10 best practices for WordPress security in healthcare

Protecting patient trust and ensuring compliance with proven security strategies

Healthcare websites handle sensitive patient information and are frequent targets for cyberattacks. WordPress remains one of the best choices for externally-facing healthcare websites because of its ease of use and flexibility. That means securing your healthcare site is paramount. To mitigate risk, organizations should implement these best practices for WordPress security in healthcare to safeguard patient data, maintain trust, and ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA.

In this article, we’ll explore updated best practices for WordPress security in healthcare, ensuring compliance with regulations like HIPAA and protecting patient trust.

Why healthcare websites are high-value targets

WordPress websites are a frequent target primarily because it’s so prevalent. WordPress remains one of the most popular content management systems. It powers more than 40 percent of all websites globally and more than 60 percent of websites using a known CMS. 

Hackers target healthcare websites because they handle sensitive information and are essential for delivering healthcare services, making them attractive and impactful targets.

• Sensitive data
  Patient records, insurance details, and other personal information are highly valuable on the dark web. Cybercriminals can sell this data to buyers who use it for identity theft, fraudulent insurance claims, or other illegal activities. Unlike credit card data, which can quickly be invalidated, healthcare data often includes immutable information like Social Security numbers and medical histories, making it far more lucrative and useful for criminals.
• System access
  A compromised healthcare website often serves as a gateway to the larger organization’s network. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in WordPress sites to gain unauthorized access, which can lead to breaches of internal databases, email servers, or even medical equipment connected to the network. These breaches can disrupt operations, jeopardize patient care, and lead to significant financial losses.
• Ransomware risks
  Cybercriminals frequently target healthcare organizations with ransomware attacks because of the high stakes involved. By encrypting patient data and other critical systems, hackers can demand exorbitant ransoms in exchange for the decryption keys. Healthcare providers, under pressure to restore access and minimize harm to patients, often feel compelled to pay, fueling further attacks. Even with payment, there’s no guarantee the data will be fully restored, and the downtime can have catastrophic consequences for patient care.

For healthcare organizations, a security breach isn’t just about financial loss—it’s about protecting lives and maintaining the trust of the patients they serve.

Best practices for WordPress security in healthcare: Technical tactics

To protect your website and the sensitive information it houses, follow these essential strategies:

1. Create a safety net: Backup regularly

Having reliable backups ensures you can recover quickly from an attack, system failure, or even human error. A robust backup strategy minimizes downtime and helps preserve patient trust, especially when dealing with sensitive healthcare data. 

• Implement a multi-layered backup strategy:
  We recommend daily, full backups at a minimum. You can use a plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy to schedule regular backups of your WordPress site. These tools allow you to automate the process, ensuring consistency without manual intervention. If you choose to use a managed WordPress host like WpEngine or LiquidWeb, these providers automatically backup the site every night.
• Store backups securely in remote locations:
  Save backups to HIPAA-compliant cloud services like Azure or Amazon S3 to protect them from localized threats, such as ransomware or hardware failures.
• Test your backups regularly:
  Schedule periodic tests to verify that your backups work as intended and that data can be restored seamlessly. Testing prevents surprises during an actual recovery scenario.
• Consider enterprise-grade solutions:
  For larger healthcare organizations, managed services like Jetpack VaultPress Backup or CrashPlan Enterprise provide real-time backups and one-click restoration, reducing downtime and operational disruptions.

In addition, make sure your backup solution encrypts data in transit and at rest, especially when dealing with patient information. Regular backups not only act as a safety net but also support compliance with regulations like HIPAA, which require secure handling of patient data.

2. Keep WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated

Outdated software is one of the most common entry points for hackers. Following the best practices for WordPress security in healthcare, regularly updating your core files, themes, and plugins ensures your website remains secure, compliant, and functional. Vulnerabilities in older versions can provide a direct path for cybercriminals to infiltrate your healthcare website, making updates a critical step in safeguarding sensitive patient data.

Why updates matter

• Security patches: Developers frequently release updates to fix known vulnerabilities. If you don’t apply these updates promptly, your site may remain exposed to exploits that hackers actively target.
• Improved functionality: Updates often include new features and performance enhancements, which can improve the overall user experience for both patients and administrators.
• Compliance requirements: For healthcare websites, failing to update software can lead to non-compliance with regulations like HIPAA, which require secure handling of patient data.

Steps to keep your software up-to-date

• Enable automatic updates:
  WordPress allows automatic updates for its core files. Enable this feature to ensure that your site always runs the latest secure version. For more control, consider using a plugin like Easy Updates Manager to manage which updates are applied automatically.
• Audit your plugins and themes regularly:
  Conduct routine checks to ensure all plugins and themes are up to date. Deactivate and delete any plugins you no longer use or those from untrustworthy sources, as they can become a security risk over time.
• Choose reputable, HIPAA-compliant plugins:
  Stick to plugins and themes from trusted developers with good reviews and regular updates. For healthcare sites, prioritize plugins designed to handle sensitive data securely and comply with HIPAA requirements.
• Test updates in a staging environment:
  Before applying updates to your live site, test them in a staging environment. This ensures compatibility with your existing setup and prevents unexpected downtime or functionality issues.
• Set a maintenance schedule:
  Establish a regular maintenance schedule to review and apply updates. Even with automatic updates, some plugins and themes require manual intervention. We like to perform updates at least once a month. We’ll do them more frequently if a security patch has been released.

Additional considerations for healthcare websites

Updates are not just about security. They also demonstrate professionalism and reliability. Following best practices for WordPress security in healthcare by staying proactive with updates shows your commitment to protecting patient data and maintaining trust. Neglecting updates, on the other hand, can lead to breaches, downtime, and reputational damage.

3. Strengthen authentication

Prevent unauthorized access with these measures:

• Replace the default “Admin” username: Hackers often target the default “Admin” username, because it’s widely known. Creating a custom username adds an extra layer of security.
• Implement strong, unique passwords for all users: Use passwords that combine letters, numbers, and special characters to make them harder to guess. Tools like LastPass or 1Password can help manage and generate secure credentials, especially for healthcare organizations with multiple administrators.
• Add two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA using plugins like WP 2FA or Google Authenticator to require a second verification step, such as a code sent to a mobile device, making it significantly harder for unauthorized users to gain access.

You should also consider enforcing password expiration policies to make sure that users update their passwords regularly. For healthcare websites, these practices are essential to meet compliance standards and safeguard sensitive patient data from unauthorized access.

4. Secure hosting for healthcare websites

Choosing the right hosting provider is crucial for healthcare websites, as hosting plays a significant role in security and compliance. While managed WordPress hosting services are excellent for general WordPress sites, not all are HIPAA compliant WordPress hosting providers. They may not be equipped to meet the rigorous requirements of healthcare organizations, particularly those involving HIPAA compliance.

• Evaluate hosting providers carefully:
  Managed WordPress hosting services like WP Engine or Liquid Web offer features such as automated updates, daily backups, and malware scanning, which are great for general security. However, these services may not meet HIPAA standards for handling protected health information (PHI).
• Ensure HIPAA compliance:
  If your website processes or stores PHI, you must select a hosting provider that explicitly offers HIPAA-compliant solutions. Look for providers that offer encryption, secure data storage, and Business Associate Agreements (BAAs), such as Atlantic.Net or TrueVault, which specialize in HIPAA-compliant hosting. We’ve worked with healthcare organizations that use Amazon and Azure for HIPAA compliance.
• Consider a dedicated server or VPS:
  For enhanced security, use a dedicated server or virtual private server (VPS) to isolate your site from shared hosting environments. This setup minimizes the risk of cross-contamination from other vulnerable websites and gives you greater control over server configurations.

By selecting a hosting provider that prioritizes both security and compliance, your healthcare website not only operates efficiently but also protects sensitive patient data and meets regulatory requirements. This is one of the most important best practices for WordPress security in healthcare.

5. Implement SSL encryption

SSL certificates encrypt the data transferred between your website and its users. That way you can make sure sensitive patient information remains secure. For healthcare sites, where patient trust and regulatory compliance are critical, an SSL certificate is non-negotiable.

• Use free or premium SSL options:
  In the past, SSL certificates often came at a significant cost, but today tools like Let’s Encrypt offer free, reliable SSL certificates that are sufficient for most websites. Free options are a great starting point for healthcare sites that don’t require extended validation. For organizations that handle higher volumes of sensitive patient data or need additional trust indicators, investing in premium certificates with extended validation from providers like DigiCert or GlobalSign may be worthwhile.
• Ensure full HTTPS coverage:
  Securing your site with an SSL certificate isn’t enough if portions of your site still use HTTP. Update all internal links and assets (such as images and scripts) to use HTTPS. Implement server-level redirects to automatically route HTTP requests to their HTTPS counterparts, ensuring all data exchanges are encrypted.
• Monitor and renew certificates automatically:
  Whether you choose a free or paid SSL, set up automatic renewal to avoid lapses in coverage. Many hosting providers and tools like Certbot simplify the renewal process to ensure uninterrupted encryption.
• Additional benefits of SSL:
  Beyond security, SSL certificates improve your site’s credibility by displaying the padlock icon in the browser address bar, which reassures visitors that their data is secure. SSL also boosts SEO rankings, as search engines like Google prioritize HTTPS websites.

By implementing SSL encryption, healthcare organizations not only protect sensitive data but also demonstrate their commitment to privacy and security, which is essential for building trust with patients and stakeholders.

6. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

A Web Application Firewall (WAF) is a critical component of healthcare website security. It acts as a shield between your site and malicious traffic, blocking threats before they can reach your server. By monitoring and filtering incoming requests, a WAF protects against common vulnerabilities like SQL injections, cross-site scripting (XSS), and brute force attacks, which are frequent targets for hackers.

• Choose a reliable WAF provider:
  Among the many WAF solutions available, Cloudflare is a trusted provider that offers robust protection tailored to healthcare websites. In fact, it’s our go-to at Standard Beagle.
  Cloudflare’s WAF is highly effective at mitigating cyber threats in real time while maintaining site performance. It also includes features like bot management, rate limiting, and DDoS protection, making it an ideal choice for organizations handling sensitive patient data. Other popular options include Sucuri and Wordfence, which offer comprehensive protection specifically for WordPress sites.
• Enhance security with custom rules:
  With Cloudflare, you can create custom firewall rules to meet the specific needs of your healthcare website. For example, you can block traffic from certain geographic regions, restrict access to administrative pages, or prioritize HIPAA compliance by monitoring PHI-related traffic patterns.
• Block suspicious IP addresses automatically:
  Configure your WAF to block IP addresses with repeated failed login attempts, a common indicator of brute force attacks. Cloudflare’s WAF provides advanced analytics to identify patterns and automatically block malicious IPs, reducing the need for manual intervention.
• Boost performance and reliability:
  In addition to security, Cloudflare’s WAF integrates seamlessly with its content delivery network (CDN) to optimize site performance. For healthcare websites, this means faster load times, reduced downtime, and a more reliable experience for patients accessing critical information.

By implementing a WAF like Cloudflare, healthcare organizations can proactively defend their WordPress sites against evolving cyber threats while ensuring the privacy and safety of patient data. A WAF isn’t just a layer of protection. It’s a vital component of any comprehensive security strategy for healthcare websites.

Best practices: Other security measures

7. Perform regular security audits

Regular security audits are a cornerstone of the best practices for WordPress security in healthcare, ensuring that your website remains protected against evolving threats. These reviews help you identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, safeguarding patient data and maintaining compliance with regulations like HIPAA.

• Use tools to identify vulnerabilities:
  Leverage security tools like WPScan to regularly scan your WordPress site for known vulnerabilities in themes, plugins, and core files. These scans provide actionable insights to address potential risks quickly.
• Simulate cyberattacks with penetration testing:
  Schedule periodic penetration tests to simulate real-world cyberattacks. These tests uncover weaknesses that automated tools might miss, offering a deeper understanding of your site’s security posture.
• Document and address findings:
  After each audit, document the findings and implement necessary changes promptly. For healthcare websites, addressing these vulnerabilities isn’t just about protection; it’s a proactive step toward maintaining trust with patients and stakeholders.

Conducting regular audits is essential for staying ahead of emerging threats and reinforcing your commitment to security. It also demonstrates due diligence in following the best practices for WordPress security in healthcare, a critical aspect of building patient trust and regulatory compliance.

8. Limit user access

Not every team member needs administrator privileges. Restricting access to only those who require it reduces the risk of accidental changes or malicious activity. Implement role-based access to ensure that each user has only the permissions necessary to perform their tasks.

• Use WordPress’s built-In user roles:
  Assign roles like Editor, Author, or Contributor to limit what users can access and modify. For example, healthcare organizations might assign the Editor role to content managers while restricting clinical staff to roles with minimal permissions. You can also create custom roles if needed with the help of a developer or a plugin like PublishPress.
• Audit user accounts regularly:
  Conduct regular audits of user accounts to identify and remove unused or outdated accounts. Dormant accounts, especially those with high-level permissions, pose a significant security risk if compromised.
• Enable logging and monitoring:
  Use tools like Stream to track user activity on your WordPress site. Stream provides detailed logs of actions taken by each user, helping you monitor changes and quickly identify unauthorized actions, which is a crucial feature for healthcare sites managing sensitive data.

By limiting user access and maintaining clear accountability, you follow a critical best practice for securing healthcare WordPress websites while minimizing the potential for internal errors or breaches.

9. Monitor for malware and suspicious activity

Malware can infiltrate your site silently, compromising sensitive data and potentially affecting your entire organization. Proactive monitoring is a vital part of the best practices for WordPress security in healthcare, ensuring threats are detected and removed before they can cause harm.

• Use plugins for regular malware scanning:
  Tools like MalCare or iThemes Security offer automated scans that detect malware hidden in your site’s files and database. These plugins also provide alerts and detailed reports to help you respond quickly to potential threats.
• Leverage real-time monitoring services:
  Services like Sucuri go beyond periodic scans by offering real-time threat detection and automatic malware removal. These features are especially important for healthcare websites, where even minor downtime or breaches can have serious consequences.
• Analyze traffic for suspicious behavior:
  Monitor traffic patterns to identify unusual activity, such as repeated failed login attempts, sudden spikes in traffic from unfamiliar IP addresses, or requests targeting outdated plugins and themes. This proactive approach helps you mitigate threats before they escalate.
• Automate and act quickly:
  Enable automated responses to detected threats, such as temporarily blocking suspicious IPs or quarantining infected files. Quick action not only protects your site but also prevents the spread of malware to other parts of your network.

By continuously monitoring for malware and suspicious activity, healthcare organizations can uphold their commitment to patient privacy and regulatory compliance. This proactive measure is an essential component of the best practices for WordPress security in healthcare, ensuring your site remains secure and trustworthy.

10. Ensure HIPAA compliance

For healthcare websites, compliance with HIPAA is crucial:

• Store patient data securely with encryption both at rest and in transit.
• Use HIPAA-compliant plugins and hosting solutions.
• Maintain an audit log of all user actions on your website.

Learn more about HIPAA with our definitive HIPAA compliance website design checklist.

Final thoughts: WordPress security is good website hygiene 

Securing your healthcare WordPress website isn’t just about avoiding technical headaches. It’s about protecting patient trust and ensuring compliance with stringent regulations. By implementing these best practices for WordPress security in healthcare, you can safeguard your site against cyber threats and maintain the integrity of sensitive healthcare data.