Recent cybersecurity breaches have demonstrated the devastating impact of third-party compromises. In July 2024, a flawed update to CrowdStrike’s Falcon security software caused system crashes on millions of Microsoft Windows computers, disrupting airlines, banks, healthcare providers, and retail payment systems. The financial damage was estimated in the billions, making it one of the most extensive IT outages in history. Just a few months later, in March 2025, Microsoft Outlook suffered a global outage, locking out thousands of users from their email accounts and exposing the vulnerability of widely used communication platforms.
These incidents are not isolated. In December 2024, Japan Airlines was targeted by a cyberattack that delayed over 20 domestic flights. Around the same time, state-sponsored hackers breached BeyondTrust, a cybersecurity service provider, and used their access to compromise unclassified documents from the U.S. Treasury Department. Even earlier, in July 2021, the REvil ransomware group exploited a vulnerability in Kaseya’s VSA software, forcing over 1,000 companies, including Swedish supermarket chain Coop, to halt operations temporarily.
For veterinary practices, these types of third-party compromises often go unnoticed until serious damage has already been done. Many clinics rely on software vendors for cybersecurity, scheduling, and data management, yet they rarely consider the risks of those vendors being breached. Some may not even realize they have been hacked until clients report suspicious activity, payments fail to process, or medical records become inaccessible.
This article explores how veterinary professionals can manage cybersecurity risks after a third-party compromise, ensuring minimal disruption to their services.
Identifying and Assessing the Breach
The increasing frequency of third-party breaches highlights the importance of swift and strategic response mechanisms. Veterinary practices must adopt a systematic approach to assess, contain, and mitigate the impact of such incidents. Understanding the steps necessary to regain control and prevent further damage is crucial for maintaining operational stability.
- Determine the Scope of the Compromise
Veterinary practices must first assess the extent of the breach. This includes identifying which systems, databases, or services have been affected. If a third-party scheduling software is compromised, for example, veterinarians must determine whether client appointment data, payment information, or medical records have been accessed or altered. - Verify Vendor Communication and Response
Immediately check for any breach notifications from the affected vendor. Many cybersecurity incidents are first disclosed by the third party itself. If no official communication has been received, directly contact the vendor’s cybersecurity response team to obtain critical details, such as when the breach occurred, what data was affected, and what mitigation steps are being taken. - Analyze Internal System Dependencies
Veterinary practices must evaluate whether the compromised service interacts with other internal systems. For example, if a cloud storage provider experiences a breach, determine whether stored client records, prescriptions, or financial transactions have been exposed.
Containing the Damage
Once a breach is detected, veterinary practices must take immediate action to prevent further damage and secure their systems. Delays in response can exacerbate the situation, leading to extended downtime, financial losses, and potential legal consequences. The following steps outline critical measures to contain the damage effectively.
- Immediately Disconnect Affected Systems
To prevent further exposure, disconnect compromised software, accounts, or servers from the network. If a third-party application is breached, disable integrations and remove access from any internal systems until security can be restored. - Reset Access Credentials
Change passwords, API keys, and administrator credentials for all affected platforms. If possible, implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to prevent unauthorized access in case stolen credentials were exposed. - Engage Cybersecurity Experts
If internal expertise is insufficient, seek professional assistance. Cybersecurity consultants can analyze forensic data, trace the breach’s impact, and recommend immediate remediation steps to secure systems.
Regulatory Compliance and Legal Considerations
Once a cybersecurity breach occurs, veterinary practices must navigate various legal and regulatory requirements. Compliance with industry standards and governmental regulations is crucial to avoid penalties and maintain client trust. The following steps outline essential legal considerations that must be addressed promptly.
- Report the Incident to Authorities
Depending on the severity of the breach, veterinary practices may be required to report the incident to regulatory bodies such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or state-level data protection agencies. If client payment information was compromised, practices must comply with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). - Notify Affected Clients
Transparency is essential in maintaining client trust. If client data was compromised, notify affected individuals promptly. Provide details on what data was exposed, how they can protect themselves, and what steps the clinic is taking to resolve the issue. - Review Vendor Contracts and Liability
Examine service agreements with the affected vendor to determine liability and available recourse. Some contracts include cybersecurity clauses that define vendor responsibilities in case of a breach, including compensation for damages or mandated security improvements.
Strengthening Future Cybersecurity Resilience
Finally, veterinary practices must take decisive steps to strengthen their cybersecurity posture. Building resilience against third-party cybersecurity threats requires a proactive approach. Veterinary practices must implement long-term security measures to reduce vulnerabilities and ensure they can respond effectively to future incidents. This includes:
- Conduct a Comprehensive Security Audit
After managing the immediate crisis, conduct a full review of cybersecurity policies and vendor security protocols. Identify weak points and implement stricter security measures to prevent future breaches. - Establish a Vendor Risk Management Program
Veterinary practices should vet third-party vendors before integrating their services. Require vendors to demonstrate compliance with cybersecurity best practices, including encryption, secure access controls, and regular security audits. - Develop an Incident Response Plan
Having a pre-established cybersecurity response plan ensures that veterinary staff can act swiftly when breaches occur. This plan should outline communication protocols, technical containment procedures, and steps for restoring affected services. - Invest in Cybersecurity Insurance
Cyber insurance can mitigate financial losses from third-party breaches. Policies may cover costs related to forensic investigations, regulatory fines, legal fees, and customer notification expenses.
Final thoughts
The truth is that veterinary practices cannot eliminate third-party cybersecurity risks entirely, but they can mitigate their impact through proactive security measures and a well-prepared response strategy.
By understanding how third-party exposure occurs, swiftly containing breaches, complying with regulatory requirements, and reinforcing future cybersecurity practices, clinics can protect their operations from severe disruptions. As cyber threats continue to evolve, veterinary professionals must prioritize cybersecurity resilience to safeguard their clients, data, and business continuity.