If you are a regular Help Me With HIPAA podcast listener, you know that Donna and David make predictions of what the new year will entail, from what new cybersecurity threats to watch out for to what OCR enforcement actions are likely to be front and center.

So, how did they do with their predictions for 2020? Listen to the January 10, 2020 episode titled 2020 Predictions Sortof to hear what they predicted. Just listening to this episode and knowing how the world changed in 2020, makes me shake my head. Even in all the crazy of 2020, Donna and David did hit the nail on the head with some of their predictions. I am sure in the latest 10 – 2021 Prediction episode, they will get some right again.

Let’s dive right into Donna’s #1 prediction of security incentives for frameworks like NIST and 405d that will drive a new approach to cybersecurity programs. Learn more about these incentives from our New HIPAA Incentive blog. On the Kardonhq.com website under the “Resources” tab look for Recognized Security Practices you will find even more information. This is not a new way of thinking, but it does reinforce what Donna and David have been saying for years is correct. If you are trying to do the right thing with your cybersecurity program, OCR will recognize your efforts.

As for some of their other predictions, I don’t think Donna or David had to spit shine their crystal balls to see. For example, cyber attacks are going to get worse. Really??? You’d have to be living under a rock to not be worried about a cyber attack. But what Donna and David point out is that these attacks will become more complex. The bad actors are taking advantage of organizations who have adapted to a remote workforce, and of course if you have read any of my blogs you know I am once again unplugging all my echo dots. Donna talks about an IoT (internet of things) device listening to a CFO and hearing sensitive information. While I know that my IoT devices won’t hear anything profitable to others, I still don’t want them listening to me sing in the shower. Donna and David have many other predictions and the way 2021 has started off, they will all come true! So check out their 2021 predictions podcast.