According to a government report, 74% of businesses consider Cyber security a high priority, yet only 27% have formal policies in place. It’s time to manage your risks.
It’s time to consider how you run your practice
More than four in 10 businesses interviewed in the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2018 reported a breach.
Even if you consider Cyber security a top risk for your practice, what are you doing about it? Have you made necessary changes to protect your data and IT systems from a breach? Do you consider the implications of GDPR and other risks in everything you do?
Digital communications
Most GP practices will use some form of digital communication, such as staff emails, online banking or a website. Some might even have ventured into the world of social media. However, keeping this form of communication safe is becoming increasingly difficult.
Hackers are continually finding new ways of attacking your practice. It is important to install IT updates and security patches to help prevent Cyber criminals taking advantages of security flaws. Are your IT systems up to date?
Sharing business information
When IT systems are secure, Cyber attackers see people as the weak link. When making payments, sharing bank details, or perhaps clicking on links in emails, are you sure are dealing with a legitimate person or business?
Phishing is a big industry and criminals can be very persuasive on the phone, and send very convincing emails asking for company details. Have your GPs, nurses, receptionists and administrators had the relevant training to help them spot a scam and to understand the importance of being vigilant?
Keeping patients informed
Giving your employees and patients peace of mind that their personal and sensitive details are safe in your hands is really important. Your reputation is at stake, your financial security is at stake and so is your ability to keep your practice running.
Sharing your policies and procedures for Cyber security with patients and staff is good practice. It not only documents your processes and instils confidence in patients, but it reinforces the message with staff to stay vigilant and it keeps data protection and system security top of mind.
Business continuity plans
Have you thought about your back-up plan for continuing to run your GP practice if you suffer a breach? Would your reputation remain intact and would your employees and patients feel that you have done everything you could to protect their data?
How can we help you protect your practice?
You can implement all the necessary controls and procedures but there still might be a breach or attempted breach on your data. In these circumstances you want to know that you have back-up and support from professionals to help you through the scenario.
Cyber liability insurance will give you the reassurance you need. With Cyber protection advice, policies specifically designed for GP practices, and a whole host of optional benefits, All Med Pro can help you get back up and running after a breach.