Protenus’ Post

Over the weekend we saw a new breach in healthcare. Sept 26, 2025, VIVA Health disclosed a breach affecting nearly 5,000 members, where a file containing protected health information was left publicly accessible on their website since June. Although Social Security numbers and financial data were not exposed, sensitive identifiers such as Medicare IDs and authorization numbers were included. This incident highlights how even seemingly low-sensitivity data can have serious consequences when mishandled. It underscores the need for strict file access controls, continuous security audits, and proactive configuration monitoring. In healthcare, the stakes are higher than compliance alone. This kind of breach affects trust, privacy, and patient safety are directly at risk. Are 5,000 accounts enough to add more attention to preventative measures; or was this type of attack unfortunate but minimal, and not worth the resources?

Privacy compliance shouldn't just be a checkbox for healthcare organizations; it should be embedded in their core values. As health systems expand, employee turnover increases, and technology gaps persist, patient privacy can become an overlooked issue—until a significant problem arises. Machine learning can empower privacy teams to precisely identify potential data threats, enabling seamless monitoring of EHR access without increasing headcount. This technology helps prioritize critical tasks, address issues before they escalate into costly problems for healthcare organizations, and safeguard patient trust. Read our blog to learn real-world strategies to go beyond compliance and build trust in a data-driven world: https://hubs.la/Q03J4NlR0 #PatientPrivacy #HealthcareCompliance

Healthcare providers need to prioritize patient privacy, yet many still face significant challenges. The recent case with SSM Health, where personal health data was unknowingly tracked and shared, highlights a stark issue—trust has been broken. This not only violates HIPAA regulations but also jeopardizes the emotional well-being of patients who rely on these services for confidentiality. Fortunately, SSM Health has agreed to a settlement, offering affected users cash compensation and a year of identity protection. It's a step toward accountability, but only a solid commitment to data privacy can truly restore trust. How is your organization ensuring data protection for its patients? Let’s discuss solutions. https://lnkd.in/gfMFmHv8

What's more valuable than gold? Your healthcare data. In the wrong hands, this treasure trove of personal information can do harm beyond imagination, threatening the crux of our healthcare ecosystem and patient trust. Cyberattacks and data breaches in healthcare have spiked dramatically, tarnishing reputations and costing billions in fines. As healthcare professionals, we must prioritize data privacy and cybersecurity more rigorously. The stakes are far too high to leave this to chance or treat it as just an IT problem. By strengthening our security systems, we go beyond compliance. We foster a culture of trust and demonstrate the value we place on patient privacy. The promise of a secure healthcare future lies in our hands. Let's transform the way we handle healthcare data. As we rethink our security posture, the benefits will extend far beyond legal compliances. So, let's connect and make digital health secure for everyone. Join me in this fight for privacy and respect for patient data.

Health care data breaches continue to be prevalent this year, posing significant risks to patient privacy and security. To assess how the health care sector has already been impacted by breaches to date and what we can expect in 2026, we analyzed the Breach Portal maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights. We looked at the breaches reported this year, from January 1 to September 1, 2025, including both resolved breach reports and breaches currently under investigation. Here are some of our key findings: 📈 Nearly 500 breaches of unsecured PHI affecting 500 or more individuals have been reported. 😨 Over 37.5 million individuals have been affected by these breaches. 👥 A business associate was present in more than one-third (37%) of reported breaches YTD. Get more stats and analysis of the biggest healthcare breaches of all time in our report: https://hubs.li/Q03NKxtm0

Patient data is growing faster than ever, and so are the risks. From clinical notes to operational records, healthcare organisations are managing more sensitive data than ever before. And with the sector consistently topping Australia’s data breach reports, the pressure is mounting. Our latest whitepaper explores how Grace’s Information Governance solution helps healthcare providers: • Reduce privacy risk across the data lifecycle • Strengthen compliance with health privacy laws • Detect and govern sensitive data in-place • Streamline access for audits, DSARs and investigations If your current governance tools aren’t keeping up, it’s time for a new approach. Download whitepaper: https://lnkd.in/gwT88BwS #InformationGovernance #HealthData #Privacy #Compliance #Healthcare #DigitalHealth #GraceInformation #RecordPoint #CyberSecurity #DataGovernance #AustralianHealthCare

We believe trust is earned through action, not promises. This is especially true when dealing with you and your patients' private health data, so we upgraded our security practices. Synergy Infoconnect is pleased to confirm our adherence to the highest standards with dual compliance: SOC 2 for system-level controls and HIPAA for the rigorous protection of Protected Health Information (PHI). For our partners in the healthcare industry and all clients handling sensitive data, this dual compliance provides the ultimate assurance that your information is managed with the utmost integrity, confidentiality, and security. Partner with confidence. Learn more about our compliance framework on our website. #HealthcareIT #DataProtection #Healthcare

Unauthorized access to patient records remains a persistent and costly challenge for healthcare organizations. In a new article from HIT Consultant Media, Bluesight's Director of Privacy Strategy, Heather Arthur, outlines 10 actionable strategies to strengthen patient privacy protections. The first strategy is: ▪️Formalize Investigation Protocol: Develop and document standard workflows for investigations, including escalation paths for defined case categories and “look-back” periods to determine if there’s a pattern of inappropriate access. Discover all ten strategies in the full article to enhance your organization's privacy framework and maintain patient trust: https://hubs.la/Q03MZxr00 #PatientPrivacy #HealthcareCompliance #DataSecurity #HIPAA #HealthIT

Balancing the Need for Data Accessibility with Ensuring Patient Data Privacy and Compliance with Regulations like HIPAA - Healthcare IT Today In the evolving landscape of healthcare IT, balancing data accessibility with patient privacy and HIPAA compliance is crucial. Experts emphasize that integrating security into EHR systems from the outset can enhance accessibility without compromising data integrity. Innovations like secure interoperability, role-based access, and AI-driven compliance monitoring are essential for fostering trust while meeting regulatory demands. By viewing accessibility and security as complementary rather than opposing forces, healthcare organizations can create efficient, patient-centered care environments that prioritize both safety and convenience. #HealthcareIT #DataPrivacy #HIPAA #Cybersecurity #HealthTech #Interoperability #PatientCare ai.mediformatica.com #data #health #acce #healthcare #privacy #compliance #providers #acceibility #hipaa #dataacceibility #patients #patientdata #digitalhealth #healthit #healthtech #healthcaretechnology @MediFormatica (https://buff.ly/sBY1Ybq)

💬 “One small mistake. One major breach.” In healthcare, patient privacy can’t be taken lightly. HIPAA compliance isn’t just a rule — it’s protection. Even minor errors, like using non-secure email, can lead to breaches, stress, and lost trust. How to stay compliant in virtual healthcare: 🔐 Use Secure Systems – Only encrypted, HIPAA-compliant platforms for communication and file sharing. 🧠 Stay Aware – Never assume a tool or process is safe. Verify compliance. 🩺 Share Responsibility – Every team member, from providers to virtual assistants, safeguards patient data. 💡 Bottom line: HIPAA compliance is a mindset, not a checklist. Protecting patient information builds trust, supports ethical care, and keeps healthcare professional. #HIPAACompliance #MedicalVirtualAssistant #HealthcareSupport #DataPrivacy #VirtualCare #PatientTrust #HealthcareEthics