How can dental practices improve cybersecurity and HIPAA compliance?

Make an inventory of all devices and software, separate patient and practice WiFi, regularly maintain and patch all systems, implement a geofencing policy, use cloud-based tools, and work with an IT partner.

Why should a dental practice separate its WiFi networks?

You cannot secure your patients' devices. With two separate networks, if a device on the patient WiFi is corrupted, it will not affect the network the practice uses for sensitive data.

What is a geofencing policy?

A geofencing policy limits network access to people located in a specific area, usually inside or near the practice, which limits remote access by attackers and provides higher levels of data protection.

Our Best Tips For Cybersecurity & HIPAA Compliance For Dental Practices

Are you concerned about the security of your dental practice's sensitive data? Worried about the repercussions of a data breach or non-compliance with HIPAA regulations? Darkhorse Tech is here to be your trusted partner in safeguarding your practice's data and ensuring HIPAA compliance.

Our team of experts has the knowledge and experience to handle your cybersecurity needs swiftly and efficiently. By partnering with us, you can focus on what you do best, providing exceptional dental care, while we take care of your practice's security. In the meantime, here are a few tips for cybersecurity and HIPAA compliance for your practice.

01Make an inventory of all devices and software

Direct answerYou need to know exactly what needs securing, so list every device that connects to your network and all the software you use.

Before you can start securing your systems, it's important to know exactly what needs securing. To that end, dental practices should make a complete inventory of all devices that connect to their network, as well as any software they use. These may include:

Desktops or laptops
Phones or calling systems
Tablets
Printers
Smart devices like lighting systems or ACs
Billing and patient retention software, etc.

02Separate WiFi connections

Direct answerRun two separate networks so patients never connect to the one the practice uses for sensitive data.

It's common for dental practices to offer patients WiFi access to make waiting times less frustrating. Unfortunately, you cannot secure all of your patients' devices.

The better approach is to have two separate networks and ensure that patients don't connect to the one the practice uses for storing and handling sensitive data. Both networks may be secured to an extent, but this way, if any device connected to the patient WiFi is corrupted, it will not affect the practice's data.

03Regularly maintain and patch all systems

Direct answerOut-of-date tools and devices are a real risk for data breaches, file corruption, and HIPAA violations.

All software and hardware used by the practice must be constantly monitored to ensure they are up to date and functioning properly.

Out-of-date tools and devices are a real risk for data breaches and file corruption, which could result in HIPAA violations as well as damage to the practice's reputation.

04Implement a software geofencing policy

Direct answerGeofencing limits network access to people in a specific area, usually inside or near the practice.

A geofencing policy limits access to a network to people located in a specific area, usually inside or near the practice. This limits remote access by attackers and provides higher levels of data protection.

05Cloud-based project management

Direct answerCloud-based tools have a centralized security protocol and provide higher levels of protection.

Cloud-based tools have a centralized security protocol and provide higher levels of protection. Tools installed on each computer are more vulnerable, as their security fully depends on the dental practice's efforts.

06Have an IT partner

Direct answerAn outside IT partner can supervise your network, monitor for threats, and help you stay compliant.

Dental practices are experiencing a changing landscape when it comes to their networks and digital tools. This creates the need for someone to constantly supervise the network, monitor for threats, and take a proactive approach to protecting sensitive information.

For many practices, this effort is too much to bear. An outside IT partner can provide the help practices need to remain compliant and protect their data.

How Darkhorse Tech can help

Darkhorse Tech provides cybersecurity and IT services specifically designed to support the unique needs of dental practices. Find out how we can help your practice stay ahead of digital threats.

Reach Out to Us