Data Security Essentials for Dental Practices
In an era of increasing cyber threats, dental practices must prioritize data security. Here's what you need to know.
Understanding the Threat Landscape
Healthcare is a prime target for cybercriminals due to the value of medical records. Dental practices face:
- Ransomware attacks
- Phishing schemes
- Insider threats
- Data breaches
Essential Security Measures
Encryption
All patient data should be encrypted both at rest and in transit.
Access Controls
Implement role-based access to ensure staff only see what they need.
Regular Updates
Keep all software and systems updated to patch security vulnerabilities.
Employee Training
Human error is the leading cause of breaches. Train staff to recognize threats.
Incident Response Planning
Have a plan in place for when (not if) a security incident occurs. Know who to contact and how to respond.
