CDA Essentials 2018 • Volume 5 • Issue 3

26 | 2018 | Issue 3 CDA at W ork An ounce of prevention The traditional approach of installing anti-virus software is no longer enough. A layered approach to security is your best course of action to reduce the risk to your critical business operations. A layered approach provides offices with multiple defenses against cyber-attacks. At a minimum, this type of approach to protection should include:  Anti-virus software  Anti-malware software  Regular offsite data backups, that are frequently tested  Regular updates to your practice management software and computer operating systems  Employee policies and security awareness training for staff Depending on the complexity of your office, there are other solutions available to dental offices to reduce your risk to cybercrime, such as a firewall appliance. Human element The security of a dental practice is only as strong as its weakest link. Some of the biggest vulnerabilities of your computer systems are not necessarily found within hardware or software. Human error from the people using computers at your practice is the biggest security defense challenge to overcome. Because members of your team play a large role in the safety of your practice, it’s important to ensure that your staff have access to security awareness training. Implement your cyber defense In the connected world in which modern dental practices operate, cybersecurity cannot be ignored. There are simply too many risks to operations and private data to ignore cyberthreats. In some situations, a practice owner or staff member may have the knowledge and desire to implement and manage cyber defenses. In other cases, it might be prudent to work with an external IT professional to ensure that best practices are met. Regardless of your approach, cybersecurity should be a vital consideration for every dental practice. a World Dental Congress BUENOS AIRES 2018 C100 M72 Y0 K18 C0 M100 Y95 K0 A P A S S I O N F O R M A N Y , A C O M M I T M E N T F O R A L L World Dental Congress BUENOS AIRES 2018 C100 M72 Y0 K18 C0 M100 Y95 K0 www.world-dental-congress.org 30 March 2018 1 June 2018 ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE Buenos Aires Argentina 5-8 September 2018 2018_WDC-ad-20180208-CDA-half_page.indd 1 13.02.18 19:21