As digital threats to our nation’s infrastructure continue to grow, the bipartisan Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act aims to strengthen cybersecurity for government agencies and municipalities – frequent targets of cyberattacks. This legislation marks a major step toward securing sensitive data and critical systems across the public sector. As a leading Managed Service Provider (MSP) specializing in IT and cybersecurity for government clients, we’re here to explain what this bill means for you and how it can help enhance your cybersecurity posture.

What is the Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act and What Does It Mean for Government Cybersecurity?

This important bill aims to renew and enhance a decade-old law that encourages collaboration and information sharing between the private sector and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The core of the legislation is the voluntary sharing of “cyber threat indicators” – think of these as digital fingerprints of malicious activity, such as malware signatures, software vulnerabilities, and suspicious IP addresses. By sharing this information, the goal is to create a more unified and proactive defense against cyber threats, preventing data breaches and protecting the personal information of citizens.

Key Cybersecurity Provisions in the Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act for Government Agencies

The “Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act” has several key provisions that will directly impact how governments and municipalities approach cybersecurity:

• Renewed Information Sharing: The bill reauthorizes the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015, which has been crucial in responding to major cyberattacks like SolarWinds and Volt Typhoon. This means that the channels for sharing threat intelligence will remain open and be strengthened, providing your organization with access to timely and actionable information.
• Liability Protections: A major component of the bill is the renewal of liability protections for companies that share threat information. This is a critical incentive that encourages more organizations to participate in the information-sharing ecosystem without the fear of legal repercussions. For you, this means a larger pool of shared data to draw from, leading to more comprehensive threat intelligence.
• Privacy Protections: The bill includes robust privacy protections to prevent the sharing of personally identifiable information (PII). This is a crucial element that ensures the privacy of citizens is respected while still allowing for the effective sharing of threat data.

How a Managed Service Provider (MSP) Can Help You Navigate the New Landscape

While the Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act is a positive step, it underscores the increasing complexity of cybersecurity for government agencies and municipalities. Understanding the legislation’s impact on compliance, threat mitigation, and data sharing is critical for maintaining a secure infrastructure. Here’s how we can help:

• Expertise and Experience: We have extensive experience working with public sector clients and understand the unique challenges you face. Our team of certified cybersecurity professionals can help you make sense of the new legislation and implement a security strategy that is tailored to your specific needs.
• Proactive Threat Hunting: We don’t just wait for threats to come to you. Our team actively hunts for threats and vulnerabilities in your network, using the latest threat intelligence and advanced security tools. This proactive approach can help you stay one step ahead of the attackers.
• 24/7 Monitoring and Response: Cyberattacks can happen at any time. That’s why we offer 24/7 monitoring and response services to ensure that your systems are always protected. In the event of an incident, our team will be there to respond quickly and effectively, minimizing the damage and getting you back up and running as soon as possible.
• Compliance and Reporting: We can help you navigate the complex web of cybersecurity regulations and ensure that you are in compliance with all applicable laws. We also provide detailed reporting that gives you a clear picture of your security posture and the value we are providing.

Overall, the Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act’s cybersecurity provisions are designed to help government agencies and municipalities enhance their cyber resilience by promoting safer information-sharing practices, while still protecting citizen privacy.

The Takeaway

The “Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act” cybersecurity legislation is a welcome development that strengthens the public sector’s cyber defenses. For government agencies and municipalities, it reinforces the importance of taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity and collaboration.

Ready to learn more about how we can help you enhance your cybersecurity posture? Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Reference Article: (Ribeiro & Ribeiro, 2025)

About HCH: HCH Enterprises, LLC (HCH) is a solutions-oriented technology services provider. From managed services to project-based engagements, our IT and Security services allow clients to focus on their core competencies with the peace of mind of knowing their technology framework is operational, optimized, and secure. We are certified as a Minority-Owned, Disabled, and Small Business Enterprise (MBE/DBE/SBE). We believe our work benefits from the diverse perspectives of our employees and are committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer.

In today’s healthcare landscape, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) serves as a critical framework for protecting sensitive patient information. For health plans, including insurance companies, HMOs, corporate health plans, and government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, upholding these regulations is not just a legal obligation; it’s fundamental to maintaining patient trust and data integrity.

However, navigating the complexities of HIPAA can lead to common but costly missteps. This guide illuminates the 10 most prevalent HIPAA violations that Health Plans must avoid to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and foster patient confidence.

1. Neglecting Ongoing Staff Training

The Pitfall: Providing one-time, “check-the-box” HIPAA training during onboarding and then never again. The threat landscape and regulations are constantly evolving, leaving staff unprepared for modern risks, such as sophisticated phishing attacks.

The Proactive Solution: Implement a continuous security awareness program. This should include annual mandatory HIPAA training, role-specific security refreshers, and regular phishing simulations to test and reinforce knowledge. Document all training sessions for audit purposes.

2. Lax Access Control Measures

The Pitfall: Granting broad, unrestricted access to patient records, allowing employees to view Protected Health Information (PHI) that is not required for their job function.

The Proactive Solution: Enforce the Principle of Least Privilege. Access to PHI must be strictly limited to the minimum necessary for an employee to perform their duties. Implement role-based access controls (RBAC), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and conduct quarterly access reviews to remove permissions that are no longer needed.

3. Skipping a Formal Security Risk Analysis

The Pitfall: Failing to conduct a thorough and regular Security Risk Analysis (SRA) to identify vulnerabilities to electronic PHI (ePHI).

The Proactive Solution: As required by the HIPAA Security Rule, conduct an annual SRA. This analysis should identify potential threats to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of ePHI and result in a documented plan to implement reasonable and appropriate safeguards.

4. Inadequate Data Security & Encryption

The Pitfall: Storing unencrypted ePHI on servers, laptops, or portable devices makes it vulnerable in the event of theft or loss.

The Proactive Solution: Go beyond basic password policies. Encrypt all ePHI, both at rest (on servers and storage devices) and in transit (when transmitted over a network). Utilize endpoint protection on all devices and ensure secure configurations for any cloud services handling patient data.

5. Improper Data and Device Disposal

The Pitfall: Simply deleting files or tossing old paper records and hardware in the trash leaves a trail of recoverable sensitive data.

The Proactive Solution: Implement a formal data disposal policy. This includes cross-cut shredding for paper records and, for electronic media, using methods like cryptographic erasure, degaussing, or physical destruction. Always obtain a Certificate of Destruction from your disposal vendor.

6. Overlooking Business Associate Agreements (BAAs)

The Pitfall: Collaborating with third-party vendors (e.g., cloud hosting providers, software developers, claims processors) who handle PHI without a signed, HIPAA-compliant Business Associate Agreement (BAA).

The Proactive Solution: Before sharing any PHI, execute a comprehensive BAA that legally obligates your vendors to protect the data according to HIPAA standards. Perform due diligence to ensure they have the technical and administrative capacity to meet these obligations.

7. Lacking a Tested Incident Response Plan

The Pitfall: Failing to have a clear, actionable plan in place to execute when a data breach or security incident occurs, resulting in panic, delays, and further compounded damages.

The Proactive Solution: Develop, document, and regularly test an Incident Response Plan. This plan must outline the specific steps for containment, investigation, and notification as required by the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule. Conduct tabletop exercises to ensure your team is prepared to act swiftly and effectively.

8. Using Insecure Communication Channels

The Pitfall: Transmitting PHI through unencrypted email, standard text messages, or non-secure third-party messaging apps.

The Proactive Solution: Mandate the use of secure, end-to-end encrypted communication methods for all PHI. This includes secure email gateways, encrypted patient portals, or dedicated secure messaging platforms. Create a clear policy forbidding the use of personal or non-secure applications for official business.

9. Disregarding Patient Rights of Access

The Pitfall: Delaying or failing to fulfill a patient’s request to access, amend, or receive a copy of their own health records in a timely manner.

The Proactive Solution: Establish and document a clear, streamlined process to handle patient requests promptly and in accordance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule. Ensure staff are trained in patient rights and the specific timelines for responding.

10. Insufficient or Inaccessible Documentation

The Pitfall: Failing to maintain organized, detailed records of your HIPAA compliance efforts, making it impossible to prove due diligence during an audit.

The Proactive Solution: Create a “culture of compliance” where documentation is a priority. Keep meticulous, centralized records of all risk assessments, training logs, policies and procedures, BAAs, and incident responses. This documentation is your proof of ongoing compliance.

From Compliance to Confidence

For Health Plans, HIPAA compliance is a continuous journey, not a destination. By proactively addressing these common pitfalls, you can move beyond simple rule-following to build a robust security posture that protects patient data, avoids costly penalties, and solidifies patient trust. A strong compliance framework is a cornerstone of a secure, patient-centric healthcare ecosystem.

Ready to fortify your compliance strategy?

HCH Enterprises specializes in providing comprehensive HIPAA and OSHA compliance solutions, including certifications and training tailored to your organization’s unique needs. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation and take the next step in safeguarding your operations and patient data.

Health stewards bear the onus of upholding patient privacy and adhering to HIPAA regulations. By avoiding these prevalent HIPAA pitfalls and adopting proactive compliance measures, they can secure patient data, bolster patient trust, and shield themselves from potential legal and financial repercussions. Embrace the continuous commitment to HIPAA OSHA compliance, fortifying patient-provider relationships and cultivating a secure environment that benefits both patients and healthcare providers.

We specialize in providing comprehensive OSHA and HIPAA compliance solutions, including certification, tailored to the unique needs of your business. Stay ahead in the compliance game and fortify your commitment to #patient-centric care with us today!

#PublicSectorConsulting #HIPAACompliance #HealthcareIntegrity #PatientPrivacy #HealthPlans #Medicare #Medicaid #HealthInsurance #HMOs #DataSecurity #OSHA

Software Security: A Critical Concern for Businesses in 2025

In March, HCH strongly recommended that clients prioritize addressing the Top 8 Cybersecurity Challenges of 2025. Among these, Software Security emerged as a critical concern, particularly for businesses undergoing Digital Transformation.

The complexity of Software Security is intensified when dealing with Outdated Security Technologies and inadequate responses to Zero Day Events. A valuable approach to bolster Software Security confidence is through Web Application Penetration Testing (WAPT).

Resource Allocation is a Key Concern

A significant overarching concern is resource allocation. Clients with established Software Security processes are striving to achieve more with limited resources. This often involves outsourcing, deferring remediation efforts, and compromising validation processes. Conversely, clients without existing Software Security measures face challenges in securing adequate resources for software development, let alone validation.

HCH acknowledges this dilemma and has chosen to collaborate with CyberLeaf due to their innovative delivery model, which optimizes Return on Investment (ROI) and cost savings for clients.

Instill a Software Security Mindset

Instilling a Software Security mindset within your organization can be transformational. Unlike functional requirements, Security is largely non-functional. While system design, infrastructure configuration, and software coding address functional needs, they might not inherently ensure security. At the very least, development teams should familiarize themselves with the OWASP Top Ten vulnerabilities. CyberLeaf’s assessments have revealed critical vulnerabilities like SQL Injection, Remote Code Execution, and the use of Default Credentials. To effectively address these threats, HCH suggests implementing a comprehensive checklist within your software release process.

Get the Most Out of Your Penetration Testing

To derive maximum value from your investment in penetration testing, it’s essential to empower your penetration tester. Collaborate with HCH to enhance your preparedness. Avoid potential hindrances during testing, such as:

• Testers lacking necessary credentials or access prior to the test initiation.
• Misalignment of the testing scope.
• Insufficient ongoing collaboration throughout the testing process.
• Inadequate brief or asset information.

Remediate and Retest Critical Findings

While CyberLeaf offers retesting for resolved findings, less than 25% of identified issues undergo retesting. Although this might be reasonable for lower-severity findings, it’s concerning that 61% of critical vulnerabilities remain untested again, likely due to unresolved issues or a decision to forgo validating crucial fixes. HCH firmly advocates for the remediation and retesting of critical findings. Moderate findings should not be accepted without formal documentation of compensatory controls.

Conclusion

Trust in your Software Security demands verification. Make security a cornerstone of your software release strategy. Prioritize thorough testing of your software application and adequately prepare for the testing process to maximize its value. Lastly, prioritize the rectification and retesting of significant findings. HCH is dedicated to assisting you throughout this journey. Contact HCH Sales to access our support and expertise.

Leaders in Government and Critical Infrastructure

Today, we would like to explore how government leaders can champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as foundational principles in their decision-making processes. By prioritizing these principles, leaders can create policies that better reflect the needs of all people and build trust among their constituents.