Recently, in the news, companies that protect customers’ data in the cloud have fallen victim to ransomware attacks. Since these cloud providers were not prepared for such disasters, their customers’ data was inaccessible for days and even weeks. It was a costly scenario for the cloud providers and their customers.

 

A couple of facts to help you better understand the impact ransomware is having on the healthcare industry:

 

1. A business will fall victim to a ransomware attack every 11 seconds.
2. Ransomware attacks on healthcare organizations, the number 1 cyber-attacked industry, are expected to quadruple in 2020.

When comparing, not all cloud service providers are the same. There is no uniform standard for how a cloud service provider backs up customer data or on the storage equipment they use.

 

It’s important to go with a reliable and reputable company to protect your valuable data. That is why Practice Perfect chose DataHEALTH. DataHEALTH, founded 20 years ago, uses leading technology to safeguard customers’ data. Here are some facts how DataHEALTH’s infrastructure protects backed up data from ransomware:

 

1. DataHEALTH utilizes dual Cisco firewalls which are configured to search for external threats as network traffic continuously arrives. They are up to date and configured to only allow pertinent traffic thru designated, unique ports.
2. Ransomware encrypts common files with extensions such as jpg, xlsx, xls, xlsx, doc, docx and pdf. DataHEALTH’s backup systems encrypt all file names and do not utilize these common file extensions.
3. DataHEALTH backup systems are on Linux. Unlike Windows and Apple machines, Linux is not normally a target for hackers. Linux is also operated in a read only mode. This makes hacking impossible if the hacker does not have root or admin access.
4. A user with admin access actually has to download and initiate a script on the Linux system. However, all downloaded scripts are acquired through a Redhat repository which is approved as safe by Redhat.
5. DataHEALTH’s production servers for backup do not have email access or website browsing capabilities. This eliminates the main avenues for cyberattacks.

Hackers are continuously working to evade security barriers. Although no technology company can guarantee 100% security from threats, DataHEALTH utilizes the best safety protocols to protect our network environment in light of current and future threats.

 

Practice Perfect recommends DataHEALTH’s secure and automatic cloud backup solution. DataHEALTH is the only cloud backup provider to be an accredited URAC HIPAA Security Business Associate. DataHEALTH is also FIPS 140-2 encryption certified and PIPEDA compliant (complies with European Directive on Protection of Personal Data, Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act).  Now through June 30th, DataHEALTH is offering a 10% discount off the monthly fee when you sign up for cloud backup service (for the first year). For more information or to sign up, visit http://www.datahealth.com/practice-perfect-emr/ or call 888-656-3282, Option 1.

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