Posted on by BCA

Think you’re immune to a cyber incident? Think again.

In 2024, 92% of healthcare businesses worldwide were victim of a cyber attack; an increase from 2023, where 88% of healthcare organisations were targeted by cyber criminals.1 The UK media periodically reports on cyber attacks on NHS I.T. systems (the most recent cyber attack on the NHS impacted more than 800 scheduled operations and 700 outpatient appointments in June 2024).2 However, statistics show that small healthcare organisations and practices are included in the 92% of healthcare businesses affected by a cyber incident. If you think your chiropractic clinic is too small to target, think again. Cyber criminals often target smaller or medium-sized healthcare practices because their I.T. systems and software can have fewer security protections and provide easier access. Also, the media ‘buzz’ around cyber attacks on smaller businesses is not as prevalent, and smaller organisations might not be as inclined to involve law enforcement compared to larger organisations such as the NHS.

What can you do to protect your business?

Protecting small businesses from cyber attacks is critical, as they often have fewer resources than larger organisations but are just as vulnerable.

Educate

Educating your employees around cyber security awareness is key. Training them to identify a phishing email and suspicious links, and, in addition, to create strong passwords and use password managers, can all contribute to building up stronger cyber security defences. Limiting access so that your employees only have access to the systems and data they need can also mitigate the risk of a hacker getting into your systems.

Security

Secure your network by using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) in addition to passcodes and using Virtual Private Networks (VPN) when working remotely to add an extra layer of encryption and security. Update your operating systems and software regularly. Back up data and store backups off the business premises or in cloud storage. This can allow you to still access data if you suffer a ransomware attack. Use a secure, encrypted Wi-Fi network and set up a separate Guest Network for clients and visitors.

Professional expertise & Cyber Insurance

Cyber Insurance can help mitigate financial losses if your business is attacked, but it doesn’t stop there. Cyber insurance policies can also provide you with ongoing technical support to identify vulnerabilities and provide steps to address these vulnerabilities and enhance your own cyber security.

Cyber Insurance is there to protect you in the event of a loss, but it can also provide steps to mitigate the likelihood of the loss altogether.

Cyber Insurance for healthcare practices – what does it cover?

Cyber Insurance is designed to cover costs incurred following a cyber attack or data breach. It can be tailored to cover the size of your chiropractic clinic and the type of I.T. systems you use. Typical cover can include the following:

  • Cyber extortion or ransomware attacks
  • Third party data breach notification costs
  • Costs to reinstate data or restore programs following an attack
  • Network failure – cover for income lost and additional expenses you incur
  • Legal costs in the event of a third-party breach – occurs from a network breach or privacy/data breach
  • Regulatory legal costs should an investigation be brought against you by a government entity
  • Multimedia liability in the event of a claim arising against you for plagiarism, breach of copyright and piracy
  • Cover for consequential harm and crisis communication in the event of a cyber-attack occurring, resulting in press coverage

Why choose Cyber Insurance from Lloyd & Whyte?

Healthcare practices present a higher risk to insurers than other businesses because of the medical data that is collected, stored and processed. As we represent thousands of medical practices in the UK, we’ve been able to partner with a panel of insurers to make life easier for you.

All the insurers we’ve chosen offer a dedicated incident and cyber response helpline. These helplines are available 24/7 so you’re able to react to a cyber-attack quickly and effectively.

Our insurance experts can advise you on the level of insurance you need and tailor your policy to cover your business should you fall victim to a cyber attack. Cyber Insurance can cover you for legal costs that may arise from a data breach or loss, and the cost of publicity communications you may need to roll out to prevent loss of professional reputation and consequently, the potential loss of clients.

If you would like to discuss the options available to you regarding Cyber Insurance for your clinic, contact the Lloyd & Whyte team today. Don’t forget, quote code BCA001 to access preferential rates on your insurance.

Book an appointment: https://outlook.office365.com/book/LWCommercial1@lloydandwhytegroup.com/?RefID=GeneraWebMenu

Call: 01823 250760

 

1. https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/cybersecurity/92-of-healthcare-organizations-experienced-a-cyberattack-in-2024.html 
2. https://www.governmentevents.co.uk/ge-insights/the-current-threat-to-cyber-security-in-the-uk-healthcare-system/

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