Effective cybersecurity has never been more essential for aesthetic healthcare providers. Cyber threat actors are increasingly aware of the sensitive nature of aesthetic practice data and are becoming more capable each day with the power of AI. Patient before and after photos have become prime targets for cyber threat actors, making it imperative for aesthetic practices to prioritize their cybersecurity measures.
The good news is that implementing robust cybersecurity is less difficult and more accessible than you might think. Whether you are a single care provider or have thousands of employees, you can utilize the same technology at a low cost. Here are a few tips you can implement at your practice today.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Turn on MFA everywhere possible, including clinical applications, email accounts, computer systems, and bank accounts. Due to its importance, many institutions are increasingly mandating its use. MFA is free to enable on platforms like Google and Microsoft 365 and is noninvasive, quick, and easy to apply.
- Password Vaulting: Use password vaults to securely store work credentials in one place, making it easy to monitor, grant, and restrict access. Password vaults eliminate the risk of socially engineered cyber breaches, such as bad actors posing as patients to steal credentials. Tools like Roboform and 1password allow the secure sharing of credentials with staff making it simple to manage access when employees join or leave the team. Password vaults are very cost-effective, with plans starting at just $1 per month for a group of 5-10 users.
- Staff Education: Did you know 75% to 80% of cyber breaches are due to human error? Data and security awareness training can significantly reduce this risk. Affordable online curriculums offer quarterly or annual training modules to keep your team updated on cybersecurity best practices. Tools like knowbe4 even implement mock phishing campaigns, providing reports on which staff members need additional training. An educated staff exponentially reduces the likelihood of cybersecurity breaches.
- Anti-Virus and EDR Software: Know the difference between anti-virus software and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) software. Anti-virus software, like McAfee, checks files against a database of known threats but cannot respond to threats when they happen. EDR products, such as SentinelOne, CrowdStrike, and Endgame detect and neutralize security threats, remove them, and then monitor your machine’s system for any more suspicious activity. EDR is affordable and should be installed on all company machines.
- Role-Based Access: Implement role-based access to limit administrative privileges to only those who need them. Review who has administrator access and reduce it to a few super users on your management team.
- Limit Secure/External Access: Be intentional about who is granted remote access to your systems and data. Use tools like Hubstaff or Toggl Track which offer an auto lockout feature that disconnects users after a predetermined period of inactivity. Managers can program lockouts to occur after 5 or 10 minutes of idle time making it more difficult for bad actors to extract information from unattended computers and drive remote worker productivity.
In closing, approach cybersecurity with curiosity rather than fear. By embracing education and new tools, we create opportunities for innovation and growth. Cybersecurity is a multifaceted and essential aspect of modern practice, and understanding it opens the door to both protecting your data and enhancing your operations.
About Medicus IT
Medicus IT is committed to helping healthcare organizations leverage technology to optimize patient care and deliver better patient outcomes. Moving beyond traditional IT, Medicus helps its healthcare clients run their IT infrastructure, grow their operations, and transform their organizations. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with service centers in New Jersey, Ohio, Florida, Arizona, and North Carolina, Medicus is one of the nation’s top Healthcare Solutions Providers (HSP), serving more than 6,500+ providers, with over 50,000+ users in over 2000+ locations.
Together, we drive healthcare forward™.
About Candace Crowe Design
Candace Crowe Design is a design and software company that has specialized in marketing for the aesthetic industry since 1999. CCD is known for its industry knowledge, BRAG book, and Advantage Play®. BRAG book is the most robust plug-and-play before & after gallery in the industry and will be celebrating its 11th year anniversary in the Spring of 2024! They have serviced over 500 clients across the U.S. and Canada. Family-owned.
Brands: Digital Signage – Advantage Play; E-Mail Marketing – Advantage Mail; Digital B & A Gallery – BRAG book
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