Protecting Your Cyber Attack Surfaces as a Telehealth Provider

Vol 1, No. 1     |     May 13, 2024     |    By Dave Larsen, Väsentlig Consulting LLC

As a mental health professional offering telehealth services from a home office, it's crucial to understand the concept of "attack surfaces" and how to safeguard them.

An attack surface refers to the various points where an unauthorized user could potentially gain access to your systems, applications, or data. In the context of remote work and telehealth, these attack surfaces can expose sensitive client information and compromise the confidentiality required in your practice.

The HIPAA Journal recently published, "Cyberattacks on healthcare providers are increasing year over year, and the consequences of those attacks are becoming more severe."

The risks are real, as highlighted by a recent study from the American Telemedicine Association, which found that nearly 25% of healthcare providers had experienced a cybersecurity incident related to their telemedicine services.

By understanding and addressing your attack surfaces, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyber threats and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of your telehealth practice.

Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process, and it's essential to stay vigilant, regularly review your security protocols, and seek professional guidance when needed.