Technology Update
Introduction to Cyber Security: What It Means for Healthcare Providers
Harvey Norman Technology for Business
What is cyber security?
Cyber security refers to the practices, technologies, and processes that protect systems, networks, and business data from digital attacks. For counsellors, this means safeguarding sensitive client records, including mental health notes, treatment plans, and personal details from theft, loss or misuse.
In today’s digital world, storing and sharing information electronically is common in small healthcare practices. While this improves efficiency, it also creates opportunities for cyber criminals to exploit weaknesses. That’s why understanding and implementing strong cyber security strategies is essential.
Why counsellors are at risk
Healthcare is one of the most targeted industries by cyber criminals due to the value of personal and medical data. For counsellors, the risks are even more personal, and a breach of confidential notes or communication can be devastating.
Small businesses in Australia are vulnerable. According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre, a cyber-crime is reported every six minutes, and 43 per cent of attacks target small business. The average cost of a cyber breach for a small business is $49,500, an amount many small practices cannot afford. Small healthcare practices, which often have limited resources and no dedicated IT staff, are seen as easy targets. If your practice sends emails, stores patient data, processes payments, or keeps supplier records, you are at risk.
Common cyber threats in healthcare
Cyber threats come in various forms, with the most common types including:
- Ransomware – where hackers lock your files and demand payment from you or directly from your patients, in return for not publishing the information
- Phishing – deceptive emails that trick users into revealing confidential information
- Data breaches – unauthorised access to client or business data
- Malware – malicious software that can corrupt files or monitor activities
These threats can have serious consequences that compromise patient privacy, disrupt services, and damage the reputation of your business.
Legal responsibilities
In Australia, healthcare providers, including counsellors, are required to protect personal information. As a counsellor you have a duty of care to protect your patient’s data. The Australian Privacy Principles set out how personal information, should be collected, stored, and shared. The “Essential Eight” sets out the steps you are expected to follow to meet minimum cyber security standards. Failing to comply with privacy regulations can result in fines, investigations, and loss of accreditation. More importantly, it can lead to a breakdown in trust between you and your patients. Cyber security is not just about IT systems, it is about protecting sensitive patient information.
Strategies to help protect your practice
Even without a dedicated IT team, small practices can implement practical, affordable cyber security measures. Guidelines such as those in the Australian Privacy Principles are designed to reduce the risk of cyber-attacks by implementing simple, effective security measures, such as keeping software up to date, backing up critical data, and managing access to sensitive information. Adopting a framework helps providers maintain a secure environment, comply with Australian laws and regulation, and most importantly, protect patient personal information from cyber threats.
Quick tips for counsellors
Here are five simple ways to improve your practice’s cyber security:
- Use strong, unique passwords and a password manager
- Regularly back-up client records securely
- Enable multi-factor authentication on all systems
- Be cautious of emails asking for logins or payments
- Create a basic incident response plan
Cost of inaction
A cybersecurity breach can have serious consequences for any healthcare provider. The immediate effects are financial costs, operational disruption and damage to patient trust. This loss of trust can be particularly harmful in healthcare, where patients rely on professionals to safeguard their most sensitive information.
Cyber security is not just about protecting computer systems; it is about protecting your patients as well. When patients provide their personal and medical information, they expect it to be secure and a breach of that trust will have long-lasting effects on any small business.
Investing in cybersecurity measures can help mitigate risks, ensure compliance with privacy laws, and protect sensitive patient data. It is essential to take the necessary steps to safeguard practices and patient information.
How we can help
At Harvey Norman Technology for Business, we understand the challenges small practices face in protecting sensitive patient data. Our secure, enterprise-grade IT and cyber security solutions are designed to assist small practices staying secure and compliant, while ensuring the confidentiality of patient information. We are committed to making enterprise-grade IT solutions affordable for small businesses, providing simple and reliable methods to offer peace of mind.
As a member of ACA, you are entitled to a free Essential Eight Security Risk Assessment valued at $499. Our team of industry experts will guide you through the steps and strategies you need to secure your practice and comply with Australian laws and regulations. To learn more, visit our website.