HIPAA Security Risks in 2025: A New Era of Digital Healthcare
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) 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.
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 Breaches: A Substantial Risk
While it might seem outdated in an era dominated by digital systems, paper files continue to account for nearly 20% of all healthcare data breaches.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.
Unauthorized Access/Disclosure from Devices or Paper Files
Unauthorized access or disclosure of sensitive patient information is a major concern for healthcare organizations. This can occur through various means, including phishing attacks, unauthorized access to electronic medical records, or even physical theft of paper records.
The risk of data breaches due to human error cannot be overstated. Inadequate training and lack of awareness among employees can lead to devastating consequences. Solution: Implementing robust security measures, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular software updates, can help mitigate this risk.
The Growing Threat Landscape: Beyond Traditional Risks
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. Solution: Healthcare organizations must prioritize the development of secure telemedicine platforms that adhere to HIPAA standards and implement robust security measures to protect patient data.
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. Solution: Implementing AI-driven security tools that can proactively detect anomalies and multi-layered security protocols to defend against ransomware is essential for protecting sensitive patient information.
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.