If your medical practice's website is powered by WordPress, much of its functionality relies on plugins. That's because you can't really do a whole lot with WordPress without adding plugins.
Each one is used for a specific reason, from location listings to forms to SEO.
They transform a basic blogging tool into a feature-rich website. However, this reliance on plugins can be a double-edged sword. And for healthcare companies, that sword can cut deep if you're not careful about the security of the plugins being used.
What are the Risks of Using WordPress Plugins?
Working with WordPress websites for over 20 years, we've seen a lot of different setups and hundreds of different plugins. It's the plugins that cause the biggest challenges with ensuring the site runs well and is secure.
Plugins are essentially mini-applications, each with its own code and, potentially, its own vulnerabilities. They're created by developers all over the world with varying levels of expertise in security and HIPAA rules. Some are updated regularly to block "backdoors" into your website while others are not being updated. And... to top it all off... it's not always clear when a plugin developer has stopped supporting a tool on your website.
Because WordPress is the most popular CMS, it naturally becomes a prime target for hackers. Each plugin added to your site increases the risk of a security breach, making your site less of a fortress and more of a Swiss cheese.
Choosing and Updating WordPress Plugins
Keeping a WordPress site secure requires a plan and the right tools. Given that the average website faces over 170 attacks daily, you have to be sure that one of those attacks doesn't end up giving access to patient data.
Although plugin choice is usually left up to a developer, here are some questions healthcare marketers should ask their technical team to understand if their site is at risk.
- Are the plugins and themes reviewed for security issues and is there a business supporting the software?
- Is there security monitoring software in place to look for plugin vulnerabilities and that can alert you to potential threats?
- How often are software updates applied to the core WordPress software, the theme and plugins to avoid vulnerabilities?
- What is our backup and disaster recovery plan so that if our site is hacked or updated with a vulnerability it can be restored?
What If Your Plugin Is No Longer Supported?
This is something most people don't consider when building on WordPress. What happens if one plugin can't be used anymore because it's no longer supported, or is known to leave holes for hackers? Of course, you'll need to change it out for a new plugin, right?
What most people don't consider is the ripple effect. An update to a plugin might break something in your theme. Or if you have interdependent plugins, the new one may not work with older plugins leading to more new software that you'll need to consider and add to the website to keep it running securely. It can be a huge technical challenge and technical debt in the sense of having to keep someone on staff or a consultant to regularly check for vulnerabilities and fix them.
Can your WordPress Website Be HIPAA-Compliant Using Plugins?
In addition to being secure, healthcare marketers must be sure the website is HIPAA compliant. This isn't just a legal obligation but a trust-building exercise with your patients. A website collecting any patient information must adhere to strict HIPAA guidelines. WordPress and the plugins used can be HIPAA compliant, but it requires careful planning and regular updating.
First, ensure that any data forms on your site are securely encrypted and stored, using HIPAA-compliant servers and services. Be wary of plugins or services handling patient data; ensure they’re from reputable developers and are regularly updated. In fact, your organization may require the third-party service sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) in case of a data breach. That can be very difficult in some cases. And when it is possible, it comes with a hefty price tag.
You should also know exactly what data each plugin is accessing and how it's being used. Remember, even a seemingly innocuous plugin could potentially scrape data or store a patient's IP address along with a form submission without you realizing it, until it's too late.
It is possible to make your website HIPAA-compliant when using WordPress. It's just harder to do than when using some of the other content management tools out there that are more self-contained.
Exploring Alternative Content Management Platforms for Healthcare Websites
While WordPress is a powerful tool, it’s not the easiest to secure all the moving pieces. For those seeking a more streamlined experience without the plugin dependency, platforms like HubSpot's Content Hub offer a compelling alternative. HubSpot provides an all-in-one solution that integrates marketing, sales, and customer service platforms seamlessly. It minimizes the need for third-party plugins, reducing security risks and maintenance burdens. A business associate agreement can be in place for storing sensitive data.
HubSpot also includes built-in, AI-driven SEO tools, a user-friendly interface, and excellent support, making it a great choice for healthcare marketers looking to simplify their web management.
Other content management platforms that can be made HIPAA-compliant include Drupal, Joomla and Sitecore. These, however, are not as easy to use and take extensive custom coding to make the site work well.
Future-Proofing Your Healthcare Website
The digital landscape is ever-evolving, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial. For WordPress sites, this means anticipating future updates and integrations, ensuring compatibility, and planning for scalability. Regularly review your site's requirements and how well your current setup meets them. As your practice grows, your website should be ready to scale with you.
If you're considering a new website, it may be time to move off of the WordPress platform to ensure that data collected on your website is not subject to security breaches in plugins. You'll also enjoy other benefits like a faster-performing website and AI tools that will help you write your content.
By understanding the challenges with WordPress for healthcare companies, and exploring alternative solutions like HubSpot, you can craft a digital presence that is both innovative and secure. If you're not sure whether your website is currently HIPAA secure, we'll help you determine that and your best next steps.
