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5 KEYS TO PROTECTING YOUR PATIENT DATA
Cyber-attacks on small businesses are becoming more frequent, targeted, and complex. According to Accenture’s Cost of Cybercrime Study (2022), 43% of cyber-attacks are aimed at small businesses, but only 14% are prepared to defend themselves. As a dentist and small-business owner, how do you cost-effectively insulate yourself? For over 35 years, Erickson Dental Technologies has helped thousands of dentists protect their computer networks and patient information. Through our extensive experience, we have found five key strategies to protect your business without breaking the bank. 1. Offsite Data Backup – If you house your data on a local server, it is essential to have your data backed up to the cloud on a nightly basis at a bare minimum. Some IT companies even offer solutions for real-time data backup to the minute to minimize data loss and downtime. 2. Active Firewall and Antivirus – A firewall is the first line of defense to prevent unauthorized access to your network, whereas antivirus software is designed to detect malicious activity inside of your network. Most offices have some form of active antivirus, but far too often, we see practices using “static” firewalls or basic modem/routers from their internet provider. This means that without active security updates, their protection is only as good as the day it was installed. If you do not pay monthly or annually for your firewall, then it is likely static. 3. MFA for Remote Users – If you have any employees working remotely, implementing MFA (multifactor authentication) will add another step to the sign-in process, usually in the form of a texted code. If a hacker were to gain access to your remote software, this extra step makes it nearly impossible for them to get on your network since they would also need access to the user’s cellphone. 4. Email Phishing Awareness – Email phishing is the number one way that hackers gain access to dental office networks. We are seeing a steady uptick in phishing emails along with increased creativity and spoofing. Many HIPAA consultants and IT
companies will offer annual training, so your staff members know what to look for. 5. Cyber Risk Insurance – Your current business insurance likely offers cyber risk insurance. Contact them to see if you are protected and involve your IT company to be sure you have the right amount of coverage. If you have any questions about this article or would like to learn more about our services, please feel free to contact me. Erickson can help you with all five of these strategies and more.
-David O’Reilly
Erickson Dental Technologies is a family-owned IT company based out of Eagan, Minnesota.
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