Why HIPAA Compliance Matters Now
That’s how one IT director at a regional healthcare clinic put it. No crisis had hit—yet. But the scramble that followed revealed just how easy it is to fall out of compliance. Documentation was incomplete. Policies hadn’t been updated. The last risk assessment? Two years old.
In 2025, stories like this are becoming more common. Not because IT teams are careless— but because the rules keep shifting, and the bar is rising.
The compliance landscape isn’t static. Regulators are tightening expectations, and what passed a few years ago might now raise red flags.
Cybercriminals aren’t just targeting large hospital systems—they’re going after regional clinics, specialty practices, and even solo providers. According to the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), large healthcare data breaches rose 102% between 2018 and 2023. The number of individuals affected jumped by an astonishing 1002%, driven by ransomware and hacking. In 2023 alone, more than 167 million people were impacted—a record high.
And while the HIPAA Security Rule hasn’t been formally updated in decades, that’s about to change. In 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) outlining technical safeguards IT teams will be expected to implement—mandatory encryption, MFA, incident response plans, and more.
If you’re responsible for keeping systems secure and data protected, this blog is for you. It lays out what’s changing—and what you can do now to stay ahead without drowning in regulatory noise.
Need a second set of eyes on your environment? Let’s talk.
What’s Changing in HIPAA Cybersecurity Compliance for 2025
HIPAA’s flexibility is shrinking. Many safeguards once labeled “addressable” may soon be “required.”
Here’s what IT directors need to prepare for:
Vulnerability Scans + Pen Tests: Annual scans, annual tests—no
longer optional.
A 5-Step Compliance Plan for IT Leaders
1. Refresh Your Risk Analysis—Now
If your last risk assessment is gathering dust, it’s time for a new one.
The HIPAA Security Rule requires a “thorough and accurate” risk assessment—but many organizations are still relying on outdated versions. In 2025, a current risk analysis should include:
- An up-to-date inventory of all systems storing or processing ePHI
- Specific risk ratings (likelihood × impact)
- A mitigation plan for high-priority threats
Note: OCR continues to cite missing or outdated risk assessments as a top enforcement trigger.
2. Lock Down Remote Access and Admin Accounts
Implement MFA across all remote and privileged accounts. Start with admin accounts and external access points like VPNs and patient portals.
Note: MFA is expected to be non-negotiable under the NPRM.
3. Encrypt Data—Both in Transit and at Rest
If you haven’t enabled full-disk encryption on laptops and mobile devices, do it now. Apply the same protections to EHR systems and backups.
Encryption reduces risk and may qualify you for a breach “safe harbor” if data is stolen—meaning you might not have to report a breach if the stolen data was fully encrypted.
4. Test Your Incident Response Plan
Do you have a documented plan for what to do during a cyberattack? Have you tested it?
Make sure your plan includes:
- How to isolate infected systems
- Who to contact (legal, IT, insurance)
- How to restore clean backups
Actionable tip: Simulate likely scenarios—like ransomware or credential theft. During the drill, confirm your team knows:
- Who leads response
- Where checklists are stored
- When to notify patients or regulators
5. Know Where PHI Ends and Other Laws Begin
Actionable tip: Map your data flows beyond PHI. Ask:
- Where do form submissions go?
- What non-HIPAA data do we store?
- Do we apply the same protections?
Why HIPAA Compliance Is Now a Healthcare Cybersecurity Strategy
Healthcare cybersecurity used to be a back-office task. In 2025, it’s a front-line priority.
But here’s the upside: strong HIPAA cybersecurity doesn’t just protect you from audits and lawsuits—it builds trust.
When your systems are secure, care doesn’t stop.
When you’re prepared, downtime is an inconvenience—not a crisis.
When you invest in protection, patients see you as a provider who values safety in every sense.
You don’t need to be perfect. But you do need a plan.
Start by reviewing the HHS Security Risk Assessment Tool and the NIST HIPAA Security Rule Crosswalk. These are clear, government-backed resources to benchmark your program.
Why HIPAA Compliance Is Now a Healthcare Cybersecurity Strategy
Ready to Move from Guesswork to Action?
Whether you need a new risk assessment, a second opinion, or hands-on support during an audit, Decypher Technologies can help. With years of experience supporting healthcare clients, we know how to turn compliance frameworks into action—without interrupting care.
📞 855-808-6920 | Contact us here
