Vulnerability Scanning & HIPAA Compliance
The world of HIPAA regulations and compliance can be confusing. CyberSec Platinum is here to help your practice navigate these murky waters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does HIPAA require vulnerability scanning?
HIPAA does not specifically use the term “vulnerability scanning,” but the Security Rule (§164.308 and §164.312) requires covered entities and business associates to implement security measures that identify, assess, and mitigate risks to electronic protected health information (ePHI). Vulnerability scanning is an industry-recognized safeguard that directly supports these requirements.
How does this fit into our risk analysis and risk management program?
Vulnerability scanning is a core input to your HIPAA risk analysis. Findings help you:
- Identify threats and vulnerabilities
- Evaluate likelihood and impact on ePHI
- Document mitigation steps
This strengthens your risk management plan and supports ongoing compliance.
Do we need both internal and external scans?
Yes. External scans simulate attacks from outside your network, while internal scans detect vulnerabilities that could be exploited if an attacker gains access—or by insider threats. Both perspectives are important for HIPAA risk management.
What do the reports look like?
Reports are clear and actionable:
- Executive summary for leadership
- Technical details for IT/security teams
- Risk ratings (critical, high, medium, low)
- Remediation recommendations
What if we can’t remediate right away?
If immediate remediation is not possible, HIPAA allows for documented risk acceptance or compensating controls. We provide guidance on risk mitigation strategies so you remain compliant while planning long-term fixes.
What sets your service apart from off-the-shelf tools?
- HIPAA-aligned reporting and documentation
- Support from security experts for remediation and audit response
- Safe scanning tailored to healthcare environments
- Option for ongoing managed scanning and compliance support
How does vulnerability scanning help with HIPAA compliance?
Scans identify weaknesses in your systems and networks that could be exploited to compromise ePHI. By conducting scans, documenting results, and addressing findings, you strengthen compliance with HIPAA’s requirements for:
- Risk Analysis (§164.308(a)(1)(ii)(A))
- Risk Management (§164.308(a)(1)(ii)(B))
- Technical Safeguards (§164.312)
How often should we scan?
While HIPAA does not mandate a specific frequency, industry best practice is:
- External scans: Quarterly or after major changes
- Internal scans: Monthly or after major system updates
- High-risk environments (e.g., cloud, medical devices, remote access): Weekly or continuous monitoring
Will scanning disrupt our operations or medical devices?
No. Our scanning process is designed to be non-intrusive and safe. We customize scan settings to avoid disruption, especially for sensitive systems such as medical devices and clinical applications.
Do you provide remediation guidance?
Yes. In addition to raw results, we provide prioritized remediation steps and can consult on solutions when patching is not immediately possible (e.g., legacy systems). This helps you demonstrate due diligence to auditors.
How does this fit into our risk analysis and risk management program?
Vulnerability scanning is a core input to your HIPAA risk analysis. Findings help you:
- Identify threats and vulnerabilities
- Evaluate likelihood and impact on ePHI
- Document mitigation steps
This strengthens your risk management plan and supports ongoing compliance.
Bottom Line
Vulnerability scanning is not just a security best practice—it’s a compliance safeguard that helps you demonstrate HIPAA Security Rule adherence, reduce risk, and protect patient data.
