When following compliance guidelines, it is a good practice to consider cyber liability considerations. A business’s typical security challenges can multiply greatly when the work occurs in multiple locations. Physical security and cybersecurity issues have come to the forefront in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, with remote work becoming more common and cyber crime increasing in both frequency and severity. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) providers are also subject to these risks, particularly in organizations that operate from multiple centers or implement a remote work protocol.

What Are the Cyber Liability Threats to ABA Providers?

An organization of ABA providers located at multiple sites faces numerous challenges in maintaining patient data and other sensitive information safety and security. The following cyber liability risks are essential for these organizations to address.

Cloud Security

While providers of cloud services generally offer some security features, they are sometimes insufficient to meet an ABA provider’s unique needs. Loss of sensitive patient information and other data can create PR issues and open the organization to financial loss and liability issues.

Compliance Issues

Compliance issues are significant for anyone in the medical field. Complying with the strict regulatory requirements that ABA providers face becomes even more complex when the organization has multiple locations and remote workers who may utilize personal devices to access sensitive data.

Data Storage

When an organization has multiple sites or utilizes employees working remotely, people often use personal computers to store sensitive data. These personal devices may not have sufficient security measures installed, which can result in cyber breaches.

Device Management

The use of multiple locations makes it difficult to monitor the various devices used to provide services and access sensitive patient information. Without proper device monitoring and management, the organization is open to issues with cyber security.

Lack of Cybersecurity Training

Training is sometimes challenging for organizations that employ remote workers from all over the globe. It is vital to help employees understand cyber risks and why they should safeguard sensitive data to minimize cyber liability for ABA providers.

Lack of Monitoring

When employees work over multiple locations, monitoring their cyber activity becomes challenging. It can result in undetected threats or cyber attacks that leak sensitive data and create liability issues for ABA providers.

What Are Solutions for ABA Providers?

One of the most important solutions to these issues involves the standard issuance and use of employee credentials and virtual access abilities. An Identity and Access Management (IAM) system can integrate with Human Resources systems to generate digital identities for all ABA providers and provide them with controlled and monitored access to applications, data, networks, and physical locations. Additional solutions include the following:

• Obtain cyber liability coverage
• Review cloud security when choosing a provider
• Utilize VPNs and access restrictions to company data
• Set up monitoring procedures to ensure the security of organizational networks
• Encrypt data for an extra layer of security
• Provide regular training and follow-up to ensure ABA providers are up-to-date on cybersecurity best practices

About Olson Duncan Insurance

At Olson Duncan Insurance, we strive to offer all-inclusive solutions rather than mere quotes or policies. Our clients rely on lasting, trust-based relationships and appreciate the tailored insurance and risk management solutions they receive. Contact Daniel and our team at (310) 373-6441 to discuss your needs or request a quote.