On this episode of The Best Practices Show, host Kirk Behrendt sits down with Dr. Lorne Lavine to discuss IT security, specifically in regard to protection against ransomware viruses. Lorne begins by explaining how the increase in ransomware has increased the need for excellent data security. He emphasizes the importance of making sure that anyone who has access to your network has the appropriate security in place. Next, Lorne describes how a practice would go about recovering from a ransomware virus. He explains the value in having a good back up and what a practice is required to do following a ransomware virus, which is a breach of HIPAA.

Dr. Lavine also walks listeners through how they can stay protected. First, it’s important for a practice to have a good quality firewall. Next, it’s important to keep software current and up to date. And finally, make sure that your staff is trained to be able to spot ransomware emails, as this is the most common point of entry for a ransomware virus. Lorne ends the episode by discussing how HIPAA has changed and what we can anticipate from HIPAA law in the future, as well as an explanation of the importance of, and purpose of, cyber liability insurance.

Main Takeaways

There has been a push to go electronic with data. (9:13)

There has been an increase in ransomware attacks since COVID. (12:02)

Anyone who has access to an office’s network, needs to be keeping those connections secure. (12:19)

A breach is defined as loss of control of your data. (17:03)

Some HIPPA laws have been reinterpreted the last couple of years. (32:29)

Key Quotes

“As healthcare providers are getting more and more electronic with their data, we need to make sure that we do everything we can to secure and protect that data.”

“Ransomware is a specific type of virus that locks your files.”

“It’s mandatory that we, as IT providers, do everything we can to make sure that no one has access to our client’s data.”

“If you are hit with a ransomware virus, you have suffered a HIPAA breach.”

“The most common entry for ransomware Is email.”

“Small, local, solo practitioners are a bigger risk than large health groups who have multiple HIPAA compliance officers on their pay roll.”

Snippets

Ransomware has changed the need for security. (10:40-13:44)

The secure way to set up portals (13:45-14:59)

Recovering from ransomware attacks (15:45-18:47)

How to stay protected (20:56-24:53)

The future of HIPAA and cyber security (31:29-33:58)

Explanation of cyber liability insurance (34:09-37:16)

Bio of Guest

Dr. Lorne Lavine began his career as a periodontist and found that what he loved most was the technology. Having grown up around technology, Lorne had a knack for figuring out the technology which turned into him helping other practices with their technology. After moving to California, he happened into full time IT work helping dentists determine the best technology for their practice, and he now has six employees. He has lectured in Scotland, Australia, Brazil and across North America.

Dr. Lavine’s Contact Info:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 866-204-3398

Website: www.thedigitaldentist.com

Additional Resources

Free Security Predictor Checklist: https://go.thedigitaldentist.com/free-checklist