We all know that cybersecurity is an issue that each person and company (i.e. practice) needs to deal with.  But how many of you have said...

• It won't happen to me
• I will take care of cyber threats tomorrow
• Anyone can hack passwords, so why bother?
• I have no idea where to start...

Sound like you?  I bet for most of you, it's hitting a bit close to home.  It seems like in this world of medicine and business, there are so many other things... that we simply don't put a priority on cybersecurity.  But you should.

Here are just some recent descriptions of various threats and attacks on health care facilities.  Some are prepared.  Some are not. What would an article say about your company if you were attacked by a hacker? 

• Malware attack disrupts operations at Indiana medical center
• Three Alabama hospitals halt admissions after a ransomware attack
• Indiana medical center alerts 106k patients of a ransomware attack
• Patient data from EHR...

Phishing Problems

We have all heard about the problems that can occur when an employee clicks on a malicious link within an email. Perhaps you have even experienced it in your business. 

Maybe it was an honest mistake.  Maybe it was careless. Maybe they didn't know any better.  But regardless of the reason, justified or unjustified, the action can put your business .... out of business.  

It used to be that accidentally clicking on a malicious link would result in you being put on a mailing list. Or maybe hijacking your computer to a porn site.  Steal a credit card number.  Or any number of problems from inserting a virus into your system.  But typically these events didn't put your business at real risk of a catastrophic problem.  But that has changed recently.

What Made Hackers So Damaging?

Yes, the world of computer hackers has taken a truly evil turn.  What has made this possible?  Three things.  The first is...

Ring, ring.

No answer.  

That's not a problem, I will just listen in on the other user without their permission.  REALLY? 

Yes, really.  Although by the time you read this, the "facetime bug" will have been fixed, it does highlight some real problems with high complexity technology.  They put your privacy at risk.  Audio and video feed to others without your permission ARE possible.  

The Apple "Facetime bug" Fix

While this current bug is being fixed by Apple, there are two major questions that remain, in regards to your personal privacy.

1. What other bugs are out there that we, the general public, don't know about but others' do?  Others that are looking to exploit those bugs for any number of reasons.

2. If this is possible by a "bug", what is possible when it's programmed in intentionally?  Who has the keys (i.e. knowledge) to use your phone or computers video camera and microphone without your permission?

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