What is business impact analysis?

A business impact analysis is the first step in an effective cybersecurity policy. During the process, organizations will analyze their security posture from different angles, or during different incidents, to understand what the organization needs to function during challenging times. 

Understanding business impact analysis

The BIA process assists with determining assets, systems, and processes necessary to maintain functionality, especially during cyberattacks, natural disasters, or system failures. A Cyber Management Alliance article states, “By combining cybersecurity measures with comprehensive BIA processes, organizations can aim to fortify their data against intruders while minimizing the effects of any disruption. It is also important to have an effective Business Continuity Plan to ensure that the organization bounces back from a cyber incident with the least possible disruption.” 

Organizations can use a BIA to assess vulnerabilities, understand the potential consequences of disruptions, and create strategies to avoid these risks. When disruptions occur in sectors like healthcare, they commonly take the form of ransomware used to exploit vulnerable systems for valuable information. Healthcare organizations that fail to implement these measures could be found to have violated their duty to secure protected health information (PHI) against unauthorized access by providing inadequate provisions for potential attacks. 

How its performed 

1. Identify processes and assets needed for daily operations.
2. Assess the risks of potential disruptions like cyberattacks or natural disasters. 
3. Determine the impact of disruptions on patient care and financial stability.
4. Evaluate vulnerabilities in IT systems, communication tools, and physical infrastructure. 
5. Gather Input from key departments like IT, operations, and clinical staff. 
6. Prioritize processes and assets based on their necessity to healthcare delivery. 
7. Develop contingency plans for high-risk scenarios, including backup systems. 
8. Define recovery time objectives and resource requirements. 

Where a business impact analysis falls within the incident response procedure 

During a business analysis, organizations assess the risks associated with areas like communications and daily operations. By addressing initial risks to communications channels providers can implement preventative measures and incident response plans based on accurate information. 

The preventative measures most effective in the context of communication are the use of centralized communication options and employing secure platforms like the HIPAA compliant email platform Paubox. These measures when supported by planning for potential workarounds of security attempts are the cornerstone of a secure and effective cybersecurity policy.

FAQs

What is HIPAA? 

HIPAA is a U.S. law that protects PHI from being disclosed without the patient's consent. 

What is the function of the Breach Notification Rule? 

It requires healthcare entities to notify affected individuals, regulators, and the media about breaches of unsecured PHI. 

What are emergency communications and what is the most effective method of communication used? 

They involve sharing urgent information during crises, with the most effective method being HIPAA compliant emails due to speed, security, and ability to reach large groups instantly.