Integrating HIPAA compliant email and endpoint detection response

Endpoint devices are the hardware units that connect to a network and communicate back with it. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) software is used to rapidly detect threats to these devices. 

Understanding endpoint detections 

EDR represents an approach that complements other cybersecurity layers by reducing the “dwell time”, a period a threat remains undetected within a network. EDR systems focus on identifying, monitoring, and responding to threats on endpoint devices. The systems allow organizations visibility into endpoint activities which act as entry points for attackers. 

According to a conference paper published in the 2021 International Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security, “EDR solutions were designed to solve the problems of having too many manufacturers, not quite enough integration, poor coordination, and a lack of time.” Real time monitoring provides a method of detecting suspicious activity, analyzing potential threats, and generating alerts.

How it works 

• EDR constantly watches what happens on each device in the network, like computers, phones, and servers.
• It collects data on things like programs running, files being accessed, and user activities. 
• EDR looks for suspicious activities using methods like comparing files to known malware or watching for unusual behaviors. 
• If something unusual is detected, it sends an alert to security teams to investigate. 
• Security teams can examine the alert for details like which device was affected and what happened. 
• EDR can take actions automatically, like stopping suspicious programs, isolating an infected device, or blocking access to the network. 
• It creates reports on threats and actions taken to help the organization stay compliant.  

Integrating HIPAA compliant email and EDR

Email chains contain a wealth of protected health information (PHI) that is often the target of threat actors. EDR software provides an additional layer of protection to the existing security provided by HIPAA compliant email. EDR improves the protections of HIPAA compliant email systems like Paubox by monitoring any attempts to bypass security measures like attempts to access email accounts from unapproved devices. 

EDR also assists in detecting phishing attacks that might compromise email credentials. In the case of a data breach, EDR solutions automatically isolate the affected endpoint, stopping the attack from spreading to the network and further preventing the exposure of PHI. These measures go a long way in reinforcing the existing protections granted by secure communications. 

FAQs

What is the Security Rule?

The Security Rule is a set of HIPAA standards that requires healthcare organizations to implement safeguards to protect the confidentiality of electronic PHI.

What are preventative cybersecurity methods? 

Methods like firewalls, encryption, regular security training, and software updates to defend against the potential of cyber threats. 

What is the role of the HICP in healthcare cybersecurity efforts?

The Health Industry Cybersecurity Practices provides cybersecurity guidelines and best practices to healthcare organizations of all sizes.