Operational and Compliance FAQs

What is the role of a Data Protection Officer (DPO) under HIA?

Healthcare providers must appoint a trained DPO to manage compliance, handle data protection requests, and oversee incident response. This is a core requirement under the HIA.

How should healthcare providers handle incidents under HIA?

Providers must have a robust incident response plan and notify MOH within two hours of a significant cybersecurity incident or data breach.

What are the periodic activities required under HIA?

  • Regular testing of backups to ensure restorability.
  • Periodic reviews of security policies, access logs, and configurations.
  • Regular cybersecurity training for staff.

How does HIA enhance patient care?

By enforcing robust cybersecurity and data protection measures, HIA ensures that patient data remains accurate, secure, and accessible for seamless care continuity.

How can CyberSafe help my clinic comply with HIA?

CyberSafe offers comprehensive solutions tailored to healthcare providers, including:

  • Acting as your external DPO to manage compliance and incident response.
  • Implementing data classification, secure backups, and robust incident response plans.
  • Ensuring third-party vendor compliance with HIA standards.
  • Providing and maintaining certifications like Cyber Essentials, Cyber Trust, and IMDA’s DPE.
  • Meeting all requirements of both Cyber Essentials and HIA, ensuring seamless compliance.

What’s included in CyberSafe’s HIA compliance packages?

  • Essentials Package: Covers foundational compliance, PDPA management, and basic cybersecurity tools.
  • Excellence Package: Includes advanced cybersecurity tools, 24/7 monitoring, HIA-aligned compliance, and insurance coverage up to SGD $500,000.

Why should I choose CyberSafe for HIA compliance?

CyberSafe simplifies the compliance process, ensuring your clinic meets the requirements of both Cyber Essentials and the HIA. Our all-in-one solutions reduce effort and cost while providing comprehensive protection and compliance support.

Can I handle HIA compliance myself?

While it’s possible to manage HIA compliance in-house, it requires significant time, expertise, and resources. HIA mandates detailed activities like data classification, vendor assessments, and incident reporting within strict timelines. For clinics without a dedicated cybersecurity team, this can be overwhelming and time-consuming, potentially impacting patient care. Partnering with a trusted provider like CyberSafe ensures efficient, expert compliance management.

How long will it take for my clinic to become HIA compliant?

The time required depends on your current setup and readiness. On average, CyberSafe helps clinics achieve compliance within 2-4 weeks. This includes conducting risk assessments, implementing required controls, and training staff on cybersecurity practices.

What’s the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Trust?

  • Cyber Essentials: Focuses on foundational cybersecurity measures, such as protecting systems from common threats and ensuring secure configurations.
  • Cyber Trust: A more advanced certification that builds on Cyber Essentials, addressing risk management, governance, and compliance for organisations requiring a higher security posture.
HIA compliance aligns more closely with Cyber Trust’s detailed requirements, making it the preferred choice for healthcare providers.