How to Secure Your Fortra for HIPAA Compliance and Achieve the HIPAA Badge/Seal

 

If you're using Fortra’s solutions (such as GoAnywhere MFT or other secure file transfer tools) in a healthcare environment, securing them for HIPAA and successfully passing a HIPAA audit is critical. Here’s a clear, practical explanation to ensure your Fortra is HIPAA-compliant and ready to earn that HIPAA badge/seal.

• Understand HIPAA Requirements: HIPAA protects sensitive patient health information. It sets standards for privacy, security, and breach notification. The main rules to know:
  • Security Rule: Applies to your digital systems; demands protection of electronic health information (ePHI) against unauthorized access.
  • Privacy Rule: Protects all protected health information (PHI) and sets limits on its use/disclosure.
  • Breach Notification Rule: Requires you to alert affected parties if unauthorized disclosure or access to PHI occurs.
• Perform a Risk Assessment: Carefully identify how PHI moves through your Fortra setup. Look at:
  • Who has access to the data?
  • Where is data stored?
  • How is it transferred and protected?
  Reach out to experienced consulting firms such as OCD Tech for expert help with this critical assessment.
• Implement Access Controls: Only authorized team members should access patient data. Use:
  • Strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA)
  • Role-based access – only give people what they need
  • Regularly review who can view, change, or share data
• Data Encryption: Encrypt all data at rest (when stored) and in transit (when moving between servers or recipients). Fortra supports these features—consult your admin panel for settings.
• Maintain Activity Logs and Audit Trails: Automatically record who accesses, shares, or changes PHI. This helps prove compliance and quickly spot suspicious activity.
• Establish Secure File Transfer Protocols: Always use SFTP, FTPS, or HTTPS. Disable insecure methods like plain FTP to prevent data interception.
• Business Associate Agreement (BAA): Ensure you have a signed BAA with Fortra and any third-party vendors (including cloud hosts). This legally commits them to uphold HIPAA safeguards.
• Regular Employee Training: Staff should understand HIPAA, recognize phishing, and know how to report suspected breaches. Training should be ongoing.
• Develop Breach Response Plans: Draft clear steps for responding to data breaches, including how and whom to notify (internally and externally).
• Work with Trusted Partners: Consider a readiness assessment or HIPAA gap analysis with OCD Tech to identify and close security gaps before an audit.

How to Get the HIPAA Badge/Seal for Fortra Environments:

• You cannot “certify” HIPAA compliance since HIPAA does not have official seals. However, you can get a compliance seal or attestation from industry auditors or consultants after a successful assessment.
• The process usually involves:
  • Self-assessment or working with a HIPAA compliance specialist (like OCD Tech)
  • Fixing any gaps found during the assessment
  • Providing required documentation and evidence (policies, logs, technical safeguards)
  • Passing an on-site or virtual security assessment/audit

Most Important Points to Pass a HIPAA Audit:

• Complete and up-to-date documentation (policies, risk assessments, training records)
• Strong technical safeguards: encryption, access controls, audit logs
• Proof that you train staff on security and privacy
• Active BAAs with Fortra and all partners/vendors
• Demonstrate incident response plans and test them regularly

For expert guidance, readiness reviews, and assessment support, don’t hesitate to contact OCD Tech. They can help ensure you really are prepared for HIPAA—and help you achieve that HIPAA badge/seal for your Fortra-powered workflows.