This article has been developed in partnership with Harvey Norman Technology for Business
Cyber security refers to the practices, technologies and processes that protect systems, networks, and practice data from digital attacks. For psychologists, this means safeguarding sensitive client records, including mental health notes, treatment plans and personal details from theft, loss or misuse. In today’s digital world, storing and sharing information electronically is common in small psychology practices. While this improves efficiency, it also creates opportunities for cyber criminals to exploit weaknesses. That’s why understanding and implementing strong cyber security strategies is critical.
Why psychologists are at risk
Healthcare is one of the most targeted industries by cyber criminals due to the value of personal and medical data. For psychologists, the risks are even more personal and a breach of confidential notes or communication can be devastating.
Small businesses in Australia are vulnerable. According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre, a cyber crime is reported every six minutes, and 43% of attacks target small business. The average cost of a cyber breach for a small business is $49,500, an amount many small practices cannot afford. Small healthcare practices, which often have limited resources and no dedicated IT staff, are seen as easy targets. If you send emails, store patient or financial information and take online payments, you are at risk because you hold data that is highly attractive to cyber criminals.
Common cyber threats
Cyber threats come in various forms, with the most common types including:
- Ransomware: Where hackers lock your files and demand payment from you or directly from your patients in return for not publishing their secrets
- Phishing: Deceptive emails that trick users into revealing confidential information
- Malware: Malicious software that can corrupt files or monitor activities
These threats can have serious consequences, compromising patient privacy, disrupting services, and damaging the reputation of your business.
Legal responsibilities
In Australia, healthcare providers, including psychology practices, are required to protect personal information. As a psychologist you have a duty of care to protect your patient's data. The Australian Privacy Principles set out how personal information should be collected, stored, and shared. The Essential Eight risk mitigation framework sets out the steps you are expected to follow to meet minimum cyber security standards. Failing to comply with privacy regulations can result in fines, investigations, and loss of accreditation. More importantly, it can lead to a breakdown in trust between you and your patients. Cyber security is not just about IT systems; it is about protecting sensitive patient information you store.
Strategies to help protect your practice
Even without a dedicated IT team, small psychology practices can implement practical, affordable cyber security measures. The Government’s recommended approach is to follow established frameworks like the ACSC’s Essential Eight. This set of guidelines is designed to reduce the risk of cyber attacks by implementing simple, effective security measures, such as keeping software up-to-date, backing up critical data, and managing access to sensitive information. Adopting a framework helps providers maintain a secure environment, comply with Australian laws and regulation, and most importantly, protect a patient’s personal information from cyber threats.
Quick tips for psychologists
Here are five simple ways to improve your practice’s cyber security:
- Use strong, unique passwords and a password manager
- Regularly back up patient records securely
- Enable multi-factor authentication on all systems
- Be cautious of emails asking for logins or payments
- Create a basic incident response plan
Cost of inaction
A cyber security breach can have serious consequences for any healthcare provider. The immediate effects are financial costs, operational disruption and damage to patient trust. This loss of trust can be particularly harmful for psychologists, where patients rely on professionals to safeguard their most sensitive information.
Cyber security is not just about protecting computer systems, it is about protecting your patients as well. When patients provide their personal and medical information, they expect it to be secure and a breach of that trust will have long-lasting effects on any small business.
Investing in cybersecurity measures can help mitigate risks, ensure compliance with privacy laws, and protect sensitive patient data. It is essential to take the necessary steps to safeguard practices and patient information.
How we can help
At Harvey Norman Technology for Business, we understand the challenges small practices face in protecting sensitive patient data. Our secure, enterprise-grade IT and cyber security solutions are designed to assist small practices to stay secure and compliant, while ensuring the confidentiality of patient information. We are committed to making our IT solutions affordable for small practice owners, providing simple, reliable, and affordable services that offer peace of mind. Our team of industry experts guide you through the steps and strategies you need to secure your practice and comply with Australian laws and regulations.
As a member of APS, you are entitled to a free cyber-security risk assessment valued at $499. This thorough evaluation of your practice’s digital infrastructure will help identify strengths and potential vulnerabilities, assess the effectiveness of your current cyber security, and provide strategies to assist practice owners with mitigating risk.
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