Never take email security for granted. Healthcare organizations use emails daily in the workplace. With so much information going around your email hub, it would be a shame to have people outside your professional and social circle get into your protected information. Unfortunately, that may be the case. If a scammer somehow gets in your head and convinces you to click that forbidden link, it could, more or less, open a gap in your network–a gap big enough for them to invade. ProCern ensures you another layer of encryption to secure your emails further. Still, greed is the fatal weapon of hackers and nosy competitors. However, basic email security practices can go a long way in protecting your information from thousands of threats. Basic Email Security Practices Use a strong email password. Many people use “123456” as their email password. Either that or they go full-send with “123456789”. Robbers don’t spend their time smashing in your door. They spend most of their efforts picking the lock. Your password serves the same purpose. The easier your password is, the more likely they will breach your account. ProCern requires strong passwords for your work email account. Use multi-factor authentication Multi-factor authentication is another shield to your account–a second lock on the door. ProCern has multi-factor authentication in place for your organization. What does this mean? Suppose a hacker manages to guess your “123456” password. In that case, they’d be stopped by your multi-factor authentication–meaning there’s still a code they must enter before they get a sneak peek of your emails. Usually, these codes are sent to you by SMS, email, voice calls, or time-based one-time password (TOTP) apps. Look out for “Phishing Emails” Inspired by great outdoor activity, “phishing emails” is one of the many ways hackers steal your account information. Like in fishing, you are baited by emails requiring you to “log in” to your account. But, realistically, you’re putting your email, password, and potentially other sensitive information into their systems. The most common phishing emails claim that they’re from the service providers you use—such as your bank, Amazon or PayPal. Suppose you don’t pay attention to the email address, tone of voice, and even the email’s grammar. In that case, you’re bound to lose business email security. Another type to look out for is from c-level users of your organization. Hackers will pose as these c-level people, attempting to retrieve financial information or gift cards. Don’t fall victim to these scams. Don’t open attachments from unknown sources. We cannot stress this topic enough. If you are not expecting an email from the sender with the attachment, send the email to your trash bin and empty the trash bin. If you know the sender, sometimes sending a separate email or calling them to verify that they sent the attachment can clarify. Never access emails from public WiFi. Accessing emails from public WiFi is like yelling your Facebook password at a mall. As you may be aware by now, public WiFis are never safe. You might as well have invited the hacker straight into your network. These cybercriminals only need basic software to know what information is passing through that network. To avoid this from happening, encourage your peers and fellow employees to use mobile internet or secured private WiFi connections whenever they’re outside the office. Mobile internet may not be as fast, but it’s safer than public WiFi services. Change your password as often as possible. You might be used to not changing passwords because it’s inconvenient to remember the changes. Still, the professional side of the world isn’t forgiving at all. One of the most simple email security practices is regularly changing your passwords. Password leaks and data breaches happen yearly. However, cybercriminals tend to sit it out for a while before attacking again. So treat your password as your first line of defense, and change it every six months to further refine your shield. Log out of your email account when you’re finished. When you finish your tasks using your account, log out of your account, especially if using a shared device. Forgetting to log out of a shared or unfamiliar device is like giving the keys to your car away.
Recognizing, Defending, and Staying Informed about Voice Phishing In this dynamic digital age, technology evolves at a rapid pace, bringing along with it ever-evolving tactics employed by cybercriminals. One threat in this landscape is vishing – short for voice phishing. In this blog post, we’ll explore vishing attacks, understanding what they are, how they target healthcare facilities, and most importantly, how you can protect your organization. What is Vishing? Vishing, or voice phishing, is a form of social engineering in which cybercriminals impersonate legitimate entities over phone calls to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information or taking harmful actions. Attackers often pose as trusted parties, such as colleagues, IT support, or even law enforcement, to establish a sense of credibility and urgency. Types of Vishing 1. AI-based Vishing:AI-based vishing involves the use of artificial intelligence to create highly convincing voice recordings or even interactive conversations. Attackers use AI to mimic human speech patterns and inflections, making these vishing attempts difficult to detect as automated. 2. Robocall:A robocall is an automated phone call that delivers a pre-recorded message to the recipient. These calls can impersonate legitimate organizations or entities, enticing individuals to reveal personal information or take specific actions. 3. VoIP Vishing:VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) vishing involves using internet-based calling services to execute phishing attempts. Attackers exploit these services to imitate genuine calls from banks, government agencies, or other trusted organizations. 4. Caller ID Spoofing:Caller ID spoofing involves altering the information displayed on the recipient’s caller ID to mask the true origin of the call. Attackers use this technique to display a familiar number, such as a bank’s customer service line, or even a local area phone number, to gain the target’s trust. 5. Tech Support Call:In a tech support vishing scam, the attacker poses as a tech support representative from a reputable company, claiming that the target’s device has an issue or security threat. 6. Voice Mail Scam:In a voice mail scam, the attacker leaves a seemingly urgent or important voice mail message prompting the target to call back a specified number. 7. Client Call:A client call vishing attack involves impersonating a client or customer to deceive employees within an organization. Common Vishing Scenarios in Healthcare Healthcare facilities are particularly vulnerable to vishing attacks due to the sensitive nature of patient data and the urgency that often surrounds medical matters. Here are some common vishing scenarios to be aware of: IT Support Scams:Attackers pretend to be IT personnel and claim there is a critical issue with the facility’s systems, urging staff to provide login credentials or download malicious software. Patient Information Requests:Impersonating regulatory agencies or insurance providers, Vishers may request sensitive patient information, often under the guise of a compliance audit or insurance verification. Staff or Physician Impersonation:Criminals might pose as colleagues or physicians, seeking access to patient records or prescription information. Training your Staff to Recognize Vishing Attempts The effectiveness of vishing attacks often hinges on employees’ lack of awareness. To protect your facility, consider following staff training initiatives: Raise Awareness:Educate your staff about the existence of vishing threats and the potential consequences. Make sure they understand that legitimate organizations typically don’t request sensitive information over the phone. Caller Verification:Encourage employees to verify the identity of callers by asking for their full name, department, and a callback number. Independent verification is crucial. Avoid Rushed Decisions:Train staff to resist pressure tactics and to take the time to think critically before sharing any sensitive information. Implementing Secure Call Handling Procedures Establishing secure call handling procedures is essential to mitigate vishing risks. Consider the following: Verification Protocols:Create a protocol for verifying the legitimacy of callers who request sensitive information or actions. Authorization Levels:Limit access to sensitive information and actions based on employees’ roles and responsibilities. Record Keeping:Maintain records of all calls, especially those involving sensitive matters. This can be helpful for later verification. Vishing threats in healthcare are very real and they are evolving. By understanding what Vishing is, and knowing common Vishing scenarios, you’re already ahead in the game. It is a great idea to implement secure call handling procedures and train your staff to recognize Vishing attempts. After all, protecting sensitive patient information and maintaining organization operations are top priorities. Stay informed, vigilant, and safe!
Safeguard Yourself and Your Patients’ Information In today’s digital age, where technology has revolutionized the healthcare industry, healthcare professionals must prioritize online safety and security. ProCern is here to provide you with essential tips and best practices to protect your sensitive data and maintain a secure online presence. So, let’s dive into internet safety and discover how to safeguard yourself and your patients’ information. 1. Protecting Patient Privacy: As a healthcare professional, safeguarding patient privacy is paramount. Adhere to HIPAA regulations and take the following steps to maintain patient confidentiality: Ensure your devices, such as laptops and smartphones, are encrypted and password protected. Use secure communication channels, such as encrypted email or secure messaging platforms, when exchanging patient information. Avoid discussing patient details in public spaces or over unsecured Wi-Fi networks. 2. Secure Password Practices: Strong passwords act as the first line of defense against unauthorized access. Implement these practices to fortify your online accounts: Create unique, complex passwords for each account and consider using a reputable password manager to store them securely. Opt for longer passwords with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever available to provide an extra layer of security. 3. Beware of Phishing Attacks: Phishing attacks continue to be a significant threat. Stay vigilant and educate yourself on how to recognize and avoid them: Be wary of unsolicited emails, messages, or calls requesting sensitive information. Verify the sender’s identity before sharing any personal or confidential data. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening attachments from unknown sources. Instead, hover over links to verify their destination before clicking. Report any suspicious emails or phishing attempts to your IT department or security team. 4. Keep Software Updated: Regularly updating your software is crucial for maintaining a secure digital environment. Follow these steps: Keep your operating system, antivirus software, web browsers, and applications updated with the latest security patches. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure you have the latest protection against vulnerabilities. 5. Educate and Train Staff: Incorporate regular training and education sessions to empower your healthcare staff to make informed decisions regarding online security. Topics to cover may include: Recognizing phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics. Best practices for secure data sharing and communication. Strategies for maintaining strong passwords and implementing MFA. Internet safety is an ongoing responsibility for healthcare professionals who handle sensitive patient information. By implementing the above tips and staying informed about the latest online threats, you can help protect yourself, your patients, and your organization from cyber risks. We are committed to supporting your journey towards a secure digital landscape at ProCern. Don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated team for expert guidance and customized solutions tailored to the healthcare industry. Let’s prioritize online security and ensure a safe digital environment for healthcare professionals and patients. Together, we can embrace the benefits of technology while maintaining the highest standards of privacy and data protection. Stay safe, stay secure! Are you looking for Managed IT Services for your long-term care facility or organization? Contact ProCern today!
Have you ever received an email from your boss asking for a quick favor? Maybe it’s an urgent request for confidential information or a sudden need for gift cards. Before you jump into action, take a moment to look closer. Phishing emails impersonating your boss are becoming increasingly common, and cybercriminals are getting crafty with their latest tricks. The Face of Phishing These scammers are spoofing emails addresses to make it look like the message is coming from someone important–like your CEO or a trusted partner from another company you work with or have worked with. The name might display correctly, but if you check the email address, it’s more than likely an “off” email address, like a random Gmail account or a slightly misspelled company domain. Another common scam circulating is an email that appears to share a document with you. It might say something like, “John Doe has shared a document with you. Click to see.” The link, however, directs you to a phishing or pharming site designed to steal your login credentials. They’re Getting Smarter, But Mistakes Still Happen In the past, fishing, emails were often riddled with spelling mistakes and poor grammar, making them easier to spot. While many scammers have improved their tactics–sometimes even using AI tools to polish their messages–errors still slipped through. Spelling mistakes, awkward, phrasing, or unusual sentence structures can be red flags. However, even if the email looks polished, there’s another telltale sign: the tone and style of writing. You know how your boss or colleagues typically communicate. If an email’s tone seems off–maybe it’s unusually formal, overly friendly, or just doesn’t “sound” like them–that’s a warning sign. Trust your instincts if something feels out of place. Why This Works How to Spot the Fakes Reporting Suspicious Emails Safely If you suspect an email is a phishing attempt, it’s crucial to report it to your IT department safely: This will automatically report the email to Microsoft and your organization’s security team, helping to protect others from the same threat. Stay One Step Ahead Cyber threats are constantly evolving, but staying informed is your best defense. Always take a moment to scrutinize unexpected emails, especially those asking for sensitive actions. Remember, even if an email looks polished, inconsistencies in tone, unusual requests, or spelling and grammar errors are warning signs.Stay safe and stay savvy!
Protecting Healthcare’s Connected Devices from Cyber Threats Understanding how to secure your connected healthcare devices is crucial today. Integrating Internet of Things (IoT) devices has revolutionized patient care and operations in long-term and post-acute care facilities. However, it also presents unique cybersecurity challenges. This blog will discuss IoT in healthcare, highlighting its benefits, potential risks, and methods to safeguard your facility. The Good and the Risks of IoT in Healthcare The Benefits Improved Patient Care: IoT devices monitor vital signs, enabling quicker interventions and better patient outcomes. Smarter Operations: They optimize healthcare facility operations by tracking equipment and managing energy consumption. Enhanced Patient Experience: IoT personalizes care, enhancing the well-being and comfort of patients. For Healthcare Staff: Streamlined Workflows: IoT automates routine tasks, allowing staff to focus on quality care. Efficient Resource Management: Real-time tracking optimizes resource allocation, ensuring timely patient care. Enhanced Communication: IoT promotes seamless staff communication, improving collaboration and decision-making. The Risks: Security Gaps: IoT devices often have security weaknesses that cybercriminals can exploit. Privacy Concerns: Patient data collected by IoT devices can be compromised, violating privacy regulations. Network Overload: A surge of IoT devices can strain network bandwidth and lead to performance issues. Addressing Common Security Gaps in IoT Devices Crucial steps to address IoT device vulnerabilities include improving authentication, updating software, changing default credentials, and encrypting data during transmission. Ways to Secure Your Connected Devices in Healthcare Efficient network monitoring is vital for IoT ecosystem security and performance. Key measures include: Device Inventory: Maintain an updated list of all IoT devices, including make, model, and firmware versions. Anomaly Detection: Spot unusual device behavior to detect potential security breaches. Network Segmentation: Isolate IoT devices on separate network segments to limit access to critical systems. Setting Ground Rules: Security Policies for IoT Usage Clear security policies are essential to mitigate IoT-related risks. Key aspects include: Device Procurement Criteria: Define criteria for purchasing IoT devices to ensure they meet security and compliance standards. User Training: Educate staff on IoT device usage, security best practices, and incident reporting. Device Management Procedures: Outline device onboarding, updating, and decommissioning procedures. Trusting the Right Hands: Vendor Management for IoT Security Making smart vendor choices enhances your facility’s security. Important considerations include: Security Assessments: Evaluate vendors based on their cybersecurity commitment and update policies. Contractual Obligations: Specify security requirements in vendor contracts to hold them accountable for maintaining device security. In conclusion, embracing IoT devices in healthcare offers tremendous potential for patient care and operational efficiency. However, it’s crucial to address cybersecurity challenges by understanding the benefits and risks of IoT, securing devices, implementing network monitoring, setting security policies, and practicing vendor management. Always prioritize patient data safety and operational integrity. Stay vigilant, stay secure, and let’s make the most of IoT’s potential in healthcare.
Email scams have been around as long as email has existed. Many use the same techniques that scammers have been using long before the internet was a common tool. In the internet age, email scams have become more deceptive and common, and even seasoned internet users have fallen victim to these scams. Unfortunately, there is no program or anti-virus to protect us from these scams. They are social engineering attacks, or scams that rely on tricking users, rather than infecting machines with malicious code or software. The only way to protect yourself from these types of scam is to be aware of them and recognize the signs that an email is a scam. Email programs have improved immensely over the years by adding spam filters and junk folders, but no anti-spam filter is perfect. Below are a few ways to recognize email scams. How to Recognize Email Scams Fake Links Among the most common email scams are phishing scams. These are emails designed to look like a product or service you use (Office 365, paypal, etc.) and they include a link for you to click on and enter login credentials. These emails can be revealed as fake by checking the email address and the URL of the link. Often, the email address will be close to something that the actual company would use ([email protected] instead of @microsoft.com for example). Check the email closely to see if the address is spelled correctly. Another part of the email address to check is the domain (the part of the email address after the @ symbol). Check to see that it matches the company’s website. For example, Wells Fargo would be sending emails from an @wellsfargo.com email not wellsfargobank.com as their website is wellsfargo.com. Next, check the URL by hovering over the link with your mouse cursor. Again, it should match the company’s website. Do not click on the link if it doesn’t match the company’s website. If an email seems fishy to you, don’t trust it. If you aren’t sure, send an email or make a call to the company’s support line to verify the email is real. Advanced Fee Scams Another common type of scam is the advanced fee scam. Everyone has heard of the Nigerian prince that will pay you millions of dollars. Their money is locked up and can’t be accessed unless you send them a small fee that they will then use to recover their millions. Usually these emails include some sob story, and try to use your emotions against you. The best thing to remember about these types of scams is that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. This scam has been around a very long time. The best way to deal with it is to just ignore the email, delete it, and move on. Employment Search Scams The employment search scam comes in the form of a job offer, requesting that you fill out a job application. These job applications are designed to get as much personal information as possible in order to steal your identity. Or, they may try to get access to your bank account and steal money that way. If you are being solicited by a company that you didn’t contact first, be very wary of a scam. Do your research on the company. Does the job title match the company’s industry? Do the job postings on their website match the information in the email? If the answers to these questions are no, the chances are good that you’ve discovered a scam. Disaster Relief/Charity Scams In times of disaster, where people have died or lost everything, donations sites will be set up to raise funds for those in need. Unfortunately, many people take advantage of this situation by setting up fake charities or phishing sites to get you to donate to them instead of the legitimate organizations. Donation requests through email are nearly always a scam, so ignore them all. If you want to donate to a charity or relief foundation, contact them directly through their website or via phone. NEVER click on a link in an email asking for donations. The best way to avoid getting scammed is to always be skeptical of anyone asking for your private information. Ask yourself some simple questions like: Do I know these people?Did I request this email? If the answer to these questions is “no”, it is most likely a scam.
Are Windows updates necessary? Applying updates every month is not something system administrators look forward to but they are necessary and extremely important in the times we live in. Most updates each month include security updates. Security issues are the worst possible type as they may be exploited by malware or hackers. These types of situations are regularly identified in various parts of Windows – ActiveX, IIS, Internet Explorer and .Net Framework are just examples. Other updates address other bugs and issues in Windows. Even though they are not responsible for security vulnerabilities, they might impact the stability of your Operating System. Last, but not least, Windows Updates sometimes come with new features, while patching some known issues – and the best example for this is IIS and Internet Explorer. The code that makes up the Windows operating system contains security loop holes, errors, incompatibilities, or outdated software elements. In short, Windows isn’t perfect, we all know that. The latest Windows security patches fix the vulnerabilities and errors in Windows and associated software, and they occasionally add new features. This essentially summarizes why you should regularly run a Windows Update. Security issues are regularly identified in various parts of the Windows operating system, including the main platform. Even if you do not run the respective software, it is a risk not to patch it, simply because it is installed on your system. Note that these updates are required, even if you are running anti-malware or anti-virus software, as that software may not sufficiently protect you from Windows security issues. Consequences to Not Installing Updates Potential consequences of not installing security updates are damaged software, loss of data, or identity theft. Every year, malware causes damage of millions of dollars worldwide. The main reason is that users don’t install critical software or operating system updates, allowing malware to exploit loopholes that exist in every software ever developed. Vulnerabilities can potentially be exploited within hours of them becoming publicly known. So once a security update is available, you should plan to install the fix to protect your system from malware attacks. Some ways to control and monitor the deployment of Microsoft updates in a corporate environment is with products like WSUS or System Center Configuration Manager(SCCM). Here is a list taken from Microsoft of some common types of updates available each month. Critical Updates Critical Updates are a widely released fix for a specific problem that addresses a critical non-security-related bug. Security Updates Security updates are a widely released fix for a product-specific, security-related vulnerability. Security vulnerabilities are rated by their severity. The severity rating is indicated in the Microsoft security bulletin as critical, important, moderate, or low. Monthly Rollups Monthly Rollups are relatively new. They are a tested, cumulative set of updates. They include both security and reliability updates that are packaged together and distributed over Windows Update, WSUS, System Center Configuration Manager and Microsoft Update Catalog for easy deployment. The Monthly Rollup is product specific, addresses both new security issues and non-security issues in a single update and will proactively include updates that were released in the past. Security vulnerabilities are rated by their severity. The severity rating is indicated in the Microsoft security bulletin as critical, important, moderate, or low. This Monthly Rollup would be displayed under the title Security Monthly Quality Rollup when you download or install. This Monthly Rollup will be classified as an “Important” update on Windows Update and will automatically download and install if your Windows Update settings are configured to automatically download and install Important updates. Service Packs A service pack is a tested, cumulative set of all hotfixes, security updates, critical updates, and other updates. Additionally, service packs may contain additional fixes for problems that are found internally since the release of the product. Service packs may also contain a limited number of customer-requested design changes or features. Non Critical Updates While non critical updates are not responsible for security-relevant vulnerabilities, they may still be very annoying as they potentially impact the performance and stability of Windows. So the main reason for installing general updates is to avoid or resolve Windows issues and hopefully have a smooth running System. Testing Microsoft will test the latest updates prior to release on the second Tuesday of each month. Unfortunately, there are an infinite number of hardware and software configurations that could exist on a Windows computer. Testing all possible computers systems would be almost impossible.When a Windows update causes a problem it’s likely due to a software or driver that has issues with the update, not the update itself. It is very important to create a group of desktops and servers for testing the latest updates. Once the updates are applied to the test, computers monitor and document any irregularities in behavior of the test systems. Although Microsoft updates rarely cause a problem it has been known to happen thus the reason for a test group of computers. If all is well after at least a week with the test group, it is relatively safe to deploy the tested updates to production. Even after testing, there is no guarantee a problem won’t arise but it’s not worth the risk you may be taking of not applying these security patches. Conclusion It is critical to install security updates to protect your systems from malicious attacks. In the long run, it is also important to install software updates, not only to access new features, but also to be on the safe side in terms of security loop holes being discovered in outdated programs. And it is in your own best interest to install all other updates, which may potentially cause your system to become vulnerable to attack. Questions about your unique environment? End your IT frustration today. Discuss your situation with ProCern IT Engineers today.
The Dark Web is a hidden crisis for long-term care. Yes, you read that correctly. In today’s interconnected world, healthcare information is a lucrative target for cybercriminals, especially on the dark web. While many in the healthcare industry are aware of the general dangers, the full extent of how and why cybercriminals exploit healthcare data still needs to be understood. This article will delve into the importance of healthcare information on the dark web, the specific risks to elderly patients’ data, and the critical steps long-term care facilities can take to prevent breaches and effectively respond if one occurs. The Dark Web’s Appetite for Healthcare Information Healthcare information is precious on the dark web for several reasons. Unlike credit card data, which can be quickly canceled and replaced, healthcare data contains long-lasting and deeply personal information. Healthcare data includes medical histories, social security numbers, insurance details, and personal identification information, making it a rich resource for a variety of malicious activities: Identity Theft: Cybercriminals can use stolen health records to create false identities, apply for loans, and open bank accounts. Insurance Fraud: With access to healthcare data, fraudsters can file fake insurance claims, obtain prescription medications, and receive medical services under false pretenses. Financial Exploitation: Detailed personal and financial information can be used to commit financial fraud, including unauthorized purchases and bank account takeovers. Medical Blackmail: Sensitive health information can be used to blackmail individuals, threatening to expose private medical conditions unless a ransom is paid. Social Engineering Attacks: Comprehensive healthcare records can be used to craft convincing phishing attacks and social engineering schemes, further compromising security. Why Elderly Healthcare Data is a Higher Risk Elderly patients are at higher risk for several reasons: Extensive Medical Histories: Elderly patients typically have a long history of medical treatments, diagnoses, and medications. This comprehensive medical data is valuable for identity theft and medical fraud. Multiple Insurance Policies: Older adults often have multiple layers of insurance coverage. These policies may include Medicare, Medicaid, supplemental private, and long-term care insurance. Each policy adds to the richness of the data set that cybercriminals can exploit. Stable Financial Backgrounds: Elderly individuals often have more established financial situations, including savings, retirement accounts, and home equity, making them attractive targets for financial fraud. Vulnerability to Fraud: Older adults may be more susceptible to scams and less familiar with modern cybersecurity practices, increasing their risk of exploitation. The Importance of Protection in Long-Term Care Facilities Due to these elevated risks, long-term care facilities must prioritize protecting their residents’ healthcare data. Preventing Data Breaches Robust access controls are crucial. The dreaded multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive data. Data encryption for healthcare data, whether in transit or at rest, makes the information unreadable to unauthorized users. Remember to keep all systems updated with the latest security patches to protect against vulnerabilities. Continuous training on cybersecurity and best practices, recognizing phishing attempts, and using strong passwords are vital in protecting your organization. And this flows into the physical security measures teams should take. Ensure physical security of sensitive data by controlling access to areas where data is stored, using lockable filing cabinets, and securing devices with sensitive information. If you know someone with a Post-it note on their computer monitor with their password on it, this is a physical security vulnerability. Yes, having advanced security solutions like firewalls, intrusion detection, prevention systems, and antivirus software helps to defend against cyber threats, but you should regularly audit and assess risks. Conduct frequent security audits and risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities. Responding to a Breach Despite best efforts, breaches can occur. If one occurs, an excellent first step is isolating affected systems to prevent further data loss. You’ll then need to identify the scope of the breach and determine what data was compromised. Promptly inform the affected individuals and relevant authorities as required by law. Investigate thoroughly to understand how the breach occurred and implement measures to prevent future incidents. Of course, you’ll also need to regularly update your security policies and incident response plans to address any new threats and vulnerabilities. Exploiting healthcare information on the dark web is a significant threat, particularly for long-term care facilities and their elderly residents. By understanding the value of healthcare data to cybercriminals and implementing robust security measures, facilities can better protect sensitive information and respond effectively to breaches. We are committed to helping healthcare providers safeguard their data and uphold the highest cybersecurity and physical security standards at ProCern.
Stranger Danger I’m sure all of us when were younger were taught Stranger Danger. We needed to be cautious of any strangers we met while walking to and from school or in any new places. Today, the strangers that some of us fear the most are of the cyber kind. They can steal our livelihood, identity and more with a few clicks. Businesses are becoming victims of this Stranger Danger every day. Cyber crime rose by over 600% during the pandemic. It is estimated by 2025, the cost of cybercrime worldwide for companies will be $10.5 trillion. Unfortunately the pandemic amplified cybercrime due to the uncertainty around remote working and how to protect your business. Many businesses are not prepared for cyber attacks and do not educate their employees on best practices to help prevent these attacks from happening. The month of October celebrates cybersecurity awareness. Education is the one of the biggest tools going forward to fight the Cyber Stranger. Current State of CyberSecurity There are some staggering stats surrounding businesses today and the safety of their data. The numbers are only increasing as new threats appear and businesses do not offer the appropriate resources to combat this problem. A study by Accenture reports that 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses, and under a sixth are equipped to prevent those attacks. On average, it takes a company 197 days to discover a cybersecurity breach. Needless to say, the longer it takes to discover a security breach, the more a company’s reputation and assets suffer. A few more stats: Globally, 30,000 websites are hacked daily. 64% of companies worldwide have experienced at least one form of a cyber attack. There were 20M breached records in March 2021. In 2020, ransomware cases grew by 150%. Email is responsible for around 94% of all malware. Every 39 seconds, there is a new attack somewhere on the web. An average of around 24,000 malicious mobile apps are blocked daily on the internet. Common Types of Cyber Attacks 64% of companies worldwide have experienced at least one form of cyber attack in the past year. What are the most common ones that businesses and their employees see? Phishing: A type of online scam that involves sending an email or other virtual communication impersonating a source that would usually be seen as reputable, such as a bank or an internet service provider. 91% of all cyber attacks start with a phishing email. Malware: Malicious software that gets downloaded onto devices without one’s consent. It causes devices to crash or can allow hackers to view computer activity, access files, and steal information. 27% of malware infections originate from infected USBs. Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack: This occurs when a user intercepts communication between two people, or between one person and a machine. For example, a hacker might guide a user into a fraudulent site that appears to be the user’s bank’s website to collect their data. According to Netcraft, 95% of HTTPS servers are vulnerable to these attacks. CyberSecurity Best Practices A recent survey found that 61 percent of employees failed a basic quiz on cybersecurity fundamentals. With the average company spending only 5 percent of its IT budget on employee training, it’s clear that education is an opportunity for many organizations in the future. Here are just a few best practices to follow: Avoid Pop-ups, unknown emails and links: Malware infections are among the most common cybersecurity threats organizations face. Having up-to-date virus scan and spam detection software is a great safety net, but it’s also critical that all users are trained to understand the dangers of clicking on unusual links, pop-ups or emails. Use strong password protection and authentication: It’s important to require all users to create strong, difficult-to-guess passwords and credentials for their accounts and change them often. Consider multifactor authentication (MFA), which requires an additional token of identifying code to access systems. 63% of data breaches result from week or stolen passwords. Enable firewall protection at work and at home: Firewalls are important gatekeepers, restricting traffic in, out or within a private home or business network. Back up data: Regularly backing up critical data is key to defeating ransomware and to business continuity in general. Control physical access: Preventing access or use of desktops, laptops and mobile devices should be a high priority as these can be easily stolen or lost. Make sure such devices are set to lock when unattended and grant only limited administrative privileges for such hardware. Minimize data transfers: Be mindful of how many devices contain important data and try to make transfers as minimally as possible. Verify download sources: Before making any downloads, scan the website you’re downloading from to ensure that it’s verified, and only click on legitimate download links. Keep software updated: Update software whenever updates are available is a great way to protect against cyber attacks. Encrypt where possible: Encryption tools can be used to protect data from unwanted individuals. When encryption isn’t possible, password protection is a great alternative. Be sure to choose passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and characters, and to update your passwords regularly. User activity monitoring and behavior analytics: This can give insights on when there is suspicious activity around your data. These tools can help you prevent data theft in real-time. Practice robust and continuous employee awareness programs: Even with the best technology in place, human error is often the weakest link. Constant education programs is the most important best practice when it comes to cyber resilience. Human error is responsible for 90% of all security breaches. What Will You Do Next? Cyber threats are not going away and will continue to be a major concern for all businesses no matter the size. Contact ProCern to find out how our solutions can provide extra protection. Reach out to find out about our assessments which may discover holes in your current IT environment. Want to find out how knowledgeable your employees are on the topic of cyber security? Take this quiz from the Cyber Readiness Institute to find out how cyber ready they are.
For years, data breaches were treated as costly but manageable events—nuisances that prompted press releases, customer apologies, and perhaps a fine or two. But that era is over. Today, a single breach can destroy a business entirely.
Big changes are on the horizon for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) as a major overhaul of its Security Rule is set to take effect in 2025. These updates are expected to present significant challenges for healthcare organizations and their business associates, marking the most transformative change to HIPAA since the HITECH Act of 2008.
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized industries, and cybersecurity is no exception. With the ever-growing complexity of cyber threats, organizations are turning to AI as a critical line of defense.