7 Questions To See How Secure Your Practice Really Is

Have you seen the latest digital gadget advertised on TV? It promises to be the most advanced tool the world has ever seen.

Or maybe you’ve recently attended a tradeshow and been enamored with the latest technology. Just imagine all of the new things you can bring into your practice …

Yet before you hit the buy button, have you considered all the risks? How will you implement it? How will you secure it?

We love new technology. It’s fun. It’s unique. It adds value to the bottom line.

But sometimes, the risks outweigh the benefits.

Before you say YES to the next gadget or application, answer these questions first.

1. What technological assets do you use in your practice, and how are you protecting them?

While it’s impossible to be 100 percent secure, awareness reduces risk. Create a list of every device and program on your network, and look at how safe they are. Are you using the technology as designed? Are there weaknesses?

2. What protection layers are in place? 

Security is always built on a multi-level platform. You’ll never be completely secure by relying on just one security method. Instead, it should be built using multiple layers of defense, policies, strategies, and other approaches. Don’t forget backup and disaster plans too.

3. Where is your data stored?

Do you fully understand their policies if you rely on third-party resources? What happens if their business is compromised? Do they have adequate backups? This is your data, your client’s information. It’s your job to ensure it’s safe.

4. What role do team members play in your security strategy?

Pointing the finger after the fact won’t make your practice more secure. Planning ahead ensures that every person on the team understands their role in keeping data safe. Create a well-thought-out strategy that builds security from the moment of first contact with a client, all the way to disposal practices of old data and files. If team members understand the plan, they’ll know the actions they must take along the path.

5. What does an attacker see?

Have you ever looked at your practice through the eyes of an attacker? It can bring light to gaping holes. It can also open your eyes to methods that may not be as secure as you thought. Sophisticated cybercriminals spend extensive amounts of time looking for easy ways in. They may look at your social media postings, get to know your employees better, or poke around in your membership portal, trying to find where any weaknesses lie. If you find them first, you’ll stop breaches before they begin.

6. What happens when you detect a breach?

The more prepared you are, the less likely you’ll have a devastating loss. This involves installing both protection and detection programs to ensure you’re fully secure. The longer a breach goes unnoticed, the more damage it can cause.

7. Are you investing enough into your future security?

Security is never a one-time event. Because it’s ever-growing and ever-changing, you need to assign a reasonable budget to ensure you continue to be well-protected. Evaluate your current level of security. Is it doing its job well? Or is it time for an upgrade?

Security isn’t something you have to plan and strategize yourself. Allowing professionals to help you design and implement a plan will save you money in the long run, and keep you well protected through all the ups and downs of your business life.

How secure is your practice?

For IT Strategy, Cloud Conversion, or Help Desk Services reach out to us at Silver Linings Technology 360-450-4759.