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How to Protect Your Veterinary Practice Against Insider Threats

By August 29, 2023February 16th, 2024No Comments

In today’s digital era, cybersecurity has shifted from being a mere IT concern to a core operational necessity for businesses, including veterinary practices. While technological solutions continue to evolve, humans remain a significant vulnerability, often described as the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain. In fact, research from Stanford shows a staggering 88% of data breaches are directly attributable to human errors, whether it’s stolen credentials, phishing, or simple mistakes.

However, what amplifies the concern in veterinary practices is the unique blend of sensitive data and valuable assets these businesses handle. From financial records to sensitive medical information and pharmaceutical inventories, the stakes are astronomically high. Recent statistics indicate that insider threats are unarguably one of the most underestimated cyberattacks. In the U.S. alone, businesses encounter about 2,200 internal security breaches daily as of May 2023. Over 34% of businesses worldwide are affected by insider threats each year, with each incident costing an average of $15.38 million in 2022.

As a veterinary practice owner or staff member, it’s critical to recognize that insider threats could be lurking within your own organization—be it from employees, contractors, or other trusted associates. These threats can have more devastating consequences than most external attacks. This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the different facets of insider threats, from intentional acts to unintentional errors. It will also offer actionable solutions to mitigate the risks effectively, given that identity and access management actions, such as limiting permissions, can significantly reduce the risk of insider threats.

What Are Insider Threats?

At its core, an insider threat in a veterinary practice is a security risk that originates from within the organization. This includes veterinarians, veterinary technicians, administrative staff, contractors, or even business partners who have insider information concerning the practice’s security practices, data, and computer systems. According to IBM, one key function for preventing such attacks is Identity and Access Management (IAM). This is especially pertinent for veterinary practices, which often have a range of staff from part-time employees to long-term veterinarians who need different levels of access to sensitive information like client records, medical histories, and billing information.

The intricacy of managing insider threats in a veterinary practice lies in their multifaceted nature. These threats can be intentional, perhaps emanating from disgruntled employees who might be upset over workplace issues or even business partners who might have financial motivations.

On the flip side, many insider threats are unintentional and occur due to negligence or a simple lack of awareness about cybersecurity best practices. For example, a veterinary technician might inadvertently email sensitive medical records to the wrong client, or an administrative staff member could mistakenly leave a computer unattended, putting client data at risk. These risks are especially concerning in veterinary practices because the individuals posing the threats already have some level of authorized access to both the physical and digital assets of the practice. This makes insider threats one of the most difficult types of cybersecurity risks to manage effectively in a veterinary setting.

Simply put, insider threats are not just a theoretical concern; they are real-world problems with tangible impacts. Over the last two years, insider incidents have increased by over 47%. The cost per insider threat was around $15.38 million in 2022, making it a financially draining experience for any organization. Moreover, insider threat statistics reveal that over 70% of attacks are not even reported externally, making it a silent killer within the organization.

Why Do Insider Threats Occur in Veterinary Practices?

Understanding the root causes of insider threats is crucial for prevention. In the context of veterinary practice, let’s explore some of the primary reasons why these threats can occur.

  1. Aggrieved Employees: Employees may become disgruntled for a variety of reasons: workplace conflicts, dissatisfaction with job roles, or disagreements over salary and benefits. Such employees may abuse their access privileges to retaliate against the practice. The motivations can range from revealing sensitive client data to stealing medical supplies or even tampering with medical records.
  2. Financial Gain: According to a Fortinet survey, financial gain is a major motivator for insider threats, accounting for 49% of such risks. In veterinary practices, this could manifest as employees or business partners exploiting their access to sell client data, divert funds, or engage in fraudulent billing. The veterinary practice’s finance and customer access departments are particularly vulnerable to these kinds of attacks.
  3. Lack of Awareness or Negligence: As mentioned earlier, many insider threats are not intentional but occur due to carelessness or a lack of cybersecurity awareness. For example, an employee might use a weak password or fail to update software, leaving systems vulnerable to attacks. Training is often overlooked; despite 74% of organizations feeling highly vulnerable to insider threats, many do not invest sufficiently in cybersecurity awareness programs. This statistic was reported by techjury.net.
  4. Cloud-Based Systems: About 53% of respondents in a techjury.net survey indicated that detecting insider attacks is more challenging in cloud-based systems, which are increasingly common in modern veterinary practices for storing medical records and other sensitive data. The ease and convenience of cloud storage can sometimes lead to lax security measures, making it easier for insider threats to go undetected.  These complexities underscore the importance of understanding the various types of insider threats that could compromise the safety and integrity of your veterinary practice.

Types of Insider Threats

As we move forward, it’s crucial to categorize insider threats to better tailor preventive measures. Let’s delve into some common forms that are particularly relevant for veterinary practices:

  • Data Theft: Your practice holds a wealth of information, from client contact details to pet medical histories. Employees or contractors with malicious intent may exfiltrate this sensitive data, creating not only a security risk but also a potential legal nightmare.
  • Intellectual Property Theft: Whether it’s your unique treatment methods or proprietary software, the theft of intellectual property can give competitors an unfair advantage and dilute your market standing.
  • Financial Fraud: Every veterinary practice has financial data, and this can be a goldmine for insiders with dishonest intentions. Financial fraud can manifest in various ways, such as fraudulent billing or siphoning off funds.
  • Sabotage: Emotional motivations like grudges or the desire for revenge can lead to sabotage. This could range from deleting critical files to disrupting operations or even vandalizing physical assets.
  • Espionage: Rare but extremely damaging, espionage would involve the leaking of sensitive data to outside entities, such as competitors or criminal organizations.

Mitigation Solutions of Insider Threats in Veterinary Practices

Having identified the types of threats, the next rational step is to devise actionable strategies to counteract them. Here’s how:

  1. Technology Solutions: Advanced software can identify unusual patterns in data access or usage. Tools like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) can add extra layers of security.
  2. Administrative Controls: Implement access controls rigorously. As IBM’s concept of Identity and Access Management (IAM) suggests, limiting permissions based on roles is crucial. Always remember the principle of least privilege should guide access policies.
  3. Behavioral Analytics: Integrate systems that monitor for suspicious employee behavior, both online and offline. This dual approach will offer a comprehensive view of potential risks.
  4. Incident Response Plan:Have a blueprint ready for worst-case scenarios. Time is of the essence when a breach occurs, and a well-laid-out plan will expedite the response, limiting damage.
  5. Regular Training: The human factor can’t be ignored. Regularly update your team on the best cybersecurity practices. Given that a staggering 74% of organizations feel highly vulnerable to insider threats, awareness training is not just advisable; it’s imperative.

Closing Remark

As we conclude, it’s evident that insider threats pose a multi-dimensional challenge that veterinary practices must earnestly address. In a digital world fraught with escalating cybersecurity threats, a well-trained and vigilant team is your first line of defense. Remember, as the stakes rise in terms of both financial cost and reputational damage, proactive measures are not just an option but a necessity. Make cybersecurity an integral part of your veterinary practice’s operational strategy today for a more secure tomorrow.

 

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