, healthcare professionals and organizations must consider the security and privacy aspects of the platforms they use to communicate with patients. One very popular messaging app is WhatsApp, with an estimated 2.7 billion monthly active users. WhatsApp is used in healthcare settings for a variety of purposes. In a 2019...

exterior of a hospital building
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Hospitals and Clinics Among the Most Dangerous Workplaces in America

Hospitals and Clinics Among the Most Dangerous Workplaces in America Hospital workplace violence is a significant concern, making hospitals and clinics among the most dangerous workplaces in America. Staff in these settings face unique challenges, including the potential for encounters with aggressive patients and visitors, or the risk of being caught in chaotic situations involving...

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Average cost of healthcare data breach reaches $11M

How can healthcare organizations protect themselves? Healthcare continues to be the most expensive industry for data breaches, with costs increasing 53% since 2020, according to research conducted by the Ponemon Institute. In fact, the average cost of a healthcare data breach reached a whopping $11 million this year, and the number of healthcare data breaches have...

hygienists doing a patient cleaning
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The 7 Deadly Sins of HIPAA and How Medical Practices Can Avoid Non-Compliance

Most healthcare workers are familiar with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and do their best to comply with HIPAA regulations. The majority of medical professionals understand that non-compliance can lead to severe consequences, including legal penalties, reputational damage, and loss of patient trust. Yet still, the healthcare sector accounts for the highest...

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Understanding HIPAA Requirements for Social Media and Protecting Patient Privacy Online

In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. However, for healthcare organizations and providers, navigating the world of social media can be complicated. HIPAA does not explicitly say anything in regard to social media.  The standards were created before social media platforms existed.  However, social media is subject to...

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What Organization’s Need to Know About Hazard Communication

What is Hazard Communication? Hazard Communication, also known as HazCom, was established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure employers and employees understand the hazards associated with the chemicals they work with. HazCom aims to reduce the risk of injury or illness caused by exposure to dangerous chemicals in the workplace. What...

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What Employers Need to Know About OSHA Safety Training

As an employer, workplace safety should always be a priority, so staying up-to-date on OSHA regulations and ensuring that employees receive the necessary training to maintain a safe and healthy work environment is essential. Below we will review some of the key requirements for OSHA safety training: What is OSHA? The Occupational Safety and Health...

Doctors discussing HIPAA
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4 Keys to Success: Ensuring HIPAA Compliance in Today’s Healthcare Landscap

Most healthcare organizations and medical practices understand that Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was created to safeguard the confidentiality, privacy and security of patients’ personal health information (PHI) and compliance is crucial to avoid legal penalties, financial losses, and reputational damage. However, still HIPAA-related incidents have been rapidly increasing over recent years. In...

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What is Cybersecurity Awareness Training and Why is it Necessary?

Cybersecurity awareness training is the process of educating employees about the importance of cybersecurity and how to identify potential threats and respond appropriately. By educating workers on best practices for prevention, healthcare organizations can reduce the risk of breaches, cyberattacks and other threats. Investing in cybersecurity awareness training is a proactive approach to reducing the risk...