The IDD community is part of the high-stakes healthcare environment where protecting sensitive patient data is critical. With increasing cybersecurity threats and ever-changing compliance requirements, utilizing secure and reliable systems and processes is a priority.
A third-party cybersecurity audit verifies that an organization, and/or the systems they use, meet these challenges head-on by providing a structured plan for managing data security, privacy, and operational integrity. SOC 2 and HIPAA share common goals of protecting sensitive information and ensuring organizational accountability. While HIPAA focuses specifically on PHI, SOC 2 takes a broader approach by addressing all aspects of data security and operational reliability. Together, these frameworks provide healthcare providers with a comprehensive strategy for safeguarding information and meeting industry expectations.
IDD Agencies rely on third-party vendors, like eVero, for services such as EHR, billing, and Cloud storage. SOC 2 and HIPPA certification ensures that these vendors meet stringent security and privacy standards. Selecting vendors that are SOC 2 and HIPAA certified reduces risks associated with third-party breaches and fosters a secure ecosystem for healthcare operations.
Here are the Top 4 Benefits that IDD Agencies will see from utilizing a SOC 2 and HIPAA verified vendor.
- Protecting Sensitive Personal Data – IDD Providers in our industry handle sensitive information, including Protected Health Information (PHI) and Personally Identifiable Information (PII), for all the individuals they support. Utilizing a platform that follows SOC 2 ensures that robust controls are in place to safeguard this data from unauthorized access, breaches, and misuse. With the growing prevalence of ransomware attacks and data breaches targeting the healthcare sector, working with SOC 2 verified vendors will ensure that they are proactively identifying and mitigating these risks, so sensitive data remains safe.
- Maintaining Regulatory Compliance – Staying in compliance with regulations like HIPAA, HITECH, and GDPR is a cornerstone of all healthcare operations. While SOC 2 is not a legal mandate, it complements these regulatory frameworks by addressing critical areas such as data encryption, access control, and risk management. When an agency utilizes a vendor that has completed a SOC 2 audit they are greatly reducing the risks associated with regulatory violations and audits.
- Strengthening Cybersecurity – Organizations that deal with health-related records are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals due to the value of medical data. SOC 2 audits assess existing security measures, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend new and additional controls to address them. Employing a systematic approach to cybersecurity as outlined in SOC 2 empowers healthcare providers to reduce the likelihood of incidents and ensure faster recovery if breaches occur.
- Boosting Operational Efficiency – SOC 2 audits often reveal gaps in existing processes, providing an opportunity to refine workflows and improve internal systems. Working with SOC 2 certified vendors will result in new standards for your agency, including better-defined policies, consistent monitoring, and streamlined operations, all while prioritizing data protection.
Conclusion
By working with vendors that follow SOC 2 and HIPAA best practices, organizations can build a foundation for secure and reliable operations.
As a provider of software solutions to IDD agencies, eVero is charged with keeping the sensitive data collected by their clients safe and secure. Undergoing regular SOC 2 and HIPAA audits verifies the security of the infrastructure that we have in place, and helps us continually strengthen our security practices and supporting compliance goals. This, above all else, gives our clients, and their users, peace of mind.
