Over the last two decades, dental practices have witnessed an evolution in computer technology. Previously, computers were only used for billing and basic record keeping. Then came the advancement from billing to charting, digital radiography, appointment scheduling, and now, digital dentistry.
With the increasing amount of data stored in systems, the sophistication and frequency of cyberattacks have also risen. The days of simply relying on antivirus software and firewall to safeguard the patient data and network are over. Here’s the reality: if these devices were effective at safeguarding networks from beaches, there would be no data breaches.
Read as our security service provider for dental practice expands on three essential cybersecurity tips for dental practices:
1. Offer cybersecurity training to employees
From associate dentists to front desk personnel, everyone in a dental practice should get scheduled training regularly to learn how they can detect different types of cyberattacks as well as their characteristics. From fake emails, phone calls, and voice mails, cybercriminals stop at nothing to try to gain a foothold by looking for unsuspecting employees.
A few specialized companies offer customized training, plus there are highly informative video training sessions available for free online. Whichever path you take, don’t ignore cybersecurity training — this is extremely important for new team members.
2. Consistently deploy MFA (multifactor authentication)
All employees with credentials for accessing any system should use MFA — it requires a code you know plus a codeyou receive via an email or text message. The root cause of today’s ransomware incidents and cyberattacks is weak credentials/passwords that haven’t changed since deployment.
3. Choose tested, reputable platforms and partners
Every vendor offering connected storage, device, or service (or a combination of the three) must offer real-life references. Talking with other dentists is important, but not those belonging to other industries. Dental practice owners must determine what level of security service is required for their clinics.
4. Use your backups to back up your practice and data
Many businesses that store and pay for their data later find out that something went wrong weeks or even months ago, and the backed-up data is either unusable, partially missing, or makes restarting operations impossible/difficult.
Even if you relied on random vendors, you could avoid a debilitating, huge hurdle if the data is there and usable. Store portable devices separately, and don’t let them remain connected to a laptop or the internet. Also, ensure the cloud storage using strong encryption methods, so your data remains protected.
Foris IT Management provides world-class IT security service for dental practices in Texas
Foris IT Management mitigates hacks and data breaches, ensuring they don’t damage your business and reputation.
Give us a call now for more information on our IT services for a dental practice in Texas!
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