This is my third blog post about cybercrime – ransomware specifically – and the danger it poses to your dental practice management software and data. Last year, I reported that the security company McAfee had charted a 165% year-on-year increase in ransomware attacks.
I also passed along OntarioMD’s bulletin advising extra vigilance about data security; since then, I had not heard of any specific incident involving this nasty activity. Until the middle of December, that is, when I sat down to watch one of my favourite TV shows. I find Grey’s Anatomy quite informative, as guilty-pleasure TV goes. The episode dealt with a data hostage crisis that shut down all electronic systems from OR monitors and equipment to ICU life-support systems and code-locked supply closets and exits. The season-ending cliff hanger saw the Chief of Staff and the FBI at loggerheads over negotiating a multi-million bitcoin ransom exchange. Cannot wait for Part 2.
Grey Sloan Memorial’s life-threatening cybercrime makes for great TV, but it is the kind of drama you definitely don’t want or need. Your practice data is your lifeline to the health of your business. Awareness, protection and vigilance are essential for prevention.
FYI, here’s a link to the bulletin offering good advice about how to deal with such a threat and, more important, steps to take to protect your dental practice in the first place. In addition, some great security tips I assembled for last year’s post. Always worth repeating!
