Through continuous monitoring of user behavior, user behavior software (UBA) provides a layer of protection that complements existing security software like HIPAA compliant email.
Understanding UBA software
UBA software establishes a baseline for normal behavior for each user like login times, the times of data accessed, and communication patterns. When deviations from these norms occur, the software flags them as potential security threats. The software works well in a healthcare setting where it can be used to detect insider threats. Healthcare employees, who regularly handle protected health information (PHI), are prime targets for malicious actors looking to exploit access to this data. The baseline set by UBA software helps flag abnormalities in networks and servers, a useful tool considering the prevalence of remote access through BYOD policies.
How it works
- UBA software starts by gathering data from multiple sources in an organization's network.
- Once the data is collected, the software establishes a “normal” behavior baseline for each user. The baseline represents what is typical for a given user in terms of activities and interactions within the system.
- UBA software continuously monitors user activity in real-time. As users interact with systems, the software compares their actions to their established baseline to look for any activity falling outside the expected behavior.
- When a deviation from the baseline occurs, the software identifies it as an anomaly which is then classified based on severity.
- Once an anomaly is detected, the UBA software generates an alert to notify security or IT teams. The alerts prioritize the potential risk level, which means high-risk activities like downloading large amounts of data or logging in from unfamiliar locations might trigger an immediate alert for investigation.
- After receiving an alert, security teams can investigate further. UBA software often provides tools for in-depth analysis like timelines of user activity.
The function of UBA software in health practice email accounts
UBA software assists with the high risk of cyberattacks targeted at email accounts that healthcare organizations often face. It avoids the risk of unauthorized access by detecting unusual behavior patterns that could indicate a security breach. By establishing a baseline for email account behavior, UBA can detect anomalies like unauthorized sharing of PHI or logging into HIPAA compliant email from unknown devices or locations. The monitoring allows IT teams to respond quickly, stopping data leaks or account compromises before they escalate.
FAQs
What makes an email platform HIPAA compliant?
A platform meets the standards set by the Privacy and Security Rule by incorporating features like encryption, access controls, and audit logs.
What is singular value decomposition?
Singular value composition simplifies complex data making it easier to analyze or process.
What are anomalies detected by UBA software?
- Unusual login behavior
- Data access abnormalities
- Excessive downloads
- Privilege escalation
- Unauthorized sharing
Kirsten Peremore
