How Safe Is Your Practice? Cybersecurity Risks and How to Protect Patient Data
In a time when everything from appointments to medical records lives online, small healthcare clinics are increasingly on the radar of cybercriminals. Whether running a neurosurgery office, occupational therapy practice or general specialist clinic, patient trust relies on more than your clinical expertise—it’s also about how securely you handle their information.
Let’s break down the current risks, the reality facing smaller practices, and what you can do to stay protected.
Why Healthcare Is a Prime Target for Cybercrime
According to the CyberCX Cyber Health Check Report, healthcare organisations face some of the highest levels of cyber risk in Australia. Here’s why:
- Patient data is highly valuable on the black market—think Medicare numbers, identification details, health histories.
- Smaller practices often have less sophisticated IT infrastructure, making them low-hanging fruit.
- Cybercriminals know the pressure you’re under. A delayed diagnosis or appointment backlog means clinics are more likely to pay up quickly or click without thinking.
“Health organisations are rich in data, reliant on digital systems, and under constant time pressure. This makes them vulnerable to targeted attacks that can disrupt care and breach trust.” — CyberCX 2024 Report
What Are the Real Risks for Clinics Like Yours?
Data Breaches
If patient information is accessed, stolen or leaked, it could lead to legal action, financial penalties, and a serious hit to your clinic’s reputation.
Operational Disruption
A ransomware attack could lock you out of patient records, booking systems, or even essential diagnostic tools—grinding your work to a halt.
Loss of Patient Trust
Even a small breach can result in major reputational damage. Patients trust you with their most personal details, and they expect you to keep them safe.
Watch Out for These Common Tactics Targeting Small Practices
Cybercriminals are getting smarter—and smaller practices are often seen as easy targets. Here are some of the most common tricks used to infiltrate healthcare clinics:
1. Impersonation Emails (Business Email Compromise)
Scammers might pose as a colleague, referrer, or admin staff to request a bank transfer or access to sensitive data.
What to look out for:
- Email addresses that are almost right (e.g.
admin@clinic.com.auvsadmin@cliniic.com.au) - Unusual tone, urgency, or odd phrasing
- Requests for invoice payments or password resets you weren’t expecting
2. Fake Login Portals
Cybercriminals create lookalike login pages for practice management software (like Best Practice, Cliniko or Genie).
What to look out for:
- Being asked to log in from an email or SMS link
- Logos or colours that seem slightly off
- Typos in the web address—always type it in yourself
3. Malicious USB Devices
It might seem unlikely, but dropping infected USBs near clinics is still a tactic.
What to look out for:
- Unmarked USBs found near your building or in the post
- Devices claiming to contain ‘test results’ or ‘referrals’ you weren’t expecting
4. Spoofed Patient Emails
Hackers pretend to be patients asking to update their records or open suspicious attachments.
What to look out for:
- Vague or impersonal messages
- Unusual file types like
.zip,.exe, or.scr - Attachments claiming to be referrals without any context
5. Internal Mistakes or Accidental Sharing
Sometimes, it’s not an outsider. Staff may unintentionally share the wrong files or click a dodgy link.
What to look out for:
- Lack of staff training or unclear email protocols
- Using personal devices or unprotected Wi-Fi
Cybersecurity Is a Privacy Issue
It’s not just about avoiding hackers—it’s about respecting patients’ rights and meeting your obligations.
In Australia, the Privacy Act 1988 requires healthcare providers to take reasonable steps to protect the personal information they hold. That includes implementing security safeguards against loss, unauthorised access, and misuse.
Failing to protect this data could not only mean a hit to your reputation but a breach of the law.
Practical Measures to Stay Secure
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Avoid reusing the same password across platforms. Use a password manager to keep them safe and secure.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
It adds an extra layer of protection, especially for critical systems like emails and practice management software.
3. Regularly Update Software and Devices
Outdated systems are prime targets. Always install updates for your OS, antivirus software, and clinic management tools.
4. Train Staff in Cyber Awareness
From front desk to clinicians, everyone should be trained to spot suspicious emails, fake links, and phishing attempts.
5. Backup Patient Data Securely
Ensure your data is backed up regularly—off-site or in the cloud—and test your recovery process regularly.
6. Have a Breach Response Plan
If the worst happens, a clear plan can reduce downtime and help you notify patients and authorities quickly.
A Final Word
Cybersecurity doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With the right habits, support, and systems, you can continue to deliver excellent care without putting your practice—or your patients—at risk.
If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to a cybersecurity expert or your IT provider for a risk assessment. It’s a small step that could save you from a major crisis.
Statistics sources: https://cybercx.com.au/news/cybercx-report-reveals-growing-risk-of-cyber-attacks-against-health-organisations
Disclaimer: The information in this article is general and intended to help raise awareness about cybersecurity risks in the healthcare space. It does not constitute professional IT or legal advice. For tailored recommendations or help securing your systems, please consult a qualified cybersecurity provider. Australian Specialist Hub is committed to supporting safe, secure and responsible practices across Australia’s medical and specialist communities.
