6 Cybersecurity Awareness Training Programs That Comply With HIPAA

When it comes to providing professional healthcare, data is more than information. It’s personal details patients wish to keep private. Strict HIPAA regulations protect that privacy, and training employees to follow protocol is crucial to gaining and maintaining customers’ trust. 

Finding the best fit for your employees while ensuring everyone is on the same page is tricky. Seeking out a program with experience in training healthcare professionals may be the top thing you can do to prevent data breaches and loss of patient trust. 

What Security Awareness Training Complies with HIPAA?

While HIPAA allows providers to choose the training program, Security Rule 45 CFR § 164.308(a)(5) mandates healthcare environments provide instruction for the entire staff. You’ll want a program that includes key features, such as: 

• Hands-on simulations to better understand how to respond to cybersecurity threats
• Chain of command indicators for when employees notice something that seems risky
• Risk assessments from IT 
• Phishing and social engineering tests
• Guidance on how best to handle data to prevent breaches 
• Information on what data to keep or delete and why 
• A focused look at HIPAA standards and how to apply them practically

Top 6 HIPAA-Compliant Cybersecurity Awareness Training Programs

The best training programs stand out for their services, value and successful security solutions.

1. Phin Security

Connor Swalm founded Phin Security in 2019. Its mission is to bring managed service providers the security awareness needed to keep data safe from data predators. The software is easy to set up, and the company has a nice selection of courses, which it adds to frequently. 

Many people appreciate that the company offers a complete solution, including digital tools to protect databases and powerful learning tools. Employees can access social engineering simulations, onboarding and analytics to help improve compliance efforts. 

Short videos keep the trainee’s attention while ensuring the person retains as much information as possible. The over 100 videos and phishing templates take about five to eight minutes to view. The software integrates with Microsoft 365, allowing employees to report phishing attempts and train others to recognize them more easily. 

Clients choose from modules in 12 different topic areas. Some companies working with Phin Security include Triada Networks, Velocity Network and Orbitalfire Cybersecurity. A unique thing the company offers is phishing testing to identify and fix vulnerabilities. 

2. The Center for Information Security Awareness (CFISA)

A former Secret Service agent formed CFISA in 2007 to help organizations learn how to protect themselves against online crimes. The company specializes in helping train staff for business, government and educational institutions. 

The company has a unique pricing structure where you get charged based on how much employees utilize the learning platform. Modules don’t expire, so workers can access them as needed and when they are able. Availability can be a benefit in a fast-paced environment like a hospital, where employees may lack the time to go through materials in a single session or two. 

CFISA offers three types of training, including electronic, webinar and on-site direct instruction with employees. Pricing varies, but the company provides free quotes for in-person events. 

3. NINJIO

If you’re looking for a complete solution with shorter HIPAA training to meet the government’s employee education requirements, NINJIO is a one-stop shop. Zack Schuler founded NINJIO in California in 2015. Although the focus isn’t on cybersecurity outright, the company trains employees to prevent breaches that happen because people click on a wrong link or make other costly blunders. 

NINJIO offers a three-part module on HIPAA compliance. The focus is on employees working with sensitive information and training them on transmitting and storing electronic data. The provider creates videos showcasing various simulated stories to help users understand how best to comply in real-life situations. 

However, the brand offers many other modules to reduce cyber risk outside HIPAA requirements. You’ll find a few free security awareness episodes to help you understand the program’s offerings. 

4. Hoxhunt

Since HIPAA requires you to train employees to protect data without defining exactly how to conduct that teaching, Hoxhunt ensures its clients remain compliant. Because security awareness and phishing training take time and effort, Hoxhunt works to reduce the amount of labor involved in frequent training programs. 

Mika Aalto founded the Finnish cybersecurity awareness training company in 2016. While HIPAA is a United States-based requirement, laws in other countries are sometimes even more stringent. The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Act is a full privacy law that applies to all personal data, including health records. GDPR-compliant programs should be 

HIPAA-compliant, but always double-check to ensure you’re following the correct regulations.

The business offers online software demos to see how its instruction aligns with your organization’s needs. The company’s training works to change human behavior toward cybersecurity. 

5. Guardey

When you select an online learning platform like Guardey, getting your required security awareness implementation for HIPAA compliance is straightforward. You can schedule a personal demonstration or begin a free trial without sharing payment information. 

Joeri van de Watering co-founded Guardey in Rotterdam in 2022. He came to the security awareness field with seven years as an expert at the VPN service GOOSE VPN. The company emphasizes that 95% of all data leaks happen due to a lack of training for employees. Malware, simple passwords and phishing wreak havoc on data privacy.

Guardey offers specific modules made for healthcare organizations. The company updates its program weekly and reviews HIPAA requirements to ensure compliance. Because the regulations require ongoing reviews, signing up with custom content ensures you meet those requirements. 

6. Accountable HQ

Another option for HIPAA-compliant training comes from Accountable HQ, which is based in Texas. Keven Henry founded the company in 2013 to help businesses navigate complex compliance issues. Accountable HQ’s step-by-step HIPAA training helps institutions get HIPAA compliant within 30 days. 

It offers a team of experts to help navigate compliance, identify gaps and provide consultations for what your organization must complete. You can track documentation on the platform so everything is in one place. The company allows you to start for free and pay as you add employees and features. If you upgrade, you’ll pay for an essential or full-service package and then add costs for each training certificate. You can also stick with the free learning and pay for certificates only. 

Once completed, you’ll get a HIPAA Seal of Compliance badge showing you’re committed to preserving protected health information. Accountable HQ works with companies like Big Sky Health, WellnessFX and Acuity Scheduling. 

Finding the Best Security Awareness Training Companies to Comply with HIPAA Standards

The programs above vary in pricing, depending on your needs as a healthcare provider. Since rates change frequently, getting a custom quote to suit your needs is best. Going with the cheapest option may result in fewer features you need to track activity and keep a paper trail.

As a healthcare provider, you have to complete the tasks required for HIPAA. However, your ongoing cybersecurity training should be about preventing breaches and protecting patients. Go with a company that will grow as your business grows. Finding the right platform ensures learning is paced to fit your company’s growth-related goals and that your workforce keeps patient details safe.