HIPAA Compliance and Windows XP

Microsoft support for Windows XP is ending on April 8, 2014

windows xp no support

If you are running Windows XP on any of the computers in your network; you need to upgrade your operating system before April 2014.

After April 8th, you will no longer receive software updates from Windows Updater for Windows XP. These software updates include security updates that can help protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software, which can steal personal information and leave your entire network vulnerable to attack.

The use of an unsupported operating system on a computer connected to the internet, one that does not receive periodic security updates, may leave you open to a violation of HIPAA requirements. One such requirement is listed below.

§164.306 Security standards: General rules.

(a) General requirements. Covered entities and business associates must do the following:

  1. Ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all electronic protected health information the covered entity or business associate creates, receives, maintains, or transmits.
  2. Protect against any reasonably anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information.

(http://www.hipaasurvivalguide.com/hipaa-regulations/164-306.php)

 

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