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The increasing reliance on digital dentistry makes robust cybersecurity essential for dental practices to safeguard sensitive patient data, protect against evolving threats, and ensure operational continuity in a highly connected world. (Image: PeopleImages.com - Yuri A/Shutterstock)

Tue. 14 January 2025

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The rapid rise of digital dentistry has given dentists worldwide many benefits, but it has also increased risks. Dental teams must learn to leverage these technologies safely to keep sensitive patient information secure. This article is the first in a four-part series designed to help dentists secure their practices in a more connected world. Each part will cover a critical area of cybersecurity: identifying cyber threats, taking proactive measures, and creating a robust disaster recovery plan. Future installments will explore specific threats and solutions tailored for dental professionals. Whether you read one part or all four, this series will provide insights to help protect your practice from cyberattacks and safeguard patient data.

Why cybersecurity matters more than ever

Cybersecurity is one of the greatest challenges of the twenty-first century. It is not just a problem of government or big business; cyber risk affects everyone. Most people now have technology embedded into every part of their lives. Every connection, everywhere, creates some level of risk.

“ Dental practices handle sensitive data—patient records, financial information and health histories—all valuable to cybercriminals.”

There are currently over 13 billion records originating from data breaches that are accessible on the dark web, a marketplace for cybercriminals to sell, trade and use stolen data to attack both individuals and organisations.1 This statistic indicates that nearly everyone has experienced a breach of some kind. Although this does not mean that we will all become victims in a worst-case scenario, it does mean that we are all potential targets.

Since most successful attacks come through e-mail and more than 90% of cyberattacks start with phishing, it is easy to see why anyone with an e-mail address must act to assess the legitimacy of e-mails.2 Cybercriminals exploit human weaknesses by using social engineering tactics to trick individuals into granting access or providing login credentials.

Why are dental practices at risk?

Small and medium-sized businesses, including dental offices, often assume that they are too small to be on a hacker’s radar, but cybercriminals are aware of this mindset and exploit it. This view-point is understandable, as cybersecurity seems to be a concern only for large corporations. The reality is that dental practices handle sensitive data—patient records, financial information and health histories—all valuable to cybercriminals. This type of data can be sold on the dark web, used to steal identities or leveraged to extort the practice and its patients. Unlike large companies, many dental practices lack the resources for advanced cybersecurity, and small businesses generally do not have the same defences as larger enterprises, making them more vulnerable.3 Considering that over thirteen billion stolen records are now on the dark web, every organisation, no matter its size, is a target.4

The high stakes of a cyberattack

If you are wondering what the worst is that could happen from a hack, consider the following:

  • Financial losses: The cost of recovering from a cyberattack can be staggering. For the healthcare industry, including dental practices, the average cost per record in a data breach is reported at approximately US$429 (€412*), according to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024.5 This figure reflects several factors, such as notification, recovery, regulatory expenses and lost business. Healthcare, having stringent data privacy requirements, typically incurs the highest breach costs across industries.
  • Reputation damage: Trust is the foundation of your relationship with patients. If their personal data is compromised, that trust can be damaged, leading to loss of patients and a tarnished reputation that is challenging to rebuild.
  • Privacy compliance violation: Privacy regulations vary globally, but healthcare providers universally have an obligation to protect patient data. Non-compliance can result in significant fines and legal issues, particularly regarding the US Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and Regulation (EU) 2016/679 EU (General Data Protection Regulation).

Operating systems and the cloud—understanding the risks in your technology environment

There is no one-size-fits-all cybersecurity solution for dental practices. Operating systems and the cloud introduce varying cybersecurity risks:

“Dental offices often assume that they are too small to be on a hacker’s radar.”

  • Microsoft Windows: Most dental practices run on Windows, and Windows systems offer flexibility. However, they are frequently targeted by cybercriminals. More than 80% of malware is designed for Windows systems.6 Regular software updates, antivirus tools, and robust network defenses including firewalls, safeguards, and security awareness training are essential. Carefully choose your e-mail services as well to ensure proper filtering since a majority of cyber attacks come through e-mail.
  • Apple’s macOS: Though less frequently targeted, macOS is not invincible. As more practices use Apple devices, the potential for attacks will likely rise. Users of macOS should stay updated whenever patches are available, use security tools such as firewalls and safeguards, as well as security awareness training for all team members. Carefully choose your e-mail services as well to ensure proper filtering since a majority of cyber attacks come through e-mail.
  • Cloud: As dental practices adopt cloud platforms, managing patient records and billing comes with added security concerns. 80% of cloud breaches are caused by misconfiguration such as improper security controls, access management that leaves data exposed, unsecured backups, and lack of two-factor authentication that adds an important second layer of defense in case credentials are stolen.7 Using strong passwords and multifactor authentication, as well as regularly reviewing security settings, is critical.

Understanding the variety of risks across different technology environments helps to underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. Whether your practice uses Windows or macOS or is cloud-reliant, the articles in this series will provide the steps you need to protect patient data, maintain operational continuity, and build a cyber-resilient practice.

What you can do right now

Assess your practice’s cybersecurity by asking the following questions:

  • Are systems secured with proper defenses and monitored for intrusions?
  • Are your staff trained to spot phishing e-mails?
  • Do you have a response plan for a cyberattack?

If you are unsure about any of these, do not worry; you are not alone. Most dental practices feel unprepared initially. My goal with this series is to help you take manageable steps to reduce your risk. Cybersecurity can be simplified, and by following the guidance in this series, you will be on your way to significantly enhancing your practice’s security. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we will discuss the specific cybersecurity threats dental practices face—such as phishing scams and ransomware—and the tactics cybercriminals use and how to counter them.

Editorial note:

* Calculated on the OANDA platform for 24 November 2024.

This article was published in digital—international magazine of digital dentisty vol. 5, issue 4/2024. The list of references can be found here.

 

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