Healthcare Cybersecurity Consulting Firms
HIPAA-specialized consultants with proven experience protecting patient data and navigating OCR audits
Filter below for healthcare cybersecurity consulting firms by sub-specialization: HIPAA compliance, medical device security, EHR protection, or breach response.
What is Healthcare Cybersecurity Consulting?
Healthcare cybersecurity consulting focuses on protecting electronic protected health information (ePHI) and ensuring HIPAA compliance. Unlike general cybersecurity, healthcare security requires deep knowledge of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), HITECH Act amendments, and healthcare-specific threats.
The healthcare sector faces unique challenges. Medical devices run outdated operating systems that can't be patched without FDA revalidation. EHR systems contain decades of patient data across multiple formats. Third-party billing services and telehealth platforms expand the attack surface exponentially.
Healthcare cybersecurity consulting covers HIPAA risk assessments, business associate agreement (BAA) reviews, medical device security testing, incident response planning, and breach notification compliance. Consultants work with hospitals, private practices, health tech companies, medical device manufacturers, and business associates.
The threat landscape is severe. Healthcare data breaches cost an average of $10.93 million per incident—more than twice the cross-industry average (IBM, 2023). Ransomware attacks shut down hospital operations, forcing emergency room diversions. 88% of healthcare organizations experienced a cyberattack in the past year.
Why Specialized Healthcare Cybersecurity Consulting Matters
Generic cybersecurity firms miss healthcare-specific requirements. HIPAA mandates 45 unique security controls across administrative, physical, and technical safeguards. A consultant without healthcare experience won't know how to conduct a proper HIPAA risk assessment or structure a compliant business associate agreement.
The penalties are substantial. OCR (Office for Civil Rights) fines range from $100 to $50,000 per violation, with annual maximums up to $1.5 million per violation category. Recent settlements include $4.75 million (University of Rochester), $5.1 million (Premera Blue Cross), and $6.85 million (Anthem). Class-action lawsuits add millions more in legal costs.
Beyond compliance, patient trust is at stake. 60% of patients say they would switch providers after a data breach. Healthcare organizations lose an average of $125 per patient record in a breach.
Specialized healthcare cybersecurity consulting firms understand FDA regulations for medical devices, Joint Commission requirements for hospital accreditation, and state-specific breach notification laws. They know which EMR systems have known vulnerabilities and how to secure legacy PACS systems without disrupting clinical operations.
Key Certifications to Look For in Healthcare Cybersecurity Consultants
HCISPP (HealthCare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner)
ISC2's healthcare-specific certification proves knowledge of HIPAA, HITECH, and healthcare security practices. Only 7,000+ professionals hold this certification globally, making it a strong signal of specialization.
HITRUST CSF Practitioner/Assessor
The HITRUST Common Security Framework combines HIPAA, NIST, and ISO standards into one framework. HITRUST certification is increasingly required by health systems and payers. Consultants with HITRUST assessor credentials can guide your certification process.
CISSP with Healthcare Experience
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is the gold standard for security professionals. Look for CISSPs who specialize in healthcare rather than generalists.
CHC (Certified HIPAA Compliance)
Validates expertise in HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules, breach notification requirements, and enforcement procedures.
Red flag:
Consultants claiming HIPAA expertise without healthcare-specific certifications or documented healthcare client work. HIPAA is complex enough that general cybersecurity knowledge isn't sufficient.
Typical Pricing & Project Scope for Healthcare Cybersecurity Consulting
HIPAA Risk Assessment: $8,000-$25,000
Small practices (1-5 providers) typically pay $8,000-$12,000. Large health systems with multiple locations pay $50,000-$150,000. Assessment duration: 4-8 weeks.
HIPAA Compliance Program Development: $15,000-$50,000
Includes policies, procedures, employee training materials, incident response plans, and business associate agreement templates. Timeline: 6-12 weeks.
Medical Device Security Testing: $10,000-$40,000 per device category
Penetration testing for connected medical devices, imaging systems, or infusion pumps. Cost varies by device complexity and number of units tested.
vCISO Services for Healthcare: $6,000-$15,000/month
Virtual CISO services providing ongoing HIPAA compliance oversight, security program management, and strategic guidance. Typical commitment: 6-12 months minimum.
Breach Response: $20,000-$200,000+
Costs depend on breach size, forensic investigation depth, and whether notification services are needed. Retainer-based incident response services run $3,000-$8,000/month.
Project costs increase with organization size, system complexity, and merger/acquisition activity. Expect 20-30% higher costs if you need expedited timelines for OCR audit response or Joint Commission prep.
Top Healthcare Cybersecurity Consulting Firms
Coalfire ✓
Cybersecurity advisory and assessment services for compliance and risk management
CynergisTek ✓
Healthcare-exclusive cybersecurity and privacy consulting
Tevora ✓
Cybersecurity consulting specializing in compliance, risk management, and vCISO services
NetSPI ✓
Penetration testing and attack surface management at enterprise scale
GuidePoint Security ✓
Cybersecurity solutions focusing on detection, response, and security transformation
Blumira ✓
Automated security monitoring and threat detection for small to mid-sized organizations
Clearwater Compliance ✓
Healthcare privacy, security, and compliance solutions
Black Hills Information Security ✓
Penetration testing, training, and security assessments with a focus on practical security
Schellman ✓
Independent compliance assessment and certification for SOC, ISO, HITRUST, and more
Cycurity ✓
vCISO services and security program management for mid-market companies
FAQ: Healthcare Cybersecurity Consulting
How much does HIPAA compliance consulting cost for a small medical practice?
What's the difference between a HIPAA consultant and a healthcare cybersecurity consultant?
Do I need a healthcare-specific cybersecurity consultant or will a general firm work?
How long does a HIPAA risk assessment take?
Can healthcare cybersecurity consultants help with OCR audits?
What's HITRUST and do I need it?
How often should we do HIPAA risk assessments?
What should I look for in a Business Associate Agreement with my consultant?
Last updated: November 2025