Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and vet practices are just as vulnerable to cyberattacks like phishing and data breaches. Fortunately, taking simple, proactive steps can make a big difference to improving security. Just by having the basics of cybersecurity at the back of your mind, you can not only protect yourself from threats but also build trust with your clients, while maintaining a strong reputation – giving you and your clients peace of mind.
Taking positive steps toward better cybersecurity
The good news is, protecting your practice doesn’t have to be complicated. Small steps can make a huge difference in keeping your data secure. Here are a few ways that you can start improving cybersecurity today:
Keep it simple: One easy way to improve your cybersecurity is to limit staff access to sensitive areas. Designate specific spaces for your server or sensitive information and restrict access to those areas to authorised staff members.
Keep software up to date: One of the most simple yet effective things you can do is to ensure that your software – whether it’s your practice management software, antivirus programs, or operating systems – is regularly updated. Updates often contain security patches that protect systems from new threats. On a cloud-based veterinary software such as Covetrus Ascend or on a cloud-hosted platform such as RoboVet Hosted, updates will likely be automatic. Using an on-premises veterinary system such as RoboVet or RxWorks, practice managers can schedule time with the support team to perform updates, ensuring they’re done with minimal disruption.
Use strong passwords: Encourage everyone within your practice to use strong, unique passwords and to change them regularly. Consider using a password manager to make this easier, and update passwords every 3 months.
Make backups a top priority: It’s essential to regularly back up your data, but just as important is storing those backups securely. If you’re on an on-premises practice management system, avoid keeping backup tapes or devices in the same location as the servers, as this puts your data at risk if there’s a fire or other physical damage. Store backups offsite so in the event of an emergency, valuable data remains safe and recoverable. If you’re on a cloud or cloud-hosted practice management system, backups are in a secure cloud storage solution, taking any stress away from you and your IT team.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): For systems outside your practice management system such as email, Office 360 and online banking, enable two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security, requiring not just a password but also a second form of identification, like a text message code, before logging in.
Train the team: Educating your staff on how to recognise phishing emails and other cyber threats is essential. Make sure everyone in your practice knows not to click on suspicious links or open attachments from unknown senders.
Building Trust with Your Clients
Taking cybersecurity seriously isn’t just about protecting your practice from hackers—it’s about building trust with clients. When your clients know that you’re proactive in safeguarding their personal information, they’re more likely to feel confident and secure when visiting your practice and using your services. It’s a positive step that enhances the relationship between your practice and the customers you serve.
Covetrus Backup solutions
One effective way that we at Covetrus can add an extra layer of cyber protection for our on-premises (RoboVet and RxWorks) customers is through Data Vault. This advanced backup system allows customers to securely upload files, which are then compressed, encrypted, and transmitted to an off-site, secure vault. The process is monitored to ensure backups are always completed successfully. Data retrieval is quick and easy, with access available 24/7, 365 days a year, giving you peace of mind that your information is always safe and accessible when needed.
For our Ascend and RoboVet Hosted customers (those on a cloud-based platform), backups are automatic. Backed-up data is sent to a data centre in a completely different location to where the main server is kept, reducing the risk of malware or physical threats and removing need for system down time.
“If hackers or phishers want anything, it’s to steal information that gives them the power to impersonate an individual and take advantage of them. The most valuable thing we can do is not just protect the practice, but also safeguard the individuals – whether they’re staff or customer”
- Stephen Dawson, Technical Lead
In Summary
While cybersecurity may seem daunting, it’s simply another way of ensuring the health and safety of your practice software solution – just as your practices ensure the well-being of all the animals that come into the practice for treatment. With a few straightforward steps, you can protect yourself from cyber threats and build long-lasting trust with your clients.