Introduction

The need for this book arises from the growing cybersecurity challenges faced by small to medium-sized healthcare facilities, which often lack the resources, expertise, and dedicated staff to interpret and implement complex security regulations. These facilities must comply with critical standards such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security Rule, 405(d) Health Industry Cybersecurity Practices (HICP), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), yet understanding these frameworks can be overwhelming. Without clear guidance, hospitals risk data breaches, operational disruptions, and regulatory penalties that could impact patient safety and trust.

Securing through simplified explanations, actionable checklists, and real-world applications, this book empowers small and medium-sized hospitals to strengthen their security posture, achieve compliance, and ensure continued safety and efficiency of patient care. The book brings together three essential entities (one regulatory, one practice, and one framework) - HIPAA Security Rule, 405(d) HICP, and the NIST CSF - to guide organizations in creating a comprehensive cybersecurity program.