Cyber Risk – Are You Protected?

While you can't avoid cyber risk, it's important to ensure your practice is prepared for and protected against cyber-attacks.

Case study

The following is a loss scenario provided by Chubb Cyber Enterprise Risk Management, using information based on an actual claim.

Discussion

Although the above case study involves data theft in a law firm, it’s easy to see how such an incident could potentially happen in a medical practice, with serious consequences.

Loss of security of patients’ medical records could breach privacy law, cause harm to patients, damage your practice’s reputation, and significantly disrupt the practice’s ability to function. Under Australian privacy law, a practice must take reasonable steps to protect personal information it holds from misuse, interference or loss; and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.²

MDA National’s Cyber Risk Program

Ransomware in health care is on the rise, and an increasing number of doctors and practices have been contacting us to discuss data intrusions into their practice computer systems. To provide peace of mind, MDA National has recently launched its Cyber Risk Program – a collection of cyber risk initiatives:

• Cyber Risk Education for MDA National Members and Practice Indemnity Policyholders which includes:
• online access to case studies, articles and blogs by global cyber experts
• quarterly cyber risk email updates to support you in mitigating cyber risk
• cybersecurity education sessions.

References

1. Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme. Available at: oaic.gov.au/privacy-law/privacy-act/notifiable-data-breaches-scheme
2. Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. Chapter 11: APP 11 – Security of Personal Information. Available at: oaic.gov.au/agencies-and-organisations/app-guidelines/chapter-11-app-11-security-of-personal-information