Short answer: your IT company is essential, but security and compliance are different jobs. IT keeps your computers, network and software running. Security and compliance add 24/7 monitoring, regular testing and the records that prove you are protected. The best setup is both, working together, with each keeping the other accountable.
Think of a practice with a bookkeeper and an outside CPA. Both matter, and having a second set of eyes makes everyone's work stronger.
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Most IT companies are great at the first job. Security and compliance are specialties of their own, and it's hard for anyone to objectively review their own work. That's where a partner helps.
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Security teams call this separation of duties: the people who build and run systems aren't the only ones checking them. Banks, hospitals and accountants all work this way.
An independent review isn't a vote of no confidence in your IT company. It gives you and them an honest, shared picture, and it backs up their good work with proof. Accountability runs both ways, too. Your IT team can hold us to our findings and recommendations.
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Attackers go after IT companies because one break-in can reach every client they support. A 2022 joint advisory from CISA, the FBI, the NSA and partner agencies warned that managed service providers are being targeted to get into their customers' networks.
Independent 24/7 monitoring adds a safety net for you and your IT company if their tools or accounts are ever targeted. Two teams watching is better than one.
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That's how we work. Most Cytek clients keep their IT provider, and we act as an extension of that team, not a replacement.
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These aren't gotchas. They're questions a good IT partner will be glad to work through with you.
If nobody has a clear answer, that's where we can help, alongside your IT team.
HOW WE HELP
Keep your IT company. We add monitoring, testing and compliance, and work with your IT team on the fixes.
HIPAA risk assessment
An independent, documented risk analysis with a fix list.
Learn more →24/7 threat monitoring
Our analysts watch your systems around the clock.
Learn more →Penetration testing
We test your defenses the way an attacker would.
Learn more →Vulnerability scanning
Find the weak spots before someone else does.
Learn more →HIPAA compliance tools
Policies, training and records in one portal.
Learn more →Security score
See where you stand at a glance.
Learn more →FAQ
No. HIPAA doesn't require an outside firm. An independent review simply gives you and your IT company an objective picture, and OCR expects the analysis to be accurate and thorough.
It may cover a lot. Ask what it includes. Antivirus and a firewall are a great start, but 24/7 monitoring, penetration testing and HIPAA documentation are usually separate. We fill those gaps and coordinate with your IT team.
No. Most of our clients keep their IT provider. We add monitoring, testing and compliance on top and share findings with your IT team so fixes get done.
Yes, if it can access patient data. An IT provider with access to ePHI is a business associate under HIPAA and needs a signed BAA.
It depends on your number of locations, users and devices. The free risk assessment is a good first step to see where you stand before you spend anything.
Sources: HHS: Guidance on risk analysis · 45 CFR 164.308, administrative safeguards (Cornell LII) · HHS: Security Rule proposed rule fact sheet · HHS: Business associates · AHA / H-ISAC: Joint advisory on cyber threats to managed service providers (May 2022). This page is general information, not legal advice. Talk to your attorney about your specific situation.
Take the free risk assessment, or talk to one of our analysts about how we work with your current IT company.
