The HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) continues to make a significant impact on the healthcare industry, particularly as organizations have been pushed to adapt new safeguards for protected health information (PHI), especially with the rise of electronic medical records (EMRs) and electronic protected health information (ePHI). As healthcare providers continue migrating to cloud-based infrastructures and advanced technologies, it’s crucial to maintain HIPAA compliance through robust security measures, whether utilizing in-house servers or cloud hosting solutions.
With organizations required to report breaches affecting 500 or more patients since the final compliance date in 2006, significant data has been collected over the years. As of 2025, HIPAA security risks have evolved with new threats emerging as technology advances. Here’s a look at the top five security risks for healthcare IT professionals as they navigate the modern landscape of EMRs and ePHI:
Theft of Laptops or Portable Devices
Despite advancements in digital security tools like encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and mobile device management (MDM) solutions, theft of devices continues to be one of the most prevalent causes of HIPAA security breaches. While healthcare organizations have made strides in preventing breaches through encryption and firewalls, stolen laptops, smartphones, and other portable devices still account for a significant portion of breaches.
According to a 2024 report by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), 47% of healthcare breaches in 2023 were due to the theft of mobile devices, a 6% increase from previous years. This is concerning given the sensitive nature of health data stored on portable devices. It’s clear that physical security remains as critical as digital security.
Solution: Hospitals and healthcare organizations should continue to enforce strict protocols on mobile devices, such as using device tracking software, implementing strong remote wipe capabilities, and ensuring that staff are trained on securing devices when not in use. Furthermore, data encryption should be mandatory for all mobile devices accessing ePHI.
Paper Files and Unencrypted Documents
Interestingly, paper breaches remain a substantial risk for HIPAA violations. While it might seem outdated in an era dominated by digital systems, paper files continue to account for nearly 20% of all healthcare data breaches. Unauthorized access to physical records, improper disposal, and even theft of physical files contribute to this statistic. In fact, the 2023 OCR report revealed that paper breaches had increased by 5% in the past year.
Solution: Transitioning to electronic records and automated document management systems is one way to reduce paper-related risks. These systems should be integrated with strong access controls and audit trails to ensure that only authorized personnel can view or modify PHI. Even with paper, there must be a comprehensive strategy for secure shredding and proper storage.
Unauthorized Access/Disclosure from Devices or Paper Files
Unauthorized access and disclosure of health data remain among the top causes of HIPAA violations. This can occur in various forms: a doctor disclosing information to a friend, unauthorized individuals viewing records on open terminals, or even an employee accessing patient data they’re not supposed to view.
Interestingly, insider threats (employees or contractors accessing sensitive data without proper authorization) have seen a 15% increase from the previous year, with breaches attributed to insiders accounting for 30% of all incidents in 2024.
Solution: Healthcare organizations need to focus on building a culture of security. Staff education on HIPAA requirements and patient confidentiality is a must. Additionally, implementing tools like role-based access control (RBAC), strong password policies, and real-time activity monitoring can help mitigate the risk of unauthorized access.
While the loss of physical devices or files may seem like an easily preventable risk, it remains a persistent issue. Recent data shows that 11% of all healthcare breaches in 2023 were due to the loss of paper files or mobile devices. With healthcare professionals constantly on the move, the chances of misplacing or losing important records are higher.
The risk is compounded by remote work arrangements that became more common after the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the context of telemedicine and virtual care. According to a 2025 report by HIMSS, the loss of devices in remote work settings has increased by 22% since 2021.
Solution: Ensuring that all devices are properly tracked with inventory management software and adopting remote wipe technology can help reduce the chances of data loss. Additionally, educating employees about the risks associated with remote work and ensuring they follow strict data security protocols is essential.
Hacking/IT Incidents
Despite other causes surpassing hacking in terms of frequency, cyberattacks continue to be a major concern in the healthcare industry. Ransomware attacks have grown significantly in recent years, particularly since 2021, with healthcare systems becoming prime targets due to the sensitive nature of patient data. A 2024 cybersecurity report revealed that 28% of all ransomware attacks targeted healthcare organizations in the previous year.
Additionally, the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in healthcare has opened new doors for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities. Threats like deepfake attacks targeting healthcare leaders or the manipulation of AI algorithms are emerging concerns.
Solution: It’s imperative that healthcare organizations adopt next-generation firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and endpoint protection. Additionally, healthcare providers should invest in AI-driven security tools that can proactively detect anomalies and multi-layered security protocols to defend against ransomware.
The Growing Threat Landscape: Beyond Traditional Risks
In addition to the aforementioned risks, several new trends are reshaping the landscape of healthcare data security:
1. Telemedicine and Remote Care: With telemedicine continuing to thrive post-pandemic, the rise in virtual care has introduced new risks. According to 2025 surveys, 50% of healthcare providers now offer telehealth services, and this number is expected to grow by an additional 20% by 2026. The risk lies in ensuring these platforms are HIPAA-compliant, as breaches can occur through unencrypted video calls or unprotected patient records.
2. AI and Healthcare Data: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing healthcare, but it also introduces a whole new set of security vulnerabilities. The misuse of AI to create deepfake medical information or exploit patient records is a growing concern. Security measures must evolve to address these threats.
Mitigating Risks with Modern Solutions
While HIPAA compliance remains a top priority for healthcare organizations, the risks and threats to ePHI are constantly evolving. In 2025, it’s more important than ever to implement a comprehensive security strategy that incorporates both physical and digital safeguards. The combination of employee training, proactive monitoring, and adopting the latest technologies such as AI-driven security tools will go a long way in protecting sensitive patient information and ensuring compliance.
The key takeaway: security is an ongoing process. By adapting to the changing threat landscape, healthcare organizations can mitigate risks and safeguard their patients’ most private data.
By Gary Bernstein
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