Cyber Security News
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Essential Cybersecurity Checklist for Medical Practices: Protecting Patient Data and Ensuring Compliance
As Cybersecurity Awareness Month has just ended did you get through your awareness checklist? It’s essential for practices to take proactive steps to protect patient data and ensure HIPAA compliance. If you didn’t take the time in NOW IS THE TIME to take the opportunity to review and enhance your cybersecurity policies, educate staff, and…
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Doctor fined for failing to release records.
It seems like every day; I see a post on social media about releasing records. Comments range from another provider won’t release the records to how much can we charge for records. I have had doctors tell me that their chart notes belong to the doctor and the patient does not have any right to…
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ARE YOU A VICTIM?
In early August, we learned that the National Public Data was the victim of a data breach in December of 2023. Sadly, this means that millions of American Citizens are also a victim because of the amount of information (data) that the company, which conducts background checks, had on people in the US, Canada and…
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Creating a Disaster Plan
It is hard to believe that it is September. School is back in session. Stores are decorating for fall. And as a native Floridian, we know it is the height of hurricane season. This makes September the perfect time to review your policy and process for responding to a disaster. Every practice is required under…
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Top Tips for Office Managers: Insights on HIPAA and Cybersecurity
Managing a healthcare office is no small feat. It requires a unique blend of clinical knowledge, business acumen, and interpersonal skills. Debi Carr, CEO of DK Carr & Associates and a veteran with over 25 years in office management, shares invaluable insights and tips that can help any dental office manager thrive. Stay Informed About…
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Navigating the Storm: Lessons from the Change Healthcare Breach and the Vital Role of DK Carr & Associates
The recent cyberattack on Change Healthcare, a major provider of healthcare technology services, highlights the growing threats facing the healthcare industry. The breach involved the use of stolen credentials to access the company’s systems, and despite ongoing efforts, the full extent of data compromise remains under investigation. The breach has disrupted services significantly, affecting medical…
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FBI Alerts the ADA and AAOMS!
Recently the FBI sent an alert to the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) of a credible cyber threat targeting practices. The May 6, 2024 alert, indicated that practices of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as well as other dental and specialty practices. Hackers are using a form…
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Through HIPAA Security Rule Part 1
§ 164.306 Security standards: General rules. (a) General requirements. Covered entities must do the following: (1) Ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all electronic protected health information the covered entity creates, receives, maintains, or transmits. (2) Protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information. (3) Protect against…
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Patient Data Leaked
Recently, we had a practice contact us as one of their vendors had been hit with a ransom attack which also encrypted the devices within their practice. The vendor told the doctor that he did not need to take any action as the vendor was going to pay the ransom, get the encryption key, and…
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OCR Enforcement from a Phishing Attack
OCR is the Office of Civil Rights and is the enforcement department that oversees the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). On December 7, 2023, OCR announced the first settlement against a healthcare entity where the breach was the result of a phishing attack which led to a ransomware attack. Phishing or malicious email…