ALERT
Understanding Cybersecurity Credentials for IT in Your Dental Practice
Cybersecurity is no longer just a tech buzzword—it’s a critical component of running any business, including dental practices. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, protecting sensitive patient data should be a top priority. As Canada’s leader in dental cybersecurity serving many of the top-producing practices, and the largest provider of professional dental cybersecurity risk assessments, we are seeing a troubling trend. Some IT providers are selling themselves as “cybersecurity specialists” without the proper education, certifications, or experience.
The Problem with ‘Cybersecurity Sales’
Some software vendors are encouraging IT providers to boost their revenue by selling cybersecurity software tools—firewalls, antivirus subscriptions, etc.—as part of their service packages. While these tools are important, they’re just one piece of a much larger puzzle. True cybersecurity involves a comprehensive strategy that includes risk management, compliance, and incident response, none of which can be managed effectively without the proper experience, education, and credentials.
In the dental industry, we’re seeing some IT providers and even prominent companies claim to be “cybersecurity specialists” or “experts.” Some are even inventing credentials which do not actually exist. This is dangerous and misleading.
“We scoured the globe looking for cybersecurity innovators that could make a huge difference and potentially help turn the tide against the exponential growth in cybercrime. Alexio Corporation is absolutely worthy of these coveted awards and consideration for deployment in your environment,” said Gary S. Miliefsky, Publisher of Cyber Defense Magazine. May 17, 2021
The Importance of Proper Certifications
When it comes to privacy and cybersecurity, there are only a handful of globally recognized credentials. These certifications aren’t easy to earn—they require years of experience, education, and ongoing training to stay up to date with evolving threats and regulations.
Here are the key certifications your practice should look for:
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): This certification focuses on managing and governing an organization’s information security program. It takes at least five years of experience to qualify.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): CISSP is a globally recognized standard in cybersecurity expertise. It covers critical areas like risk management, cryptography, and incident response and also requires five years of hands-on experience.
- Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP): This credential is focused on data privacy laws and regulations. There are different tracks (e.g., CIPP/C for Canada, CIPP/E for Europe), depending on the regions your business operates in.
- Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT) and Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM): These certifications demonstrate expertise in managing and implementing privacy programs. Like CISSP and CISM, these require continuous education to maintain certification.
Why IT Support Isn’t Enough
Your IT provider plays an essential role in keeping your dental practice running smoothly—managing hardware, software, and day-to-day tech needs. However, just because someone is experienced in IT does not mean they are qualified to manage your cybersecurity. Selling a firewall or antivirus subscription doesn’t make someone a cybersecurity specialist. A dentist cannot simply buy themselves a microscope and call themselves an endodontist.
Cybersecurity is about risk management, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance—areas where years of focused training and experience are necessary.
The Right Approach: IT and Cybersecurity Together
That doesn’t mean you need to abandon your current IT provider. In fact, many practices can benefit from keeping their IT support for day-to-day operations while partnering with a dedicated, certified cybersecurity provider for more specialized needs.
For example, a specialized dental company like Alexio Corporation, based in Canada, can work alongside your IT provider to create a customized defensive strategy and training combined with the appropriate services for comprehensive protection and proof of compliance with applicable laws and guidelines.
Here are some of the cutting-edge solutions our certified privacy and cybersecurity professionals can deploy in your dental practice.
- Professional Cybersecurity Risk Assessment (NIST Standard)
- Advanced threat detection and response
- Specialized ransomware prevention
- Customized safeguards and lockouts
- 24/7 network monitoring by certified professionals
- Failover servers and failover internet
- Privacy compliance
- Managed security services tailored to dental practices
The Bottom Line
Don’t fall for flashy marketing claims or made-up certifications. When evaluating the cybersecurity of your practice, it’s essential to work with certified professionals who have the credentials and experience to keep your data safe.
Cybersecurity is too important to leave in the hands of those who are not properly qualified. Ensure your practice is working with professionals who have globally recognized certifications like CISM, CISSP, and CIPP. By doing so, you’ll not only meet regulatory requirements but also protect your patients and your business from costly data breaches, downtime, and cyberattacks.
Ready to Secure Your Practice?
Contact us today.
