As technology continues to advance, the risk of cyber attacks on dental practices increases. Dental offices store sensitive patient information, including personal and financial data, making them a prime target for cybercriminals. It is essential for dental practices to take the necessary steps to secure their networks and protect their patients’ information. Here are some essential steps for securing your dental office network against cyber attacks.
1. Conduct a Risk Assessment
The first step in securing your dental office network is to conduct a risk assessment. This assessment will help you identify potential vulnerabilities in your network and determine the level of risk associated with each vulnerability. Once you have identified these vulnerabilities, you can take steps to mitigate the risks and secure your network.
2. Implement Strong Password Policies
One of the most common ways cybercriminals gain access to networks is through weak passwords. Implementing strong password policies can help prevent unauthorized access to your network. Passwords should be complex, with a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. They should also be changed regularly and never shared with anyone.
3. Keep Software Up-to-Date
Keeping software up-to-date is essential for maintaining the security of your network. Software updates often include security patches that address known vulnerabilities. Failing to update software leaves your network open to attack.
4. Use Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware Software
Anti-virus and anti-malware software are essential for protecting your network against viruses and malware. These programs scan your network for potential threats and remove them before they can cause harm. Because of the amount of ePHI being stored, it is crucial that the software used be designed for commercial security needs as well as the ability to talk natively with all security appliances being used. Depending on something designed for home use like Norton, McAfee, Avira, or AVG will only leave your practice open for an easy attack.
5. Implement Firewalls
Firewalls are another essential component of network security. Firewalls monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic and block unauthorized access to your network. The firewalls should integrate with the software being used to monitor and protect the workstations and servers so that they can coordinate support and defenses. Failure to do this leaves each device on your network “on its own” to provide protection.
6. Train Employees on Cybersecurity Best Practices
Employees are often the weakest link in network security. Training employees on cybersecurity best practices can help prevent cyber attacks. Employees should be trained on how to identify phishing emails, how to create strong passwords, and how to avoid downloading malware.
7. Back Up Data Regularly
Backing up data regularly is essential for protecting against data loss in the event of a cyber attack. Backups should be stored offsite and encrypted to prevent unauthorized access. Also, snapshots or images of servers should be made regularly to allow for a quicker restoration of all systems should the server go down due to a hardware failure or a cyberattack.
8. Monitor Network Activity
Monitoring network activity can help identify potential threats before they can cause harm. Network activity should be monitored regularly, and any suspicious activity should be investigated immediately. Alerts should be configured to be sent immediately to your MSP (Managed Service Provider) overseeing your network. A good MSP will use a system that automates the protection and response to allow for faster support and mitigate any damage a cyberattack may incur.
9. Develop an Incident Response Plan
Developing an incident response plan is essential for responding to cyber-attacks quickly and effectively. The plan should outline the steps to be taken in the event of a cyber attack, including who to contact and how to contain the attack. It should also contain an estimated time to restore all functionality and be reviewed twice a year.
10. Work with a Trusted IT Partner
Working with a trusted IT partner can help ensure that your network is secure. For over 20 years, Trinity Solutions, Inc. has offered a range of IT services, including network security, to help protect dental practices and medical offices. Contact Trinity Solutions, Inc. at 336-303-1730 to learn more and discuss your practice’s unique needs and how we may be able to help you.
In conclusion, securing your dental office network against cyber attacks is essential for protecting your patients’ information and maintaining trust of your patients. By conducting a risk assessment, implementing strong password policies, keeping software up-to-date, using anti-virus and anti-malware software, implementing firewalls, training employees on cybersecurity best practices, backing up data regularly, monitoring network activity, developing an incident response plan, and working with a trusted IT partner like Trinity Solutions, Inc., you can help ensure that your network is secure.