The HIPAA Security Rule has a set list of requirements for covered entities to adhere to, all of which aim to ensure that organizations housing sensitive personal health information (PHI) are able to secure themselves against potential hackers. One of the conditions for being considered HIPAA compliant is to identify and protect against reasonably anticipated threats. 2017 was a year full of international cyber attacks, which heavily affected health care functions worldwide. Consequently, a new tactic that emerged and is currently being adopted by a growing number of healthcare entities is the use of military war-games to test the strength of cyber security barriers. This consists of a simulation of events that are controlled by the players in the game (in this case, hackers VS defenders).

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Even though HIPAA awareness and training is in abundance all across the US, the Department of Health and Human Services received 1,996 breaches in only the first half of 2017. It seems that no matter how hard organizations try, they continue to fall victim to breaches and attacks and do not take sufficient corrective measures to avoid future issues. In response, we have compiled a list of some of the most important lessons learned from 2017 HIPAA violations:

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The year 2017 witnessed many significant changes and developments in the customer service industry. Customer service professionals are always looking for ways to keep with the times and meet the constantly evolving customer demands. This is because it is expected that within approximately two years time, customer experience will surpass cost and product as a key brand differentiator. Below is a list five predicted trends in customer service that may appear in 2018:

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As the healthcare industry begins to adopt more widespread technology, healthcare professionals must adapt to the growing tide of technological reliance. "Physicians are slow to change - until they see the data," said Mayo Clinic chief executive John Noseworthy, during a conversation at healthcare startup incubator Matter in Chicago, Illinois. In order to pique interest, healthcare providers must show physicians the positive effects that technological adoption can have on patients' well-being:

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Have you noticed that your help desk can no longer support your organization's efficiency levels? Are its service levels at a constant decline? Do you feel that you can receive better value for your money from a better and more accommodating help desk? Here are five indications that your current help desk is no longer the best option for your organization:

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The healthcare industry is continually adopting digital means and measures as a way to improve both fundamental organizational procedures as well as medical procedures. When thinking about customer service with regard to the healthcare field, one usually imagines face-to-face interaction between doctors and patients, bedside manner, etc. One particular digital tool that is now being used to refine and enhance healthcare customer service is MyChart.

Rapidly gaining in popularity, MyChart is a digital service being implemented by healthcare providers which allows for constant conversation between doctors and patients. The additive of 24 hour availability allows users to contact their medical professionals at any point in the day. The same can be said for the healthcare professionals: those treating patients can message their patients to check in, start new medications, give reminders, or even just give peace of mind, all done in real-time.

This increased communications availability improves doctor-patient relationships, and ensures some level of emotional security knowing your healthcare professional is always available via MyChart. The service eliminates calls to the doctor's office, or their assistants; and for increased convenience, MyChart has also been developed for mobile applications.

In the U.S. alone 70 percent of people have smartphones, therefore healthcare providers' adoption of seamlessly interactive services is the best measurement to reach and stay connected with their customers and patients regardless of proximity. With more digital implementation, customer service will increase in quantity and quality. Soon it will not only be limited to direct messaging, but expand to scheduling appointments, refilling prescriptions, and paying bills, among other services, building a fundamentally sound and interactive system for the utilization of providers, customers and patients alike.

Presence Health, a healthcare network based in Illinois, earlier in 2017 acceded to pay a $475,000 fine after not reporting a breach of unsecured protected health information in a timely fashion. Officials of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) are noting that the length of time it took Presence to report the breach was not in accordance with HIPAA standards. This action represents the first HIPAA enforcement by the OCR on a healthcare provider for lack of timely notification of a breach.

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Cyber attacks are bad news for both business owners and consumers alike. It has become a serious problem for many Canadian businesses, as attacks of this nature are on the rise for the third straight year. In specific, instances of ransomware, malware and botnet attacks were expected to increase in 2017.

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If you are a software vendor, have you fully explored ways to better serve your customers? If not, the Agile software development process may revolutionize your approach to customer service.

In his recent Capterra article Improve your Customer Experience with Agile Software Development, Giva founder, Ron Avignone, explains how utilizing the Agile method has changed and vastly improved the way Giva engages with its customers. He shares personal experiences, tips, anecdotes and recommendations as to how a company can provide better customer service utilizing the Agile method. Some of the recommendations may surprise you but are proven methods to bring even more satisfaction and loyalty from your customers.