Cybersecurity — a necessity, not a luxury

Thomas Terronez offers some guidance on keeping your practice data safe from cyberattacks

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity breaches are a major concern for businesses of all types and sizes — and your dental practice is no exception. The recent Change Healthcare breach was a wake-up call for the healthcare industry, proving that no organization is immune to cyberattacks. As a dental IT and cybersecurity expert with over 20 years in the trenches, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges practices face when it comes to protecting patient data. In this guide, I’ll dive deep into the specific risks targeting dental practices and share actionable strategies to strengthen your defenses.

Navigating the cybersecurity minefield

You might think your small practice is an unlikely target for hackers. Think again. Cybercriminals see dental offices as easy marks, thanks to your valuable patient data. Plus, the rise of high-tech dentistry has made practices even more reliant on IT systems, expanding your attack surface. The numbers don’t lie — cyberattacks on healthcare organizations, including dental practices, have skyrocketed in recent years. Ransomware, phishing scams, data breaches — the threats are real and growing.

Exposing your practice’s weak spots

So what makes dental practices so vulnerable? Here are some of the chinks in your armor:

• On-premise servers: Still relying on in-house servers? They’re a hacker’s dream if not properly secured and It’s like leaving your front door wide open.
• Elevated workstation settings: Your workstations need elevated security settings to run your practice management, EHR, and imaging software. Convenient, but risky if not configured correctly. One wrong move, and you’re exposed.
• Weak security appliances: Outdated firewalls or bargain-basement security tools? They’re no match for today’s sophisticated cyber threats. Investing in strong perimeter defenses is non-negotiable.
• Insufficient staff training: Your team is your first line of defense — or your weakest link. Without proper cybersecurity training, they’re easy prey for social engineering attacks like phishing. And with most workstations having full server access, one slip-up can bring down the whole network.
• Small IT vendors: Local IT shops play a vital role in keeping your practice humming. But they may lack the specialized expertise to implement ironclad cybersecurity measures. Don’t confuse general IT support with the kind of in-depth security know-how you need.

Shoring up your defenses

Ready to bullet-proof your practice against cyber threats? Here’s your action plan:

• Embrace the Cloud: Making the leap to cloud-based software is a smart security move. Let the experts handle the heavy lifting while you reap the benefits of enhanced protection, from encryption to real-time monitoring. Just be sure to vet providers carefully.
• Invest in the best: When it comes to security tech, you get what you pay for. Spring for enterprise-grade firewalls from trusted names like Cisco, SonicWall, or Fortinet. Activate advanced threat protection to stay ahead of emerging dangers. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions add an extra layer of defense.
• Train your team: Empower your staff to be your greatest security asset with regular cybersecurity training. From spotting phishing red flags to following data handling best practices, make security second nature for your whole team.
• Partner with pros: Join forces with an IT firm that specializes in the unique security needs of dental practices. They bring the deep expertise to tackle HIPAA compliance, data encryption, and more. You focus on patient care; they focus on keeping your data safe.
• Trust but verify: Regular security audits are like dental checkups for your network. They reveal hidden vulnerabilities and keep your defenses in fighting shape. Hire ethical hackers to really put your security through its
• Back it up: Robust data backups are your lifeline in the face of threats like ransomware. Back up religiously to a secure offsite location, encrypt everything, and test your restore process regularly.
• Eyes on the prize: 24/7 security monitoring is like having a watchdog on patrol around the clock. Partner with a cybersecurity firm to keep tabs on your network, detect threats in real-time, and respond swiftly to minimize damage.

Cybersecurity is a never-ending battle, but with the right weapons in your arsenal, you can keep your practice safe and your patients’ trust intact. It takes commitment, vigilance, and ongoing effort, but it’s an investment in your practice’s future that you can’t afford to skrimp on. The cost of a breach — financial, legal, reputational — far outweighs the cost of prevention.

You’ve got enough on your plate keeping your patients smiling. Let the security experts help carry the load when it comes to locking down your data. Stay informed, stay alert, and keep putting your patients first — just don’t neglect the vital work of guarding their most sensitive information.

If you have any questions, need advice, or want to tighten up your practice’s cybersecurity game plan, I’m always ready to lend an ear and share some battle-tested wisdom. In this day and age, cybersecurity is a necessity, not a luxury. An ounce of prevention is worth a megabyte of cure.