When a data breach affects your veterinary practice, it can leave you feeling powerless. You receive an email or letter from a business notifying you that your clinic’s information has been compromised, and now your client’s sensitive information– like medical records, treatment history, or billing details—has been compromised. Here are the essential steps to take to protect yourself and minimize financial losses after a data breach:
- Change Your Passwords – Immediately change all passwords for accounts that may have been affected by the breach, especially for sensitive accounts like banking or email. Consider using a password manager to create and store secure passwords.
- Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) – Enable MFA on your accounts to add an extra layer of protection. This ensures that even if someone gets your password, they still need a second form of verification to access your account.
- Check Your Bank Accounts – Regularly monitor your bank accounts for any suspicious activity. Report unauthorized transactions as soon as possible to your bank or credit card company to minimize potential losses.
- Freeze Your Credit – Consider placing a credit freeze on your accounts with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This prevents fraudsters from opening new credit accounts in your name.
- Carefully Review the Breach Notification – When you receive a breach notification, read it thoroughly. Make sure to follow any instructions provided by the company, such as signing up for credit monitoring services or changing account information.
- Get Good Cybersecurity Protections – Investing in solid cybersecurity protections for your devices and networks is crucial. Firewalls, antivirus software, and regular security updates can help prevent future breaches. Moreover, partnering with an IT company that offers network security and cybersecurity training for your staff can significantly reduce the risk of breaches. With proper training, employees can learn to spot phishing attempts, avoid unsafe practices, and ensure they follow best security protocols.
- Be on the Lookout for Phishing Scams – Hackers often follow up a breach with phishing scams aimed at exploiting vulnerable individuals. Be cautious of emails or phone calls requesting personal information, especially if you weren’t expecting any communication.
- Make Sure to Update Software & Systems – Ensure that all your devices, software, and systems are up to date. Security patches are often released to fix vulnerabilities, so keeping your systems current can help protect against cyberattacks.
Managed services help protect both businesses and individuals at work and at home, and partnering with Computer Services Unlimited as your IT managed service provider offers a proactive approach to securing your data. By monitoring for threats, providing timely security updates, and assisting with quick recovery after an attack, we can strengthen your security. Whether it’s a computer, network, or work device, enhancing your security through strong passwords, encryption, and active security software is essential for safeguarding your information. Taking these steps minimizes damage and reduces the risk of further attacks, empowering you to take control of your response and strengthen your defenses.