Small Medical Practices are Prime Targets for Cyberthieves
Data breaches at smaller medical practices have historically been less common, most hackers prefer to attack massive health systems due to the available large volume of valuable information. However, due to the more relaxed security of most small private practices, and a less urgent attitude toward protecting patient information, it hasn’t taken much time for hackers to catch on to the value of small practice. Thousands of medical cyberattacks are now aimed at smaller, less prepared practices. In 2023, the healthcare security industry set two new record highs for the most reported medical data breaches. The cybercriminal community is continuously scanning for ways to exploit data loopholes. Smaller practices are faster and much less complex to exploit, and cyber criminals have now shifted gears.
Big Profits from Small Targets
Last year more medical information was stolen than in any previous year. Studies showed that documented cyber-attacks exposed nearly 150 million protected patient records, and the trend isn’t slowing down. Employee and customer data is generally the most sought after stolen information. It’s a practice’s job to protect personal healthcare information, and these alarming statistics show we must do better.
Even the most seemingly secure cybersecurity program can be crushed by one small misstep. Cybercriminals are experts at finding the weakest link in a chain of defense. It is often too late when a practitioner learns that cyberbreach disruptions threaten your practice, your income, your patient safety, and your practice reputation.
Cybersecurity experts acknowledge that many private healthcare practices face unique challenges in defending their organizations due to tight finances and staffing shortages. Despite the risk, healthcare organizations with limited resources believe they can’t afford to bolster their cybersecurity. The reality is that they cannot afford to remain under protected. The choice to continue using outdated technology that has become incompatible with the latest cybersecurity standards is fodder for fraudsters.
Cybersecurity Solutions Designed to Protect your Small Practice
There are cost-effective solutions that small practices can use to significantly improve their cyber-defenses. Clinicians and small healthcare clinics face the same security challenges as large health care organizations (HCOs) but may lack the resources and designated staff to protect their data. Smaller organizations can benefit from digital solutions that enable rapid and secure access to patient data.
With a scalable all-in-one healthcare managed service, practices of any size can secure a single or multi-site network. In today’s market, the best services include reliable connectivity, experienced and responsive management, and exceptional support.
Practices should look for companies that offer seamless connectivity and provide comprehensive, lasting protection against internet threats while avoiding unnecessary features that add costs and complexity. When small practices use systems designed to meet their needs, they can simplify operations and improve overall business productivity, without the worry of cyber protection or the frustration of technology that doesn’t work as well as it should.
Hospitals and practices of all sizes can modernize their networks now, and take advantage of available fast, reliable, symmetrical fiber-powered internet connectivity combined with the solutions that work best for your business. When making your decision, choose flexible, scalable solutions from trusted digital partners with quality end-to-end service.
By working with a reliable, knowledgeable security team that will grow with your practice, health care organizations can improve and utilize the full potential of the latest digital tools and technology, foster further innovation, protect Personal Health Information (PHI), and be prepared for future technological changes. A strong security program should always include healthcare industry experts who understand the unique needs of an HCO.
Stronger Defense Now
Cyberattacks can cause a domino effect on a practice. Medical facilities may be forced to cancel appointments, struggle to treat patients, and lose revenue, all while wondering when their systems will reopen. The backlog reduces staff morale and is FTE costly.
Cyberattacks are of special threat to small practices. As is often the case, many practices have a small IT department that relies on outsourcing. Many do not employ a designated HIPAA security officer and privacy officer. Choosing a company that understands small HCO’s is paramount.
Enlist the Help of Reputable EHR Providers & Cloud-Based Solutions
Cyber hygiene is the best defense against cyberattacks. It is important to patch immediately when patches become available, always adopt multi-factor authentication, and conduct regular penetration tests.
Although these measures won’t guarantee total defense from attacks, the steps will deter the most determined hacker. Hackers want fast, easy access to your system, anything that slows them down can cause them to move on. When your network isn’t easily accessible, they’ll move their planned attack to an open target.
Every practice should complete a regular cyber security assessment, train employees in healthcare data security measures, and reinforce Network Security Protocols. By requiring multiple points of authentication for your users, you ensure credentials and other critical data are not usable by potential hackers. Learn how our true cloud-based solutions and technical support team provides your business with layers of security 24/7, reducing the risk of hackers accessing your system and data.
Our secure solutions enable dependable, fast, and safer access to the Internet and cloud-based applications, which help providers, and their employees conduct business and deliver healthcare with fewer interruptions and cybersecurity risks.
The security protections we provide include a Next Generation Firewall and Unified Threat Management (UTM), providing strong security over users, content, and applications, plus visibility into security threats using a cloud-based security dashboard.
Virtual OfficeWare Healthcare Solutions has Safety Solutions for Every Practice
With cyberattacks on the rise, focusing on your medical practice’s security is essential. Medical professionals are busy, and it is easy to put security on the back burner where it can catch fire. Practices need to be prepared and educated on the threat to their patients’ data. Reducing the risk of your medical practice or EHR system falling victim to cyberattacks requires that your business acts now.
Armed with the right resources and an experienced plan that incorporates your practice’s existing abilities, lowering your cybersecurity risk is strengthened, and so is your practice. Don’t wait until after the breach, Virtual OfficeWare has a suite of solutions designed to proactively protect your data from theft. Ready to get started? Contact our professionals today for more information or to schedule a free demo.
