The Unseen Threat in Dental Practices: Human Error in Cybersecurity

Common Errors – Terrible Outcomes

In the world of dentistry, just like in life, everyone makes mistakes. However, when it comes to cybersecurity in dental practices, these mistakes can have significant consequences. Ransomware for example, accounts for a majority of lost data, revenue, and patient trust.

A startling statistic reveals that human error is at the heart of 95% of cybersecurity breaches.

IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023

A startling statistic from the 2023 IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report reveals that human error is at the heart of 95% of cybersecurity breaches. This means that if we could eliminate human error, nearly all cyber breaches in dental practices might be prevented.

Understanding Human Error in Dental Cybersecurity

Human error in cybersecurity refers to unintentional actions or inactions by dental staff that lead to security breaches. This could range from downloading a malware-infected email attachment to using weak passwords for sensitive patient data systems.

The complexity of modern dental practice software, with numerous tools and services requiring different credentials, often leads to these errors.

Moreover, dental staff must contend with sophisticated cybercriminals using social engineering tactics, tricking them into handing over sensitive data or access credentials.

Common Types of Human Error in Dental Practices

1. Skill-Based Errors: These occur when a staff member knows the correct action but fails due to distraction, fatigue, or a lapse in concentration. For example, a dental assistant might mistakenly send patient information to the wrong recipient due to a hurried work environment.
2. Decision-Based Errors: These happen when staff make poor decisions, often due to a lack of knowledge or understanding of the cybersecurity risks involved. An example could be a receptionist using an overly simple password for a patient data system, not realizing the security risk it poses.

Many dentists are surprised to find out that a simple basic cybersecurity course can have a significant impact on the security of their practice data.

Mitigating Human Error in Your Dental Practice

1. Effective Training: Regular, engaging cybersecurity awareness training for all staff members is crucial. This training should cover essential topics like email security, password management, and recognizing phishing attempts.
2. Reducing Opportunities for Error: Implementing strict protocols and using technologies that minimize the chance of human error can significantly enhance security. For instance, using password managers can prevent the common mistake of weak or reused passwords.
3. Cultivating a Security-Focused Culture: Encourage open discussions about cybersecurity, make it easy for staff to ask questions, and use visual reminders like posters to keep security at the forefront of everyone’s mind.
4. Physical Security Measures: Besides digital threats, ensure physical security protocols are in place to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive areas and information within the dental practice.

Empowering Dental Staff as a Cyber Defense

While human error is a significant risk factor in dental practice cybersecurity, it doesn’t have to be a weakness. By combining effective training with strategic changes in practice management and culture, dental practices can transform their staff into a robust first line of defense against cyber threats. This proactive approach not only protects sensitive patient data but also fortifies the practice against potential breaches, ensuring a safer and more secure environment for both patients and staff.

Stay Safe – Get Training From Canada’s Dental Cybersecurity Experts

If you haven’t already, take the Cybersecurity Essentials for Dental Teams course to ensure you have the skills and confidence to navigate safely online to protect patient and personal data.

Anne Genge, Certified Information Privacy Professional, Certified Healthcare Cybersecurity Professional, Certified Healthcare Security Risk Assessment Specialist

Anne is the founder of Myla Training Co., Canada’s first-ever online privacy and cybersecurity training platform for dental professionals. With over two decades of experience, Anne has become a leading expert and trainer in this field. Anne collaborates closely with practice owners, managers, dental teams, and IT providers to ensure the safety of patients and practice data while enabling compliance with privacy regulations.

Anne can be reached at anne@myla.training or call 877-363-9229 x702