Many healthcare offices and practices are aware of the threats from breaches and ransomware, but not many know how to prevent it from impacting their practice.
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Ransomware is hurting hospitals and medical practices across the globe.
It is important to take precautions to help your practice, in the event of a ransomware breach.
What should you do now?
First, encrypt your backup files. Encryption is essential in the healthcare realm. Protected health information (“PHI”) is incredibly valuable on the black market.
Second, backup your files offline and off of the main network.
Third, update your software and all antiviruses regularly. Test your protections, or hire an outside company to do so.
Test for risks throughout all areas of your practice. We help our clients with their required HIPAA risk assessments to find weaknesses and improve their security.
Finally train your employees.
Employees must be trained on the risks of clicking emails from unknown sources, and opening attachments. Often, ransomware is able to take hold of a system due to the actions of an employee. Make sure to have an open dialogue with your employees to ensure that they fully understand the risks.
Awareness is key. If you want your practice to avoid a potential breach or ransomware, security should be at the forefront.
In our next blog post, we will keep you informed of related issues. To get this important information delivered directly to your mail box, click here to Subscribe.
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