Tech & Innovation in Healthcare

When in doubt, trust your instincts — and call IT.

Ding! The familiar sound you hear throughout the day just rang, and you’ve received an email from … someone you don’t know, and there’s an attachment. Before you click on the email, be aware that opening that file could cause major problems for your practice’s network. You don’t want to be the one who causes a virus to run rampant through your healthcare system.

Here are five tips for protecting your practice against an accidental malware attack:

1. Remain skeptical: Even if an email was sent to you by a colleague or from an email address that looks like a colleague’s, that doesn’t necessarily make it legitimate. Attackers can create fake email addresses that look like the ones you know. Do your due diligence and check with the supposed sender to make sure the email was purposely sent before opening any attachments.

2. Update your software: Operating system and software developers release updates regularly when they discover vulnerabilities, security flaws, or any number of other problems. By running these updates as they’re released and vetted by your practice’s IT department, you’ll protect your devices against attackers.

3. Turn off automatic downloads: Your email software settings may have an option to automatically download attachments. If so, disable this feature to protect your computers against possibly dangerous files.

4. Perform frequent backups: If a cyberattack occurs, you’ll be able to get your computer and network back up and running sooner if your practice has backups on hand.

5. Trust your gut: Don’t open any email or attachment if it seems suspicious. Your computer’s antivirus software could even be fooled into thinking the message is safe. Attackers constantly release new threats before protection software has been updated. If you feel uneasy, trust your gut.

Keep these tips handy to serve as a reminder the next time you receive an unsolicited email with an attachment.