Many cybersecurity lessons were learned in 2016.
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Breaches, hacking, ransomware and more were rampant in 2016. Healthcare data continued to be a valuable asset on the black market.
So what lessons should you learn from 2016 to make 2017 better by way of cybersecurity for your practice?
- Backup everything! Make sure to have easily accessible backups in case your practice faces ransomware or any type of breach.
- Perform your HIPAA Risk Assessment – and make sure your staff is trained and able to act if a breach occurs. Make sure your policies and procedures are updated and appropriate for your practice.
- Staff is your first protection – or weakness – when it comes to cybercrime. Make sure your staff is aware of potential risks and takes cybersecurity very seriously. Conduct regular trainings to prevent staff related incidences.
- Update software and protections against attacks. Outdated software can be an easy target for hackers.
- Make sure that your business associate agreements are in place and up to date – many breaches in 2016 hit vendors. BAAs are a great way to make sure your practice is protected when a vendor is breached.
Continue to stay alert in 2017. Patient information is extremely valuable and awareness is essential.
Staff should also be on high alert for any oddities that could potentially be a scam.
We help our clients prepare for the worst so that if a breach occurs, they are able to keep their practice functioning.
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