How a business associate data breach impacts a covered entity

When a business associate has a data breach, it can expose the covered entity's data, lead to legal consequences, and cause reputational damage.

Possible data breach business associates could face

• Unauthorized access
• Phishing attacks
• Malware and ransomware
• Insider threats
• Weak security practices
• Physical theft
• Third-party breaches
• Misconfigured cloud services
• Insider data exfiltration
• Lack of employee training
• Vulnerabilities in software and systems
• Social media and public exposure

See also: Rite Aid discloses breach affecting 24,400 customers

How does a data breach impact a covered entity?

When a business associate experiences a data breach, it significantly impacts the covered entity in several ways. Firstly, both the business associate and the covered entity share liability for protecting sensitive data, which means the breach exposes the covered entity's data as well. This can lead to consequences that could result in civil penalties for both parties. 

Thirdly, the financial impact of remediation and breach-related expenses may burden the covered entity, even if the breach primarily occurred within the business associate's infrastructure. The covered entity may be held accountable for the actions of its business associates under data protection regulations, which could lead to further compliance issues. 

Related: How to handle accidental HIPAA email breaches?

Business associates' responsibility when they experience a breach

1. Notify the covered entity: This notification should include details about the nature and scope of the breach, the types of data affected, etc.
2. Investigate the breach: The business associate is responsible for conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause and extent of the breach. 
3. Mitigate and remediate: This may involve securing affected systems, removing malware, and implementing additional security measures.
4. Notify affected individuals: Only in certain situations, the business associate may be required to notify affected individuals about the breach. 
5. Provide assistance to the covered entity: The business associate should collaborate with the covered entity in their breach response efforts. 
6. Update security measures: Following a breach, the business associate must reassess its security measures and make necessary improvements to prevent future incidents. 
7. Maintain records: The business associate should maintain records of the breach, including incident reports, investigation findings, and actions taken to address the breach. 
8. Cooperate with external entities: If law enforcement agencies or other third parties become involved in the breach investigation, the business associate should cooperate fully and provide any necessary assistance.

What steps are covered entities required to take?

Gather information

The covered entity should obtain detailed information about the breach from the business associate. This includes the nature and scope of the breach, the type of data compromised, the number of affected individuals, and the actions taken by the business associate to mitigate the breach.

Assess the impact

The covered entity should assess the potential risks and implications of the breach on their organization and the individuals whose data is affected. This assessment will help in determining the appropriate response and notification measures.

Notification to authorities

If required by applicable data protection laws, the covered entity should promptly report the breach to relevant regulatory authorities. This notification should be done within the specified time frames and in compliance with the applicable regulations.

Notification to affected individuals

If the breach poses a significant risk of harm to individuals, the covered entity should notify the affected individuals promptly. The notification should include clear and concise information about the breach, the potential risks, and any steps the individuals can take to protect themselves.

Internal communication and documentation

The covered entity should communicate the breach internally to relevant stakeholders, including employees and management. This communication should be done through secure channels such as HIPAA compliant email. Comprehensive documentation of the breach response process, including actions taken and communication records, should be maintained for compliance purposes.

Risk mitigation

The covered entity should take necessary steps to mitigate the breach's impact and prevent further unauthorized access to compromised data. This may involve implementing additional security measures, conducting risk assessments, and reassessing data protection practices.

See also: How to know if you're a business associate