In this article, we would like to discuss an important topic that often gets overlooked; Cybersecurity setup in your office. Regardless if you are a single provider or larger multi-physician office protection of your data is extremely important.
This is not only for your billing records but also for the Protected Health Information (PHI) you store on patients. We know utmost protection is needed here. Without it, there are serious consequences for you, your business and patients who trust you’ll keep their sensitive information secured.
Here are a few medical cybersecurity tips for your office.
Backup your data
We don’t mean to another folder on your computer or a flash drive. We mean using something like our iGuard backup solution. This type of protection transfers your data through an encrypted network connection to our protected cloud server. In turn, the risk of stealing information is minimized. Furthermore, should you lose your original data, it can be quickly restored.
Update your software
Doing this is equally important as performing a daily backup. When software is not updated, especially billing programs, security holes open up that increase the risk of malicious activity. This percentage of attack is even greater if you are still running an older version of Windows or security software.
No matter how busy the practice is, security should never be compromised. When a piece of software asks you to update it, don’t delay. Especially if you are asked to update Windows or your Apple iOS due to potential security breaches.
Create a security budget
Along with building maintenance and medical supplies, cybersecurity must be a line item in the practice’s budget. As nearly everything is online due to HIPAA requirements, relying on paper files are no longer a safe bet.
What do you want to add to this item? We recommend a backup solution like iGuard, regular maintenance on computer hardware and software, and possible upgrades to internal network equipment. Also, make sure you are using a hardware firewall in your office.
Switch to an online Practice Management and EHR System
Utilizing multiple software programs for billing, customer information, and diagnostic details are both confusing and a security risk. Access to one of these programs by a hacker can lead additional data to be stolen or damaged. To minimize this, we recommend an online solution such as our CureMD or Lytec Cloud option.
In the end, we want your small medical office to thrive instead of spending unproductive hours restoring or finding PHI and other data. By following the above guidelines, you can start on the road to proper cybersecurity maintenance. Thus, after the doctor makes the patient feel better, they’ll also feel good that their data is being properly protected.
Start today rather than waiting until something bad takes place.