*Updated, June 30, 2025: This article, originally published in June 2023, has been updated to include breaking news of an advanced cyber threat where 16 billion passwords where exposed for various platforms. Additionally, we've provided details on how to switch from passwords to a secure passkey technology if you are an Apple, Facebook, or Google user.
Could your dental practice be inadvertently stepping into the hidden trap of social media? Have you evaluated the possible digital security hazards linked with your utilization of social media platforms? Social media has transformed from a simple communication tool to a potential gateway for cyber threats. The reputation of your practice, confidentiality of your patient data, protection of your information, and even your employees' safety could be jeopardized. It's imperative for dental practice owners and stakeholders to know the importance of a well-informed social media approach bolstered with strong cybersecurity defenses.
In this blog post, we explore the cybersecurity risks associated with social media use and provide a roadmap for the necessary precautions your practice and employees should undertake to counteract them.
Cybersecurity Risks Associated with Social Media
In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of our day-to-day lives. From sharing photos and hilarious memes to connecting with friends and family across the globe, social media has revolutionized the way we communicate. However, with every passing year, the cybersecurity risks associated with these accounts continue to grow. Cybercriminals target these accounts and in the wrong hands, your information, including your date of birth, phone number, home address, and place of business, could be used for illegal activities.
These activities include data mining, social engineering attacks that target employees’ personal accounts or company information shared on public platforms, phishing scams designed to steal confidential data or money from unsuspecting victims, and reputation damage caused by the spread of misinformation.
A recent data breach exposed 16 billion passwords (login records). According to cybernews (6/20/25), the exposed data includes pathways to popular services such as Facebook, Apple, and Google, among others. This underscores the heightened risks associated with social media, as well as, the necessity to increase your cyber hygiene game...because the criminals aren't sleeping.
So, it's essential to be mindful of the information you share on social media and take the necessary measures to protect yourself and your dental practice against these hidden risks.
Data Mining
Social media was built to be social, of course. Therefore, it is an information sharing highway and one where cybercriminals are jumping into the fast lane. As information is shared on social media, criminals are in the background mining all the data.
Data mining is the process of extracting valuable information from large datasets and analyzing it to uncover hidden patterns, correlations, and trends. It is often a tool used in business to gain insight into customers, market shares, competition, and other data points that can be leveraged for competitive advantage. But, data mining is also used by criminals for the collection of data from various platforms to paint the perfect picture for disaster. Employees’ families, specific interests, and even insight that could lead to cracking a sensitive password - all for the taking.
Social Engineering
Social engineering are tactics a cybercriminal utilizes to gain the trust of their targets, so they lower their guard and reveal sensitive information. These tactics include manipulating people into downloading malicious software, visiting fake websites, sending money to criminals, and conforming to other human errors that compromise personal or business security.
Knowing the red flags of social engineering can help you and your employees from becoming victims:
- Requests that are extremely urgent
- Receiving help or information you didn’t request
- An offer that is too good to be true
- Receiving an odd message from a ‘trusted source’
- A friend/family member sends an email at a questionable hour (i.e., your mom sending an email at 3am)
- The sender is unable to prove their identity
Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are malicious acts conducted by cybercriminals to gain access to information such as usernames, passwords, financial records, or other confidential data. The criminal typically attempts these acts through various channels including email spoofing, malware-infected websites, or malicious links sent via text message. It is important for dental practices to learn the telltale signs of phishing scams and take steps to defend their patients and employees from this type of attack.
Reputation Damage
Your practice's reputation is extremely important. You work hard to build a business that you, your employees, current patients, and future patients can be proud of. Therefore, it’s important to protect that reputation. Social media could expose your dental practice to the risks of reputation damage caused by misinformation or malicious actors. What if we told you that someone somewhere is planning a plot to damage your reputation or that it’s already occurring?
Cybercriminals look at your social media presence as a treasure trove of information that can be used to impersonate you and your practice. Creating fake accounts, making purchases in your name, locking you out of accounts, or gaining additional information from those you’re associated with are all tactics cybercriminals use to damage your business’s reputation.
Best Practices to Stay Secure While Using Social Media
In today's digitized world, it's crucial for dental practices to recognize the potential risks that come hand-in-hand with social media. As a practice owner or employee, it's essential to be proactive and safeguard your precious assets. To aid in this quest, we've compiled some best practices for both the business and its employees to ensure the use of social media is secure and protected.
Business Best Practices when Using Social Media
Let's be honest, social media is the heart of any business these days. As much as it brings life to your brand, it also poses a security risk. But don't worry; we have your back. Here are some best practices to keep your social media accounts safe and secure:
- Conduct a thorough background check on anyone who has access to your page. This includes employees, contractors, and even third-party agencies.
- Use secure passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all accounts.
- Limit the number of administrators on your page to avoid confusion and to keep track of all activities.
- Monitor all public company accounts regularly to identify potential threats or malicious activity.
- Conduct employee cybersecurity training that includes the use of social media platforms and other digital tools.
Employee Best Practices when Using Social Media
Social media has opened another door to communicating and connecting with others, such as family, friends, coworkers, and brands. But, it does pose a substantial risk for individuals, just as much as businesses. Employees must be aware of the risks posed by social media and take steps to protect their personal information and the company's assets. Here are some best practices for employees when using social media:
- Use secure passwords, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), and consider switching your password to passkeys
- Avoid sharing confidential information
- Always check privacy settings on accounts to ensure only trusted individuals have access to your data
- Avoid sharing work information
- Beware of fake accounts
- Steer clear of interest quizzes, too-good-to-be-true offers, donation opportunities, and suspect follow requests
How to Protect Your Dental Practice from Cyberattacks
Cybersecurity is no longer an optional add-on for dental practices. According to Security Magazine, over 2,200 cyberattacks happen daily – which equates to over 800,000 each year. Additionally, there are over 600,000 Facebook accounts hacked every day. With the rise of phishing scams and other malware threats, it's crucial to implement protective measures.
First, have a comprehensive network security solution in place to safeguard your valuable business data. This dental IT solution should include intrusion detection systems, firewalls, and encryption. Additionally, make sure your employees receive ongoing cybersecurity training that includes best practices for social media. Lastly, conduct regular assessments of your IT infrastructure to identify potential weak points.
In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Protect your business from the ever-evolving world of cyber threats, and you'll be able to breathe easy knowing your sensitive information won't fall into the wrong hands.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is a crucial part of dental practices, especially in today's digital world. From data mining and social engineering to phishing scams and reputation damage, the risks posed by cyber criminals are immense. It’s essential for dental practices to be aware of these threats and take steps to protect their assets from malicious actors. By implementing comprehensive network security solutions, conducting regular assessments, providing ongoing cybersecurity training for employees on best practices with social media use, as well as other protective measures – dental practices can safeguard themselves against potential cyberattacks. Don't wait until it's too late; act now to ensure your practice remains protected from online predators!
Want to ensure your dental practice is secure? Identify any gaps in your network security with a free IT Analysis.
Dental IT. Remove the Burden. Embrace the Use.
Quality patient care – it's ultimately why you became a dental professional. But, some business operations can get in the way (such as pesky computer issues or lack of IT support). That’s where Pact-One Solutions can help! Our passion lies in supplying reliable, responsive dental IT support and security that practices can count on.
Whether you’re looking for dental IT services for your startup or searching for more responsive dental IT support – our team of dental IT specialists have you covered. With team members throughout the United States, we offer nationwide support to dental practices of all sizes, specialties, and stages of growth. Our wide range of dental IT services ensure your data is secure, accessible, and protected.
Don't let technology challenges hinder your ability to deliver exceptional dental care. Contact us at info@pact-one.com or 866-722-8663 to join over 1,000 dental professionals thriving with the support of a dedicated dental IT team.
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