RSI Security

Blog

  • Your Essential Guide to HIPAA Training for Employees

    Your Essential Guide to HIPAA Training for Employees

    Healthcare organizations face constant pressure to protect sensitive patient information while delivering quality care. Cyber threats, human error, and weak security practices can all expose protected health information (PHI), creating serious privacy and compliance risks. HIPAA training for employees plays a critical role in preventing these risks. Proper training helps healthcare staff understand how to handle patient data securely, recognize potential threats, and follow the privacy and security requirements outlined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

    Without effective HIPAA training, even the most advanced security systems can fail. Employees remain the first line of defense against data breaches and privacy violations.

    In this guide, we’ll explain what HIPAA training is, why it matters, and how organizations can implement effective training programs for employees. (more…)

  • What Is PHI (Protected Health Information)?

    What Is PHI (Protected Health Information)?

     Every time you visit a hospital or a private doctor’s office, you’re asked a variety of personal questions. These can include details about your lifestyle, medical history, address, insurance, and other sensitive information. Naturally, you expect this information to remain confidential under doctor-patient confidentiality. Protected health information (PHI) is exactly that type of data. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), any information that can identify a patient and relates to their health status, treatment, or payment for healthcare services is considered PHI. Unauthorized disclosure of PHI violates HIPAA’s Privacy and Security Rules and can result in significant fines and penalties for healthcare providers.

    When thinking about PHI, consider these questions: How is this data stored and protected? What exactly qualifies as protected health information? And how can healthcare organizations and their business associates ensure patient privacy while remaining compliant with HIPAA?

    (more…)

  • How to Prepare for a CMMC Assessment

    How to Prepare for a CMMC Assessment

    Organizations that want to win Department of Defense (DoD) contracts must meet strict security requirements under the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Preparing for a CMMC assessment involves defining your scope, implementing required controls, running readiness tests, choosing an assessment partner if needed, and scheduling the final certification review.

    Not sure if your organization is ready for a CMMC assessment? Request a consultation today to evaluate your compliance and take the next step toward DoD contract eligibility.
    (more…)

  • The DFARS Interim Rule Explained Inside and Out

    The DFARS Interim Rule Explained Inside and Out

    The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) governs the US government’s acquisitions and selects contractors that work with its agencies. Companies that work with the military fall under the jurisdiction of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). In 2020, an update to DFARS introduced new standards for testing these companies’ security. Read on to have the DFARS interim rule explained comprehensively. (more…)

  • CMMC Level 3 Requirements

    CMMC Level 3 Requirements

    If your organization contracts with the U.S. military, or plans to compete for these high-value contracts, you must achieve CMMC Level 3 compliance. This is the highest level of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, designed for organizations that handle large amounts of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

    Achieving CMMC Level 3 compliance ensures your organization meets strict cybersecurity standards required by the Department of Defense. It starts with understanding which requirements apply to your operations and how to implement them effectively.

    Ready to secure your CMMC Level 3 compliance? Schedule a consultation today and get expert guidance to streamline your path to certification. (more…)

  • HIPAA Security Rule Updates in 2025

    HIPAA Security Rule Updates in 2025

    Updates to the HIPAA Security Rule are expected soon, introducing the most extensive changes in over a decade. These updates will make compliance more complex for covered entities and business associates, increasing the stakes for protecting sensitive health information.

    (more…)

  • Everything You Need to Do to Prepare for CMMC 2.0 Compliance

    Everything You Need to Do to Prepare for CMMC 2.0 Compliance

    Organizations that support the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) routinely handle sensitive federal data. For these companies, CMMC 2.0 Compliance is not optional,  it is a contractual requirement for continued participation in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).

    Preparation requires more than checking boxes. It demands proper scoping, structured implementation, documented evidence, and readiness for formal assessment. Organizations that begin early reduce risk, control costs, and position themselves competitively for future contracts.

    If your organization works with Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), now is the time to evaluate your readiness. (more…)

  • Do You Need CMMC Certification? Here’s How to Find Out!

    Do You Need CMMC Certification? Here’s How to Find Out!

    In November 2021, the DoD revised the Cybersecurity Model Maturity Certification (CMMC) program, leading many in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) to question their compliance needs. The critical issue now is not whether certification is required, but which CMMC level your organization needs to meet.

    The nature of the sensitive data you manage will determine the appropriate level and the specific controls you must implement, so addressing this promptly is essential.

    (more…)

  • Why You Need a Cybersecurity Development Program

    Why You Need a Cybersecurity Development Program

    Cybersecurity program development is the foundation of an organization’s ability to manage risk, maintain regulatory compliance, and protect critical assets. Without a structured security framework, cybersecurity efforts become reactive—driven by incidents rather than strategy.

    Many organizations invest in tools, firewalls, and endpoint protection, yet still lack a cohesive cybersecurity program. As a result, security controls operate in silos, risk management lacks executive oversight, and compliance initiatives remain fragmented. Human error, system failures, and evolving cyber threats further compound this exposure.

    (more…)

  • Top CMMC Compliance Software Tools

    Top CMMC Compliance Software Tools

    Companies that want to work with the Department of Defense (DoD) need to ramp up their cybersecurity to protect service members and American citizens worldwide. In practice, this means implementing certified security frameworks like the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), published by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD–A&S). CMMC compliance software tools are necessary investments to get started.

      (more…)