How to Keep Patient Data Secure During Internet Safety Month

After nearly 30 years in the industry, I’ve seen cybersecurity evolve from an afterthought to a top priority in healthcare. The days of assuming patient records are safe behind a firewall are long gone. Today, hackers specifically target healthcare providers because patient data is incredibly valuable. If you run a family practice, imaging center, or specialty clinic, securing sensitive information isn’t optional—it’s essential. And with February marking Internet Safety Month, now is the time to take action.

The Healthcare Industry: A Prime Target for Cyberattacks

I’ve been in this business long enough to know one thing: cybercriminals don’t care how big or small your practice is. If you store patient data, you’re a target. And the numbers back this up.

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported 725 data breaches affecting over 133 million records. That’s more than just statistics—it’s patient trust on the line. And let’s not forget the recent cyberattack on UnitedHealth’s Change Healthcare, which disrupted 190 million patient records, causing chaos for providers nationwide. (Source: Reuters)

If an industry giant like Change Healthcare can be breached, smaller clinics need to be even more vigilant. I’ve worked with enough medical practices to know that most of them aren’t prepared for this level of risk.

What Happens When Patient Data Falls Into the Wrong Hands?

A data breach isn’t just a financial issue—it’s a matter of professional integrity. Healthcare providers operate on trust, and once that’s broken, it’s nearly impossible to restore.

Beyond reputational damage, failing to secure patient data can lead to:

• HIPAA violations and hefty fines – The Office for Civil Rights has issued fines ranging from $100,000 to $16 million for breaches.

• Operational downtime – A ransomware attack can shut down patient services for days or weeks.

• Lawsuits and liability issues – Patients may take legal action if their sensitive data is exposed.

7 Proven Strategies to Keep Patient Data Secure

After decades in this field, I’ve learned that cybersecurity isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about implementing proven strategies that stand the test of time. Here’s what works:

1. Enforce Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Cybercriminals are looking for the easiest way in, and weak passwords are a gift. Require complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) across your systems.

2. Train Your Staff—And Keep Training Them

One of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen over the years is assuming staff will remember security training from a year ago. Cyber threats evolve constantly, and training must be ongoing. A single accidental click on a phishing email can compromise your entire network. (Source: AMA)

3. Encrypt Data—Everywhere

Encryption ensures that even if data is intercepted, it’s unreadable without the right credentials. Make sure all patient information is encrypted both in transit and at rest. (Source: HealthIT.gov)

4. Keep Systems and Software Up to Date

If I had a dollar for every outdated system I’ve seen leading to a breach, I’d be retired by now. Cybercriminals exploit outdated software, so regular updates are a must. (Source: ClearData)

5. Restrict Access to Patient Data

I’ve always said that not everyone in a practice needs access to patient records. Implement role-based access controls (RBAC) to limit who can view and modify sensitive data.

6. Secure Mobile Devices

With staff using personal and work-issued devices, it’s crucial to have strict policies. Use remote wipe capabilities to erase sensitive data from lost or stolen devices. (Source: CISA)

7. Conduct Regular Security Audits

If you’re not testing your own systems for vulnerabilities, someone else will. Conduct penetration testing and audits to stay ahead of threats. (Source: HHS 405d)

How Securafy Helps Healthcare Facilities Stay Secure

At Securafy, I’ve made it my mission to help healthcare providers navigate the evolving cybersecurity landscape. For nearly three decades, I’ve seen firsthand the damage caused by cyberattacks—and I’ve helped countless businesses prevent them. Our HIPAA-compliant IT solutions provide:

• 24/7 threat monitoring to detect and prevent breaches before they happen

• Encrypted data backups to ensure business continuity

• Security awareness training to make sure your staff stays sharp

• Compliance support to keep your practice aligned with HIPAA regulations

Cyber threats aren’t going away, but that doesn’t mean you have to live in fear. With the right approach, your practice can stay protected—and your patients can stay confident that their data is safe.

Let’s make sure you’re ahead of the curve. Book a free cybersecurity assessment today.