There’s a common misconception about how hackers breach their victims’ networks. Hollywood often depicts hackers as individuals in hoodies skillfully infiltrating network defences. While this portrayal isn’t entirely inaccurate, it’s outdated and ineffective against today’s advanced firewalls. Modern hack groups recognize a more vulnerable entry point in every office or clinical environment: the employees themselves. In this blog, we will share ways that you can train your employees to enhance your cybersecurity and protect your critical EMR system and patient data.
Let’s start with some definitions:
Social Engineering: is a manipulation technique that exploits human error to gain private information, access, or valuables. (1)
Phishing: The practice of tricking internet users (often using deceptive email messages or websites) into revealing personal or confidential information which can then be used illicitly. (2)
Spear Phishing: A phishing method that targets specific individuals or groups within an organization. (3)
While variations exist, these techniques share a common goal: enticing someone to click a link or an attachment or provide personal information.
Employees are a Prime Target
Consider this scenario: The hacker identifies a target clinic, determines its employees and email address format (thanks to platforms like LinkedIn), and crafts a compelling message. If the employee clicks the attached image or PDF, malware may be installed, granting the hacker access to the PC. From there, the hacker can access the network and clinic data, even in the cloud. It’s a numbers game; the hackers invest minimal time, craft an email and wait for someone to click – a remarkably high return on investment.
The moral of the story? Even the most robust technological defences can be bypassed by employees clicking without thinking. Clinics must transform their employees from potential weak links into security allies. By educating them on cyber threats and what to look for, clinics empower employees to play an active role in protecting against cyber threats, fostering a security-conscious culture.
Cybersecurity Training for Employees
Enabling routine cybersecurity training sessions for clinic staff ensures that employees are equipped with the knowledge to safeguard your clinic’s data. Addressing crucial topics like identifying phishing emails, understanding social engineering, and emphasizing the significance of robust passwords are essential. Additionally, consider implementing the following four measures within your practice to guarantee the security of your clinic data.
- Password Best Practices: Emphasize the importance of creating strong, unique passwords and encourage employees to use passphrases. To learn more about password hygiene, read our blog here.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable and encourage the use of two-factor authentication on all relevant systems and applications. This adds an extra layer of protection even if passwords are compromised.
- Secure Wi-Fi Networks: Instruct employees to connect only to secure, password-protected Wi-Fi networks. Public Wi-Fi should be avoided, especially when accessing sensitive patient information or clinic systems.
- Update and Patch Systems: Regularly update and patch all software. Ensure that employees understand the importance of keeping their systems up to date and to protect against known vulnerabilities. To learn more about patching systems, read our blog here.
Benefits of Cybersecurity Training
Investing time in educating your employees extends beyond safeguarding clinic data; it also yields substantial business benefits:
- Minimizing the risk of data breaches and downtime (resulting in increased productivity).
- Meeting compliance requirements.
- Demonstrating social responsibility as a business.
- Enhancing customer and vendor confidence.
Developing a security-conscious culture involves providing engaging and informative content regularly. This isn’t a one-time effort; ongoing training ensures that cybersecurity remains a top-of-mind consideration every time an employee encounters a suspicious message.
For questions or assistance in improving your cybersecurity in your practice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at info@securesolutionsnow.com.
References:
(1) https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/definitions/what-is-social-engineering
(2) https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phishing
(3) https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/security/definition/spear-phishing
