There has recently been a wave of ransomware programs affecting our clinics. Ransomware is a type of software that locks access to your system until a ransom is paid. We want to ensure that our clinics are diligently using best practices when working within their system to ensure that their patient data remains safe.
The most common way for ransomware to access your system is through email. Spammers have developed clever ways to prompt you to click on a link or provide personal information. We want to ensure that our clinics minimize risk by following a few simple tips.
- Ensure you recognize the sender name AND email address for incoming emails. Malware email addresses may look as though they are coming from a reputable source, but the email address itself will be a few characters off.
- Verify the sending address for any emails which request account information, password resets, or warning messages regarding accounts on other websites. When in doubt, call the source directly to confirm the email.
Viruses can strike anywhere and can be inadvertently passed through networked devices, so ensure these measures are used both at work and at home. Ensuring these practices are followed helps protect the overall security of your clinic and your patient data.
