The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights yesterday alerted the public to a phishing email targeting employees of entities covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and their business associates. The email appears to be an official government communication from OCR Director Jocelyn Samuels and prompts recipients to click a link regarding possible inclusion in the HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Rules Audit Program, the agency said. However, the link directs individuals to a non-governmental website marketing a firm’s cybersecurity services. “In no way is this firm associated with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or the Office for Civil Rights,” the agency said. Organizations with questions as to whether they have received an official communication from the agency regarding a HIPAA audit may email the agency at OSOCRAudit@hhs.gov.

Related News Articles

Headline
Ashley Thompson, AHA senior vice president of public policy analysis and development, participated in a panel discussion during Modern Healthcare's Leadership…
Headline
The AHA Sept. 24 expressed support for the Medical Student Education Authorization Act (H.R. 5428), legislation introduced in the House Sept. 17 that would…
Headline
The Department of Commerce Sept. 24 released a notice seeking public comment on an investigation it launched Sept. 2 on imports of personal protective…
Headline
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sept. 24 released its annual report on national sexually transmitted disease data, reporting a 9% decline in STD…
Headline
The Food and Drug Administration has identified a Class I recall of certain Olympus ViziShot 2 FLEX Needles due to a possible patient safety issue caused by a…
Headline
An AHA blog published Sept. 16 highlights programs and practices by Boston Medical Center leaders and staff that support residents’ mental health, emotional…