Security Rule Guidance Material
In this section, you will find educational materials to help you learn more about the HIPAA Security Rule and other sources of standards for safeguarding electronic protected health information (e-PHI).
Security Rule Educational Paper Series
The HIPAA Security Information Series is a group of educational papers which are designed to give HIPAA covered entities insight into the Security Rule and assistance with implementation of the security standards.
Security 101 for Covered Entities
Organizational, Policies and Procedures and Documentation Requirements
Basics of Risk Analysis and Risk Management
Security Standards: Implementation for the Small Provider
HIPAA Security Guidance
HHS has developed guidance and tools to assist HIPAA covered entities in identifying and implementing the most cost effective and appropriate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of e-PHI and comply with the risk analysis requirements of the Security Rule.
Risk Analysis
HHS Security Risk Assessment Tool
NIST HIPAA Security Rule Toolkit Application
HHS has also developed guidance to provide HIPAA covered entities with general information on the risks and possible mitigation strategies for remote use of and access to e-PHI.
HHS has gathered tips and information to help you protect and secure health information patients entrust to you when using mobile devices.
HHS has developed guidance to help covered entities and business associates better understand and respond to the threat of ransomware.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publications
NIST is a federal agency that sets computer security standards for the federal government and publishes reports on topics related to IT security. The following special publications are provided as an informational resource and are not legally binding guidance for covered entities.
NIST Special Publication 800-30: Risk Management Guide for Information Technology Systems
NIST Special Publication 800-77: Guide to IPsec VPNs
NIST Special Publication 800-88: Computer Security, Guidelines for Media Sanitization
NIST Special Publication 800-111: Guide to Storage Encryption Technologies for End User Devices
NIST Special Publication 800-113: Guide to SSL VPNs
NIST HIPAA Security Rule Toolkit Application
NIST Cyber Security Framework to HIPAA Security Rule Crosswalk
The Federal Trade Commission Guidance
Security Risks to Electronic Health Information from Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Applications-The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has developed a guide to Peer-to-Peer (P2P) security issues for businesses that collect and store sensitive information.
Safeguarding Electronic Protected Health Information on Digital Copiers-The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has tips on how to safeguard sensitive data stored on the hard drives of digital copiers.
Medical Identity Theft: FAQs for Health Care Providers and Health Plans-The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has tips on how to minimize the risk of medical identity theft and how to help patients if they’re victimized.
OCR Cyber Awareness Newsletters
In 2019, OCR moved to quarterly cybersecurity newsletters. The purpose of the newsletters remains unchanged: to help HIPAA covered entities and business associates remain in compliance with the HIPAA Security Rule by identifying emerging or prevalent issues, and highlighting best practices to safeguard PHI. Visit our Cybersecurity Newsletter Archive page to view previous newsletters from 2016.
- Summer 2019 OCR Cybersecurity Newsletter: Managing Malicious Insider Threats
- Spring 2019 OCR Cybersecurity Newsletter: Advanced Persistent Threats and Zero Day Vulnerabilities
- Fall 2019 OCR Cybersecurity Newsletter: What Happened to My Data?: Update on Preventing, Mitigating and Responding to Ransomware
- Summer 2020 OCR Cybersecurity Newsletter: HIPAA and IT Asset Inventories
Sign up for the OCR Security Listserv to receive the OCR Cyber Awareness Newsletters in your email inbox.
Frequently Asked Questions for Professionals - Please see the HIPAA FAQs for additional guidance on health information privacy topics.
Frequently Asked Questions for Professionals - Please see the HIPAA FAQs for additional guidance on health information privacy topics.
