Feb 18
2025
5 Ways to Identify and Address Security Vulnerabilities
By Erik Eisen, CEO, CTI Technical Services.
A single breach impacting any of the multiple cloud-based or internally connected tools, devices, and hardware and software solutions found in the typical dental practice or dental services organization (DSO) can put a stop to thousands of dollars of billings per day.
Add to that the cost of recovery and potential fines related to compliance issues if any of those devices or solutions touches patient information, and the outcome can be financially devastating.
For some, it is insurmountable.
Complicating the security environment for dental organizations is that the myriad of connected and interconnected technologies makes it impossible for a one-size-fits-all solution to adequately protect every mission-critical piece of dental equipment or software. Which is why an audit to identify and address security and cybersecurity vulnerabilities is a smart move for dental organizations of all sizes.
A uniquely vulnerable environment
Dental practices and DSOs are highly attractive targets for hackers and other nefarious cybersecurity actors. As a result, the industry experienced a 45% increase in data breaches since 2022.
There are several reasons why dental organizations are being targeted. Topping the list is the highly lucrative patient data they hold, including personal, banking, and insurance information, as well as the practice’s own financial and other information. Also at play is a perceived lack of robust security systems and limited employee training in security.
Once underway, the average hacking runs for 90 days, during which time hackers can plant malicious code, freely explore any accessible data, plan new ways to exploit stolen information, and identify inroads into connected systems outside the practice.
The threat level is high enough that the FBI in May 2024 warned the American Dental Association (ADA) and American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) about a credible, active cybersecurity threat to oral and maxillofacial surgical practices and expressed concern that general dental could eventually be targeted.
In terms of weaknesses, DSOs and dental practices face five primary cybersecurity vulnerabilities: phishing, ransomware, social engineering, fake software updates, and business email compromise (BEC). Security-wise, physical security and access control are the biggest problem areas, while other threats come in the form of financial fraud, insider threats, and identity theft.
The consequences of a successful breach are financial and reputational devastation, recovery from which can take years. If patient records are compromised, dental organizations could potentially face heavy fines ranging from $100-$50,000 for each HIPAA violation—not to mention loss of patient trust.