ImageTrend Achieves Top Security Certification, Sets New Bar for Emergency Data Protection

Eagan, MN – November 15, 2025 – In an era of escalating cybersecurity threats targeting healthcare organizations, ImageTrend, a leading provider of software solutions for emergency response, has announced it has achieved SOC 2 Type 2 certification with HIPAA/HITECH compliance. The rigorous audit, conducted by A-LIGN, confirmed the company’s commitment to data security, availability, and confidentiality, with a notable finding of zero exceptions.

This certification isn't merely a tick-box exercise, but a crucial step for a sector increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure and facing a growing volume of sophisticated cyberattacks. The emergency medical and public safety landscape is uniquely vulnerable, as data breaches can directly impact patient safety and operational efficiency. ImageTrend’s achievement sets a new standard for data protection in this critical field.

What Does SOC 2 Type 2 with HIPAA/HITECH Mean?

SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls) is an auditing procedure that ensures service providers securely manage data to protect the interests of their organizations and their clients. Type 2 certification goes beyond a point-in-time assessment; it examines the operational effectiveness of security controls over a period of time – in this case, a full year. This provides a more comprehensive and reliable assessment of an organization’s security posture.

The inclusion of HIPAA/HITECH compliance further solidifies ImageTrend's commitment to protecting Protected Health Information (PHI). These regulations outline strict standards for the privacy and security of patient data, and adherence is legally mandated for healthcare providers and their business associates.

“The healthcare sector is under constant attack,” says a security consultant specializing in healthcare IT. “SOC 2 Type 2, particularly with the HIPAA component, shows a provider is serious about safeguarding sensitive patient information and has the controls in place to mitigate risks.”

A Zero-Exception Audit: A Rare Achievement

The most striking aspect of ImageTrend’s audit is the absence of any exceptions. This indicates that the auditor found no weaknesses or deficiencies in the company’s security controls. According to industry experts, achieving a zero-exception audit is a relatively rare feat, demonstrating a mature and robust security program.

“It’s not enough to just have controls; they need to be effective,” explains a compliance officer at a large hospital system. “A zero-exception audit demonstrates that ImageTrend isn’t just checking boxes, they are actively and consistently protecting data.”

The Growing Threat Landscape for Emergency Response Data

The need for robust data security in emergency response is particularly acute due to several factors:

• Increasing Reliance on Digital Systems: Emergency services are increasingly reliant on digital tools for dispatch, communication, data collection, and record keeping.
• Sensitive Data: Emergency response data includes highly sensitive information such as patient health records, addresses, and personal identifiers.
• Potential for Operational Disruption: A successful cyberattack can disrupt critical emergency services, potentially endangering lives.
• Ransomware Attacks: Healthcare organizations are frequently targeted by ransomware attacks, where attackers encrypt data and demand payment for its release.

Recent incidents, including a 2023 ransomware attack on a major hospital system and a 2024 data breach at an EMS software provider, highlight the real and present danger. These breaches resulted in significant financial losses, reputational damage, and potential harm to patients.

Impact on Fire Departments, EMS, and Hospitals

ImageTrend’s certification provides significant benefits to its customers, which include fire departments, EMS agencies, and hospitals. The certification offers:

• Enhanced Data Security: Assurance that sensitive data is protected from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
• Reduced Risk: Mitigation of the risk of data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other security incidents.
• Regulatory Compliance: Support for meeting HIPAA/HITECH and other regulatory requirements.
• Increased Trust: Building confidence among patients, providers, and stakeholders.

“Knowing our software vendor takes data security seriously gives us peace of mind,” stated a director of IT at a regional ambulance service. “It allows us to focus on providing the best possible care to our patients without worrying about data breaches.”

What's Next for Data Security in Emergency Response?

While ImageTrend’s achievement is a positive step, ongoing vigilance is essential. Experts recommend that organizations:

• Conduct Regular Security Assessments: Identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in systems and processes.
• Implement Strong Access Controls: Limit access to sensitive data to authorized personnel.
• Provide Employee Training: Educate employees about cybersecurity threats and best practices.
• Implement Incident Response Plans: Prepare for and respond to security incidents effectively.
• Stay Up-to-Date on Threats: Monitor the threat landscape and adapt security measures accordingly.

ImageTrend’s commitment to data security sets a new bar for the industry, demonstrating that protecting patient data is not just a compliance requirement, but a moral and ethical imperative. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, proactive and robust security measures will be critical to ensuring the safety and well-being of communities across the country.