Protecting Patient Data
— Cyber Security — By Gethyn Jones
Secure your sensitive info with strong passwords
We see data breaches happening due to simple password mistakes, so let's get one thing straight - strong, unique passwords are crucial. What makes a good password? A good password should be at least 12 characters long, contain a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. We'd recommend using a password manager to generate and store unique, complex passwords for each account. How often should I change my password? We'd advise changing your password every 60-90 days, or immediately if you suspect it's been compromised. Using two-factor authentication (2FA) can add an extra layer of security, requiring a verification code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password. What about Wi-Fi security? Public Wi-Fi networks can be vulnerable to hacking, so we'd recommend using a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing sensitive information online. At home, make sure your router's firmware is up-to-date and use WPA2 encryption to secure your network. How can I protect against phishing emails? Be cautious of emails asking for sensitive information or containing suspicious links. We'd recommend verifying the sender's identity and never clicking on links from unfamiliar emails. Using antivirus software and keeping your operating system up-to-date can also help protect against phishing attacks. What's the best way to back up my data? We'd recommend using the 3-2-1 rule: three backups, two different storage types, and one off-site backup. This can
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