In the digital world we navigate daily, downloads have become as routine as a morning cup of coffee. Yet this seemingly benign process carries potential threats that could jeopardize your computer network’s safety.  

This guide aims to enlighten you about the dos and don'ts of downloads, bringing to light the possible dangers lurking in the shadows of the internet and providing tools to shield your IT network from potential harm.

Data breaches have become an unfortunate reality. And, the healthcare industry has been a prime target for cybercriminals due to the sensitive nature of patient data. In June 2023, Delta Dental of California discovered a data breach that affected approximately 7 million patients.

As a dental professional in the heart of Phoenix, AZ, you may be confronted with a significant challenge that goes beyond the health of your patients' teeth - securing your network infrastructure. As threats to data security grow increasingly complex, ensuring a secure network becomes paramount, not just for legal compliance but also for patient trust.

When it comes to network security, firewalls are essential. Firewalls act as a protective barrier between your business’s internal networks and the outside world, providing an additional layer of protection against malicious actors or unwanted intrusions.

The holiday and official shopping seasons are in full swing, and if there is a sale, there might be a scam close by. As the prices go down, so does our guard. We fear losing out on a deal and can act without thinking. In this blog we are sharing a few quick reminders to stay cyber-safe this holiday season.

Ransomware attacks are among the most common ways cybercriminals coordinate attacks designed to obtain patient data. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, ransomware attacks more than doubled between 2020 and 2021 – from 158 in 2020 to 321 in 2021 – victimizing over 41 million individuals.

Over 60% of data breaches can be traced to weak credentials. Employees reuse passwords or create ones that are easy to remember. Many employees add a number to their passwords and increment them each time they are forced to make a password change. These practices make it easy for hackers to gain access to a network.

As a small- to medium-sized business (SMB) owner, keeping your dental clinic’s valuable data safe should be a priority. Cybercriminals often target SMBs and healthcare organizations because compared to larger corporations, these entities often lack the technology and manpower to run an efficient cybersecurity system, making them easier to infiltrate.

Keeping Your Network Secure 
Modern dental practices are ever evolving and with that comes the dependence on IT systems. Practice management software - such as Dentrix, Eaglesoft, or Practiceworks – streamline processes and are a hub of vital patient information.

Cybercriminals have many opportunities to intercept confidential data. But if your data is encrypted, it’s much more difficult for your data to be compromised – should a cybercriminal succeed in getting their hands on it.

As with any other healthcare provider, dental practices must comply with HIPAA and HITECH legislation – requiring that all communications be encrypted.