CRO for HIPAA Success

How healthcare WooCommerce stores can boost conversions and security.This week, we tackle the intersection of HIPAA compliance and e-commerce. From conversion rate optimization (CRO) to the latest cybersecurity updates, discover how to protect patient data while enhancing online performance.

Author

HIPAA Insider
January 02, 2025

Top Story: FTC Expands Health Breach Notification Rule

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized changes to the Health Breach Notification Rule (HBNR), extending its scope to include health apps and similar technologies not previously covered under HIPAA. This expansion mandates that these entities must notify consumers following a breach involving unsecured health information.

Health app developers and vendors must now adhere to stringent data protection standards to avoid significant penalties. The FTC's action underscores the necessity for all entities handling health data to implement robust security measures and maintain transparency with users regarding data practices.

  • Key Takeaways:

    • The FTC's rule now encompasses health apps, increasing regulatory oversight.

    • Entities must promptly notify consumers of any breaches involving their health data.

Must Watch: WooCommerce CRO Mastery 🎧

Turning Healthcare Browsers into Buyers

This week’s podcast explores CRO strategies for healthcare WooCommerce stores. Learn how to optimize user experience and streamline checkouts without compromising HIPAA security. Key insights:

  • Enhance product pages for trust and usability.

  • Implement secure, seamless payment systems.

HIPAA Compliance Tip: Encrypt PHI at Rest

Why Encryption Matters:
For web developers managing e-commerce sites, encrypting Protected Health Information (PHI) at rest is non-negotiable. Even if servers are breached, encrypted data remains unreadable to attackers.

Action Steps:

  1. Use advanced encryption protocols (e.g., AES-256) for databases storing PHI.

  2. Test encryption settings regularly to ensure compliance with NIST standards.

Industry News Roundup

FTC Bans Sale of Sensitive Location Data

The FTC has prohibited data brokers Gravy Analytics and Mobilewalla from collecting, using, or selling sensitive location data of U.S. consumers, citing unlawful tracking practices.
Source:The Verge

AI Enhances Compliance Efforts

AI startups are offering solutions to automate data-intensive compliance tasks, though executives remain cautious about fully trusting these technologies.
Source: The Wall Street Journal

FTC Targets Unlawful Tracking

The FTC is taking action against data brokers for unlawfully tracking individuals' sensitive location data, including protesters and military personnel.
Source: Wired

Boost Security and Sales Seamlessly 🛍️

Managing an e-commerce store while staying HIPAA-compliant is no easy task. HIPAA Vault’s WooCommerce hosting combines top-notch security with blazing-fast performance, helping you provide a safe, seamless shopping experience.

Whether you're enhancing CRO or adding new products, our service ensures patient data is encrypted and safeguarded every step of the way. Don’t let compliance fears hold you back—elevate your e-commerce game with confidence.