Tech Advisory

The rising threat to patient data and what it means for PHI security

Healthcare continues to rank among the most targeted industries for cyberattacks, largely due to the value of protected health information (PHI), which includes any data tied to a patient’s identity and care. As threats continue to grow, stronger safeguards have become a necessity. Organizations need a clear plan to protect sensitive data at every stage. Below are key best practices to help secure PHI.

Map out where PHI lives and moves

Protecting PHI starts with knowing exactly where it exists and how it moves throughout an organization. Patient data is constantly in motion, captured during registration, updated during care, stored in digital systems, and shared with external partners such as labs or insurance providers. Each step in that journey introduces a new opportunity for something to go wrong.

Taking time to map these data flows can reveal hidden risks. For example, a clinic may discover that patient intake forms are scanned and emailed internally before being uploaded to a secure database. That email step, often overlooked, could become a weak link if left unprotected. Identifying these pathways helps close gaps that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Apply least privilege through role-based access

Not everyone in a healthcare setting needs the same level of access to patient information, and giving broad access can create unnecessary risk. A more controlled approach involves aligning data access with job responsibilities so employees only interact with what they genuinely need to do their work.

Role-based access control makes this easier to manage at scale. Instead of assigning permissions individually, access is grouped by role. Clinical staff might view treatment details, while billing teams focus strictly on financial data. This separation reduces accidental exposure and helps contain potential damage if an account is compromised, since the intruder would only be granted limited access rather than a full view of sensitive records.

Strengthen physical security measures

Even in highly digital environments, physical records and storage devices still play a role in handling PHI. Paper files, archived backups, and portable drives can all hold sensitive information, and they are often easier to access if not properly secured.

Simple measures such as locked filing systems and restricted storage areas can make a significant difference. Adding surveillance in archive rooms enhances accountability, making it easier to track who accessed what and when. When physical safeguards work alongside digital protections, they create a more robust and resilient security posture.

Encrypt data at rest and in transit

Encryption turns electronic PHI into an unreadable format that can only be decoded with the appropriate cryptographic key. This protects data even if unauthorized access occurs.There are two primary states where encryption should be applied: data at rest and data in transit. Data at rest includes information stored in databases, servers, or backup systems, while data in transit refers to information moving between devices, applications, or external partners.

For stored data, it’s recommended to use advanced encryption standards (e.g., AES-256) to ensure the strongest level of protection. It is especially vital for securing social security numbers, medical histories, and financial information.

As for data in transit, protocols such as Transport Layer Security (TLS) establish secure communication channels, preventing interception or tampering during transmission. For instance, when patient records are transmitted between a healthcare provider and a third-party billing platform, TLS encryption creates a secure “tunnel” that shields the data from exposure.

Implement robust network security controls

Network security serves as a barrier between internal systems and external threats. Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and secure network configurations help monitor and control incoming and outgoing traffic.

Segmenting networks can further limit risk by isolating sensitive systems from general access areas. For example, separating clinical systems from guest Wi-Fi networks prevents unauthorized users from getting close to critical data environments. Regular vulnerability assessments and patch management also play a key role in maintaining a strong security posture.

Train employees to recognize and respond to threats

Every employee who interacts with PHI has some level of responsibility in keeping it safe. This is particularly important because human error (e.g., clicking a malicious link or mishandling data) remains one of the most common entry points for cyber incidents.

Ongoing training helps reduce that risk by building awareness around common threats and safe practices. Staff who can recognize suspicious emails, create strong passwords, and follow proper data handling procedures are far less likely to fall victim to attacks. When employees understand the real-world impact of a data breach, they become more attentive and proactive in protecting sensitive information.

Protecting PHI demands consistent attention across systems, processes, and people. Reach out to us today to explore tailored strategies that address your unique risks and operational needs.