Understand Your Risk Before It Becomes a Problem

A HIPAA Security Risk Assessment gives you a clear view of where patient data is at risk and what needs to be addressed.

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What a HIPAA Security Risk Assessment actually is

A Security Risk Assessment (SRA) is a required evaluation under the HIPAA Security Rule that identifies risks to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of patient data.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) requires covered entities and business associates to conduct an "accurate and thorough assessment of the potential risks and vulnerabilities" to electronic protected health information (ePHI).

In simple terms, an SRA answers three critical questions:

  • Where does patient data exist across your environment?
  • What threats or vulnerabilities could impact it?
  • Are your current safeguards enough to protect it?

This assessment becomes the foundation for all HIPAA security and compliance activity.

Person using laptop with shield and password protection symbolizing online security and data privacy.

Why a Security Risk Assessment matters

A Security Risk Assessment is not just a best practice—it is one of the most important requirements under HIPAA.

HHS guidance makes it clear that risk analysis is the first step in identifying and implementing the safeguards required by the Security Rule.

Without it:

  • You cannot confidently say where your risks are
  • You cannot demonstrate that safeguards are appropriate
  • You cannot produce evidence during audits or investigations

It is also one of the most commonly cited gaps in enforcement actions when organizations are reviewed.

What a Security Risk Assessment looks at

A proper SRA evaluates how your organization handles patient data across systems, people, and processes.

This typically includes:

  • All systems, devices, and vendors that store or process ePHI
  • Potential threats (cyberattacks, human error, system failures, etc.)
  • Existing security controls and safeguards
  • The likelihood and impact of different risks
  • Gaps between current protections and what is required

The goal is to determine whether your current safeguards reduce risk to a reasonable and appropriate level, as required by HIPAA.

Doctor discussing medical policy with a patient, surrounded by healthcare symbols like test tubes and pills.

How often a Security Risk Assessment should be done

The HIPAA Security Rule does not define a fixed schedule for risk assessments.

Instead, HHS requires an ongoing risk analysis process that reflects your environment and how it changes over time.

In practice:

  • Most organizations conduct a formal Security Risk Assessment at least once per year
  • Additional assessments should be performed whenever there are major changes, such as:
    • New systems or technology
    • Vendor or infrastructure changes
    • Business growth or expansion
    • Security incidents or breaches

The key requirement is not timing, but consistency. Risk must be continuously evaluated and updated, not treated as a one-time exercise.

How we help

We provide structured Security Risk Assessments as part of a broader compliance and Technology Risk Governance program. This means your assessment is not treated as a one-time exercise, but as part of an ongoing approach to managing risk.

Our approach focuses on clarity and action, not just reporting. It includes:

  • A full evaluation of your current environment and data flows
  • Identification of risks and vulnerabilities in plain language
  • Prioritized findings so you know what to address first
  • A clear, documented plan of action for remediation
  • Support translating findings into practical next steps

The goal is not just to complete an assessment—it is to give you a clear, defensible understanding of your risk.

What you can expect

A clear understanding of where your organization is exposed

Documented evidence to support audits and reviews

A prioritized roadmap of what to fix and when
A stronger foundation for compliance and cybersecurity efforts

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Security Risk Assessment required by HIPAA?
Yes. The HIPAA Security Rule requires covered entities and business associates to conduct a thorough risk analysis of their environment.
How often do we need to perform an SRA?

HIPAA requires an ongoing risk analysis process rather than a fixed schedule. In practice, most organizations perform a formal Security Risk Assessment at least annually and update it whenever significant changes occur, such as new systems, vendors, or security events. [hipaajournal.com] To stay current, risk should be reviewed and updated regularly, not treated as a one-time exercise.

What happens if we do not have one?
Not having a current Security Risk Assessment is one of the most common findings in HIPAA enforcement actions and can lead to penalties and corrective action plans.
Is this just a technical scan?

No. An SRA evaluates your full environment, including systems, processes, policies, and human factors—not just technology.

How does this connect to compliance and governance?

The SRA is the starting point. It identifies your risks, which then feed into compliance efforts and broader Technology Risk Governance.