Security Checklist for Healthcare Environment

Explanation of Checklist Items

Antivirus up to date – Ensures all devices are protected against malware.
EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response) up to date – Detects and responds to endpoint threats in real-time.
Perimeter security – Uses firewalls, intrusion prevention, and network segmentation to block external threats.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enabled – Requires multiple verification steps to access systems.
Software patches – Ensures all software is updated to fix security vulnerabilities.
Hardware patches – Updates firmware and hardware components to prevent exploitation.

Data encrypted at rest – Protects stored data from unauthorized access.
Data encrypted in transit – Secures data while it is being transmitted over networks.
Secure backup solution – Ensures data is regularly backed up to prevent loss.
Offsite backup storage – Stores backups in a separate location for disaster recovery.
Data recovery procedures – Verifies whether data restoration processes are continuously tested for reliability.
Disaster recovery – Defines a structured plan to restore operations after a cyber incident.
Business continuity – Ensures healthcare services remain operational during disruptions.
Data retention policies comply with HIPAA – Meets legal requirements for storing patient data securely.
Data retention policies comply with HITECH Act – Aligns with enhanced security standards for electronic health records.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for data protection – Adds an extra layer of security for accessing sensitive data.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for backup strategy – Secures access to backup systems to prevent unauthorized modifications.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) – Restricts system access based on job roles.
Least privilege access – Grants users only the minimum access needed for their tasks.
Strong passwords requirement – Enforces complex passwords for all accounts to prevent breaches.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all accounts – Requires specific verification steps for users in the network.
Inactive employee accounts removed – Ensures accounts not in use are deactivated.
Terminated employee accounts removed – Deletes accounts of former employees to prevent unauthorized access.
Access logs monitored – Tracks and reviews system access for suspicious activity.

Organization complies with HIPAA – Adheres to regulations protecting patient health data.
Organization complies with HITECH Act – Meets enhanced security requirements for electronic records.
Organization complies with NIST – Follows cyber security best practices set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Organization complies with NIST – Follows cyber security best practices set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Security policies reviewed in the last 12 months – Ensures security policies remain relevant and updated.
Security policies updated in the last 12 months – Implements necessary changes based on new threats and compliance needs.
Employees receive cyber security training – Provides staff with ongoing education on security best practices.
Third-party vendors meet security standards – Ensures external partners comply with security requirements.
Third-party vendors follow data protection policies – Verifies that vendors handle data securely.

Documented incident response plan – Defines how the organization responds to cyber security incidents.
Incident response plan tested – Regularly evaluates the effectiveness of incident response procedures.
Ransomware attack simulations conducted annually – Tests readiness to handle ransomware threats.
Cyber security response team – Dedicated team or experts handling security incidents.
Vendor partnership for incident response – Collaborates with external security experts for incident management.
Cyber insurance covers ransomware attacks – Provides financial protection against ransomware incidents.
Cyber insurance covers data breaches – Covers costs associated with data breaches, including legal and recovery expenses.