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After discovering an unauthorized access event, conducting a risk assessment is an essential step for the organization. This assessment allows the organization to thoroughly analyze the nature and extent of the breach, evaluate the potential impact on patient information and organizational resources, and identify any vulnerabilities that may have been exploited during the event.

By performing a risk assessment, the organization gains insights into the specific circumstances surrounding the unauthorized access, such as the method of access, the information that was compromised, and the possible risks to individuals affected by the breach. Moreover, this process facilitates informed decision-making regarding subsequent actions to mitigate further risk, improve security measures, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Increasing access restrictions, while a potentially helpful measure, may not address the underlying issues that led to the breach and typically follows a risk assessment. Clarifying user authentication policies and preparing a public statement are also important steps, but they would come after the organization has fully understood the implications of the access event through a comprehensive risk assessment.