What is HIPAA's Security Rule and how does it relate to vulnerability management?

The HIPAA Security Rule requires covered entities and business associates to implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect ePHI. This includes identifying and mitigating risks and vulnerabilities through regular assessments and remediation.

Are vulnerability scans required for HIPAA compliance?

While HIPAA does not prescribe specific tools, it requires organizations to evaluate and mitigate risks. Regular HIPAA vulnerability scanning is widely accepted as a necessary component of a compliant risk management program.

What are the penalties for failing to manage vulnerabilities under HIPAA?

Organizations may face civil penalties up to $1.5 million per year per violation, and even criminal charges in cases of willful neglect. Breaches stemming from unpatched systems or misconfigurations are common enforcement triggers.

Does HIPAA require documentation of remediation efforts?

Yes. Covered entities must be able to demonstrate that risk mitigation steps — including patching and configuration corrections — are implemented and tracked.

How does Brinqa support HIPAA compliance?

Brinqa helps organizations unify vulnerability data, enrich it with threat intelligence, automate remediation workflows, and generate audit-ready reports to demonstrate compliance with HIPAA’s Security Rule.