Data Security Of Web Based Dental Software

   LOCKED 

Some have questioned the security of web-based dental systems when compared with legacy, office-based, client/server based systems. While the question is reasonable, the answer is very clear. Web-based systems have the capability of providing substantially greater security than any on-site, client/server based system. While web-based systems have the capability that on its own does not ensure that all web-based systems meet the requirements for world class security.

Importance of data security in a dental environment The security of Dental Software Records should not be brushed aside. A lax or haphazard approach to the protection of personal health information in a Dental Practice can result in patient dissatisfaction at the least and some combination of financial and social ruin at its worst. There are many potential problems associated with the typical security in most modern dental software systems, such as:Unauthorized release of personal and legally protected health dataTheft of valuable technologyLost productivity while systems are being restoredHIPAASoftware updates Risks associated with a typical dental installation Let's consider the typical dental office setup for client/server based dental software system.

First, there is a file server. Access to that server is available to most anyone in the practice and definitely to anyone who might break in. Expensive technology products are among the first to be stolen in an office break-in. Also, disgruntled or careless staff can put the data at risk. portable dental equipment Next, the database is usually directly addressable by anyone on the network. In other words, someone could easily come in, and using simple 'drag and drop', copy the entire office database onto a removable media like a CDROM or thumb drive. No record of that copy would ever be made and there is no accountability for that stolen information.

Software updates are typically a manual process where staffs are required to install updates from a CDROM onto each workstation in the office. There is not usually any automated or certification process that ensures that these upgrades actually happen. 

It is not uncommon to require the assistance and expense of an outside IT professional to install the update and correct any needed or sometimes unintentional changes that may have occurred to the network or workstation setup.

Office based client/server based systems require constant vigilance and maintenance of virus protection software.

Backup processes at most dental offices are manual processes that do not require validation of the backup medium. Basically, someone has to remember to backup the data.

Finally, the backup media may be taken off-site. Though having backup media taken off-site may provide an incremental level of redundancy, it does introduce a security nightmare if not done professionally.

banned