Comprehensive HIPAA compliance services ensuring healthcare data security and privacy standards are met across your organization.
Our proven HIPAA methodology combines risk assessment, security audit, and implementation for complete compliance
Comprehensive evaluation of current HIPAA compliance and security posture
96% EffectivenessThorough audit of administrative, physical, and technical safeguards
98% EffectivenessComplete HIPAA compliance implementation and remediation support
99% EffectivenessKey components that ensure comprehensive HIPAA compliance and PHI protection
Policies, procedures, and training programs
Facility access and workstation security
Access controls, encryption, and audit logs
PHI usage and disclosure requirements
Electronic PHI protection standards
Incident reporting and notification
Third-party compliance management
Access and amendment rights
Real-time monitoring of HIPAA compliance status and security controls
Detailed PHI risk assessment and vulnerability identification
Step-by-step plan to achieve full HIPAA compliance
Complete set of HIPAA-compliant policies and procedures
Start with our comprehensive HIPAA risk assessment to identify gaps and create your compliance roadmap.
The HIPAA Security Rule requires covered entities to conduct periodic technical evaluations of their systems. Penetration testing is the most effective way to meet this requirement and identify real-world vulnerabilities before attackers do.
While the HIPAA Security Rule does not explicitly use the term "penetration testing," it mandates technical evaluations under §164.308(a)(8) and risk analysis under §164.308(a)(1). The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and industry best practices strongly recommend penetration testing as part of a comprehensive HIPAA security program. Healthcare data breaches cost an average of $10.93 million per incident — the highest of any industry.
HIPAA Security Rule References:
Test patient portals, EHR systems, telehealth platforms, and any web application that processes, stores, or transmits ePHI for OWASP Top 10 and healthcare-specific vulnerabilities.
Assess internal and external network infrastructure, firewalls, VPNs, and wireless networks to identify paths an attacker could exploit to access ePHI.
Evaluate mobile health applications and API endpoints for authentication flaws, insecure data storage, improper session management, and ePHI exposure risks.
Test employee susceptibility to phishing, pretexting, and physical access attacks. Validate role-based access controls, MFA enforcement, and minimum necessary access policies.
Our OSCP-certified penetration testers specialize in healthcare environments and understand HIPAA compliance requirements. Request a free scoping call.
Common questions about HIPAA compliance and penetration testing requirements
While HIPAA does not explicitly mandate penetration testing by name, the Security Rule requires covered entities to conduct periodic technical evaluations (§164.308(a)(8)) and perform risk analyses (§164.308(a)(1)). Penetration testing is widely recognized as a critical component of meeting these requirements and is recommended by HHS and most HIPAA auditors. Organizations that experience a breach without having performed penetration testing face significantly higher regulatory scrutiny and fines.
Best practice is to conduct HIPAA penetration testing at least annually, and after any significant infrastructure changes such as new systems, major updates, or network modifications. Many healthcare organizations perform quarterly vulnerability scans alongside annual penetration tests to maintain continuous compliance and detect emerging threats.
HIPAA violations are tiered based on the level of negligence:
Annual maximums reach up to $1.5 million per violation category. Criminal penalties can include up to 10 years imprisonment for intentional violations.
A comprehensive HIPAA penetration test covers:
The goal is to identify vulnerabilities that could lead to unauthorized access to protected health information (PHI/ePHI).
Yes. Under the HITECH Act and the HIPAA Omnibus Rule, Business Associates are directly liable for HIPAA compliance. Any organization that creates, receives, maintains, or transmits ePHI on behalf of a covered entity must implement the same security safeguards — including periodic technical evaluations. Penetration testing helps Business Associates demonstrate compliance and due diligence under their Business Associate Agreements (BAAs).