Why Health Care Facilities Must Go Beyond Basics to Protect Patient Data

Image credit

Now, it’s obvious that protecting sensitive data is important for any business. However, for healthcare facilities, the stakes are a whole lot higher. It’s not just about preventing annoying spam emails or stopping someone from stealing your Netflix password. However, patient records hold deeply personal details, like medical histories, diagnoses, treatment plans, and even financial information. If that data falls into the wrong hands, the consequences can be devastating.

Data brokers will do anything to get ahold of these; the same goes for hackers (who usually hold it for ransom or sell it to data brokers). You basically need to have the best of the best when it comes to cybersecurity in order to stay protected. Now, that should be obvious, right?

Well, some facilities approach data security like they’re running a regular business. That’s not good enough. Seriosuly, it’s just not enough. You need to remember that in a world where cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit weaknesses, hospitals and clinics need to go well beyond the basics.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about meeting regulations; it’s about doing everything possible to protect patients and their trust.

Why is Patient Data So Valuable?

There’s nothing new there; even when everything was just old-fashioned medical charts in folders, there would be criminals who would try to break into medical records rooms and secured facilities to get access to these. But nowadays, there’s significantly more value than ever before. Patient data isn’t like the data most businesses handle. 

It’s not a name on a mailing list or a purchase history; it’s personal, intimate, and, unfortunately, highly valuable to hackers. Cybercriminals love this stuff because they can use it for identity theft, insurance fraud, or even blackmail. Yes, it’s that serious.

It’s also important to understand that healthcare facilities face unique challenges because they’re adopting innovative tools like digital pathology, and AI in healthcare is becoming more prevalent. Yes, by all means, it’s so amazing since this is meant to improve patient care but also creates new vulnerabilities. If this data isn’t properly secured, it’s like leaving the front door wide open for hackers. 

So, that’s why protecting patient information needs to be baked into every system and process, not just tacked on as an afterthought.

Why Standard Cybersecurity Isn’t Enough

Most businesses can get by with some basic cybersecurity measures, like firewalls, strong passwords, and a sprinkling of encryption. However, for healthcare facilities, those measures barely scratch the surface. No, really, they truly aren’t enough. So, hospitals need to operate on a completely different level.

That means going beyond the basics with things like multi-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption for sharing data is also a must, especially when a digital pathology lab needs to rely on quick communication between specialists. And then there’s penetration testing, basically hiring ethical hackers to expose weaknesses in the system before the bad guys do.

Even the smallest gaps in security, like an unpatched piece of software or an unsecured device, can be exploited. Seriosuly, even the tiniest of tiniest can be exploited, so it’s such a major deal!

Making Sure Staff Know the Risks

Here’s the thing: no matter how sophisticated a hospital’s cybersecurity setup is, it’s only as strong as the people using it. Yeah, humans make mistakes. Even when it comes to social engineering, this can be a pretty big problem, too, and a lot of healthcare facilities still do a huge chunk of communication just by phone (meaning exploiting is so much easier).

Unveiling the Wonders of NordVPN: A Comprehensive Review of Its Benefits and Services

Unveiling the Wonders of NordVPN: A Comprehensive Review of Its Benefits and Services

Ever wondered what the hype around NordVPN is all about? Well, you're in for a treat! In this blog, we'll unravel the secrets behind NordVPN's popularity, giving you a no-nonsense review of its benefits and services. Ready to see if it's the right fit for your digital life?

Hey there, fellow netizens! You've probably heard a lot about VPNs and how they're the superheroes of internet privacy. But let's face it, not all VPNs wear capes equally. That's where NordVPN comes into play. Imagine having a digital bodyguard for your online activities – pretty cool, right?

In this blog, we'll take a deep dive into NordVPN, breaking down what makes it stand out in the crowded VPN market. We're talking real talk – the good, the bad, and the nerdy. So, fasten your seatbelts, and let's embark on this cyber journey together!

1. The Basics: What is NordVPN?

NordVPN is like your own personal ninja, working stealthily in the background to protect your online data. It's a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service that creates a secure tunnel for your internet traffic, keeping your online activities private and protected from prying eyes.

2. Safety First: Unmatched Security Features

When it comes to security, NordVPN is like Fort Knox! It uses military-grade encryption (we're talking AES-256, folks – the big guns!) to safeguard your data. Plus, it has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn't track or store your online activities. So, you can surf, stream, and download, knowing your privacy is in safe hands.You may also want to look into performing a sql audit to ensure ideal security for your data and information. It can tell you when and where your data was accessed and help you stay on top of security measures to ensure your data is always protected.

3. Around the World in 80 Clicks: Global Server Network

NordVPN's server network is vast – with over 5,000 servers in 59 countries. Whether you're looking to stream your favorite show from a different country or just want to browse anonymously, NordVPN has you covered. It's like having a magic carpet ride around the digital globe!

4. Speedy Gonzalez: Fast and Reliable Connections

Worried about slow speeds? Fear not! NordVPN offers lightning-fast connections, ensuring your streaming or downloading sessions aren't hampered by annoying buffers. It's like having a turbocharger for your internet connection.

5. The Extra Mile: Unique Features

NordVPN isn't just about basic VPN services. It offers unique features like CyberSec, which blocks malicious websites and ads, and the Double VPN feature, which routes your traffic through two VPN servers for an extra layer of security. Talk about going the extra mile for safety!

6. User-Friendly: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy

Even if you're not a tech whiz, NordVPN is a breeze to use. The interface is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to connect to a server or change your settings. It's as simple as pie – or, in this case, as easy as clicking “connect.”

7. Multi-Platform Support: All Your Gadgets Covered

NordVPN plays well with others. It supports a wide range of devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even Linux. Plus, you can use it on up to six devices with a single subscription. Talk about getting bang for your buck!

8. Customer Support: Here to Help

Got a question or need some help? NordVPN's customer support is top-notch. With 24/7 support through live chat and email, you're never alone in your VPN journey. They're like your friendly neighborhood tech gurus, always ready to assist.

9. The Price Tag: A Small Price for Big Privacy

NordVPN offers various pricing plans to fit different budgets, with the longer-term plans offering the best value. It's a small price to pay for top-tier privacy and security.

10. Conclusion: The Verdict

In a nutshell, NordVPN is a robust, reliable, and user-friendly VPN service that offers excellent value for your money. Whether you're a privacy-conscious individual or just looking to access geo-restricted content, NordVPN is a solid choice.

Remember, you can explore NordVPN and its fantastic features by clicking on this referral link. It's your first step towards a more secure and private digital life!

FAQs About NordVPN

Q: Is NordVPN easy to set up? A: Absolutely! It's a straightforward process – just download, install, and you're good to go.

Q: Can NordVPN access streaming services like Netflix? A: You bet! NordVPN can bypass geo-restrictions, giving you access to a wide range of streaming content.

Q: Is there a money-back guarantee? A: Yes, there's a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

And there you have it – a comprehensive look at NordVPN and all its glory. Whether you're a digital nomad, a privacy enthusiast, or just your average Joe looking for a bit more security online, NordVPN has got your back. Stay safe out there in the digital world, folks!

Hey there, savvy surfers! Hold onto your hats, because I've got a deal that's too good to pass up. When you use this referral link to sign up for NordVPN, you'll snag an extra 3 months absolutely free. That's right – free! It's hands down the best deal out there for NordVPN.

Imagine all the extra coffee you can buy with the savings, or hey, maybe even a couple of extra movie rentals for those cozy nights in. So, don't wait around – grab this deal and start enjoying the internet with the security and freedom you deserve!

Why Web Developers Need Anti-Malware Software

Many web developers know the value of the data in their computers but many of them do not install anti-malware software. They are so busy that this is relegated to the back of their minds as they grapple with beating deadlines and cultivating new clients. However, installing and updating anti-malware software is crucial, and we are going to look at why this is so in this article.

Royalty Free Photo

It Protects Developers from Phishing and Other Attacks

The right anti-malware software checks all emails that a web developer receives. By doing so, it can alert a web developer that an email carries a payload or a phishing link. Using these functions, antimalware software can help protect web developers against malware as well as from visiting potentially dangerous websites

Protecting Client Data

In many cases, web developers hold client details such as logins and passwords to different web hosting websites. Some malware acts as keyloggers and they collect all keystrokes on computers they have infected. Once they send this data to a mother server, the person the server belongs to can go through these keystrokes to find logins and passwords to different websites. At this point, it becomes very easy to log into these servers using the stolen details.

They Help Protect Networks

If you use a network at work, a single infected machine can lead to the infection of the whole infrastructure. These attacks are not only annoying, but they can get very expensive if the infecting malware is created to carry ransomware. To ensure this does not happen, businesses should hire IT professionals such as those from totalit.com to not only make sure their infrastructure is robust but to also ensure their anti-malware software is up to date.

It Helps Protect Against Risks Associated With Removable Devices

Although there are only a few web developers who actually use physical media, some still use removable media to transfer photos or other material they need for their websites. Flash drives and other types of removable media can carry malware that can do a lot of damage.

Anti-malware software helps protect your computer from malware that is transferred using removable media.

It Helps Speed Up Their Computers

Malware can use up a lot of CPU power and RAM thereby making a computer slow. In fact, sluggishness is one of the most common symptoms of a malware infection. Anti-malware software can help keep a computer fast by protecting the computer from malware or make the computer faster by removing malware that may be slowing a computer down.

Protects from Spam and Ads

A lot of people do not know that spam and ads can be conduits for malware. Spam and ads have been used for a long time to deliver viruses because most antivirus software does not inspect them. However, the right anti-malware software blocks them all, thereby eliminating the chances of them doing any damage.

Because of the amount of sensitive data on their computers, web developers should install anti-malware software. The price of not doing so can be the loss of sensitive data that ends up costing them and their clients a lot.

The Race To Hire Cyber Security Professionals In The US

The Race To Hire Cyber Security Professionals In The US

Cyber crime is a threat to almost every business and organization in the world. With the number of breaches increasing year on year, and high-profile attacks hitting the headlines, IT professionals with skills and experience in cyber security are like gold dust. The growing threat of cyber crime has prompted businesses to take measures to secure systems and networks, but it has also exposed a major shortage of employees with the skills needed to keep cyber crime at bay.

The fascinating infographic below highlights the impact of cyber crime and the risks faced by modern-day organizations. In 2013, the identities of over 552 million people were exposed, and 1 in 8 websites were found to have critical vulnerabilities. 

The cost of cyber attacks rose by 26% between 2012 and 2013, with the average incident costing $11.6 million. While the financial implications are clear to see, for 83% of organizations, reputation is the main concern. 

Cyber crime has become one of the most significant threats for businesses, but as the infographic shows, most still aren’t prepared for an attack. One of the most common problems organizations face is a shortage of skilled workers. Over 70% feel that a lack of employees with cyber security skills had either a ‘great’ or ‘very great’ impact on their business. 

The meteoric rise of cyber crime has contributed to an explosion in opportunities for IT professionals who do have expertise in cyber security. The number of vacancies has grown at a rate that is 67% higher than for all jobs, and this area is expanding faster than any other sector of the IT field. Over 40% of organizations are trying to fill gaps in information security and the US is looking to train more than 5,000 cyber security professionals. 


Infographic Created By Norwich University

Five Tips For Identifying The Signs Of Malware

We all know how difficult it can be to keep our computers safe from attack. There are so many ways that we prevent attacks from hackers; firewalls and passwords are just two of them! A virus on your computer can be devastating, and it’s not just the annoyance of needing to get your computer fixed when it happens to you. It knows that you have to then go through the steps of fixing your computer and being without everything that you need, from data to your own personal apps.

One of the biggest hassles that you may have to deal with at some point or another is malware. When you identify the symptoms of the infection, you can clean the malware from your PC and restore it to its original state, and in some cases, you can start by learning to remove MacKeeper. Whether you have a Mac or a PC, you need to remove the malware as soon as possible.

access, close-up, code

Image Source

Why You Should Remove Malware

Before we go into identifying the signs of malware on your Mac or PC, you should know precisely why it’s essential that you get it removed.

  • Malware is harmful to your computer. It can be challenging to detect, and it can steal your information and destabilize your computer
  • It’s deceptive, and it intends to cause damage and chaos.
  • Malware is aggressive, taking over quickly and spreading through the system to cause infection.
  • Malware can completely destroy your computer system
  • It’s destructive to your personal information, which makes it criminal. As it can steal your personal data, you’ll find that it’s illegal to do this!
  • It’s not easy to detect, so it’s hard to remove with antivirus programs.

Malware is dangerous, and it should be watched for as much as possible. Educating yourself on what to look for concerning malware on your computer is crucial if you want to stay safe online.

5 Tips For Identifying Malware

To be able to get rid of the malware on your computer, you need to be able to see it in the first place. Here are five tips for identifying malware so you can work on getting the right cleaner to get rid of it!

Your Software

Running the right software on your computer is essential if you want to catch out malware as it hits your system. Running anti-virus programs is one of the easiest methods to do it, and there are plenty of antivirus options that include real-time protection. The spyware and adware protection that you get involves spyware, real-time protection, and protection from unknown malware, too.

Slowing Down

If you find that your PC or Mac has started to slow down gently, take a little longer to perform general tasks or just change the way it runs, it’s worth checking for infections. It’s not just malware that can cause this, of course. A fragmented machine can do the same, and it’s worth running system defragmentation to get it sorted first. You should be running routine maintenance on your system anyway, as this will pick up any malware that had got in before you had a chance to realize it!

Extra Ads/Pop-Ups

One of the most recent and most annoying signs of malware is in the pop-up. There has been a massive influx of pop-up issues started by malware, and these are usually related to seedy websites that have zero business being on your computer. The main problem with pop-ups is that they can’t just be removed. You have to work out whether you opted for pop-ups or if they’re a malware issue, and that requires a system maintenance moment!

Home Page Change

Did you know that a sure sign that you have malware on your computer is that you have sporadic web browser home page changes? If you get continuously redirected or are sent to random links, then there could be a malware issue on your computer. This behavior is not healthy, so be wary of it when it pops up!

Your Browser Is Offline

No matter how many times you go online, your browser is showing that you are offline and that you cannot get to the internet. If this is happening to you and your network connectivity is just fine, then you could have a malware infection on your computer. There are some easy fixes to this, so just check out the proxy settings and have a look to see if that works.

Malware isn't something you should have on your computer, so be aware of it and make a note of the changes!

Internet Security And Why It Is Essential

It is known that Internet security is paramount when you are a business owner. From handling customers' details to handling customers' card information, through the whole process from start to finish, and even driven down to the fact that you may have to post some of your products. There is a large amount of talk about Internet security and overall security when businesses are providing events. Ultimately we want to get this right from the offset. But there are many laws and legislation regarding customer information, that you need to stick to no matter where you are in the world. It’s important to remember that your business needs to take heed of these rules as well.

Photo by fabio on Unsplash

Hiring professionals

Let’s face it when it comes to Internet security; there are many different rules that you need to follow and jumps through groups that you need to consider. But discovering the right person for the job, and making sure that they have all of the qualifications, and the knowledge that you need is tricky indeed. A professional who works with Internet security, who knows about things such as directaccess and can quickly help you put your mind at rest, and also put some processes in place that will keep you completely compliant with all rules and regulations.

Maintaining a high level

Maintaining a high level of quality, a high level of security services, and a high level of staff training, will ultimately ensure that your business stays safe and secure, and so do your customers details. GDPR, and other data protection laws that cover small businesses is and has been a little challenging to understand, and much less implement. But having the right people on board, with the right team, do you know what they are doing and what is expected of them, will provide you with success all year round. There’s nothing worse than having an ethos of your business, and your team not sticking to it entirely. However, there are no excuses surrounding customer data anymore, and we will need to get a serious about it straight away.

Learning from mistakes

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with learning from your mistakes, everybody makes them, and nothing will come of it usually. But when you are handing over control to people, especially when they are hired to help you, it can cause some frustration, and ignorance is not bliss in this instance. There is an element of responsibility for the team you employ, and mistakes are easily rectified as long as they are reported, but should be dealt with quickly and efficiently. Starting a new business is a learning curve, but as long as you prepare the best you can, and ensure that your team are on your side, and doing things as they should be, then you should have no trouble.

Use The Right Tools for Protection

The world has been going through a lot in the recent past. You must have heard about higher security breaches against big corporations and countries apart from personal thefts, scams, and crimes.

To add to these chaos is the growing addiction to internet services amongst people, which grows exponentially. Having a managed SIP trunking service helps your business stay ahead of the competition.

Internet usage is now growing at an accelerated rate, and it is no longer limited to audio and video streaming, sharing content, or social media activities like Facebook, Twitter.

Amongst them, video calls are now becoming more popular than telephone calls as they allow an individual to interact with another person over the Internet instead of talking to them on the phone.

Being secure over the Internet has become a necessity and not an option. Whether you like it or not, you are now part of a world where everything is interconnected, and no data is secure or safe.

The only way to compensate for this situation is to ensure that all your vital information, passwords, and other sensitive details remain secured and accessible to you alone.

There are many ways in which cybercriminals steal information from the Internet. The most common methods are phishing which uses fake or masked websites that look like real websites to get vital information out of users; it is essential to protect yourself from such attacks.

It would help if you began your journey to safe internet usage as soon as possible. Then, prevent the problem before it becomes a menace.

So remembering your responsibilities, doing your research, and hiring a professional are some great ways that will prevent you from falling. Internet security is a severe issue And should not be taken lightly, however, all the information is available to you, you need to implement it correctly.