The term cyber crime covers a multitude of threats to the public sector and includes scams like phishing emails, malware ad ransomware attacks. The National Cyber Security Centre [NCSC] has produced a guide for small businesses [1]. The steps outlined below can significantly reduce the chances of your practice becoming a victim of cybercrime.
Ensure that you comply with the terms of service and acceptable use policy for connection to the NHS network.
- Dental practices are connected to the NHS network called Scottish Wide Area Network (SWAN) by using an NHS device called a CAT20.
Ensure that your computer data is secure, backed up regularly and protected from malware, phishing, ransom ware and other forms of cyber attack.
- If you are not confident about establishing and managing the various forms of security required for a modern IT system, seek advice from someone who is qualified to provide this advice.
Provide training for staff and include details of your practice’s approach to cyber security (see Data protection, confidentiality and information security policy template).
Your Health Board may have issued guidance on cybersecurity and ransomware attacks, and you should follow this advice in the first instance.