In case you’re unfamiliar with the acronym, IoT refers to the “Internet of Things” – the network of various devices that can share data via the internet. IoT devices include everything from security cameras to smart TVs to Wi-Fi-enabled coffee machines. While these IoT devices can make life much more convenient, they also leave you more vulnerable to cyberthreats and have a negative impact on your uptime.

If your dental practice makes use of any IoT devices, such as Nest thermostats or smart TVs in your waiting rooms, this creates a weakness that threat actors may easily exploit. At Sunset Technologies, we strive to help our clients maintain peak performance by educating them on the potential dangers posed by IoT and the measures you can take to keep your practice secure.

Securing IoT Devices at Your Dental Practice

IoT devices often have poor security measures compared to secured computers, which allows cyberthreats to pass through them and compromise your network, resulting in downtime and operational disruptions. This isn’t to say you should not use IoT devices at your dental practice, as these devices can improve comfort and convenience for your staff and patients; it just means that you need to adopt extra precautions.

The key to safely implementing IoT at your dental practice is to speak with your IT and cybersecurity provider each time you connect a new device to your Wi-Fi network. Your provider can advise you on any additional security measures that should be taken and practices to teach your staff to avoid any costly security lapses. Cybersecurity technicians may want to visit your workplace and examine the connected devices in-person to alert you to any high-risk areas. As an example, most smart TVs have a generic password which can easily be bypassed by threat actors to infiltrate your network.

Some good cybersecurity practices that can keep your dental practice’s network secure when using IoT devices:

• Isolate IoT devices on a separate network to limit the exposure of sensitive data if one of these devices is compromised.
• Secure routers and access points connected to IoT devices with strong, unique passwords.
• Turn off unused features on IoT devices, including remote access, to reduce the number of vulnerabilities.
• Place all IoT devices in secure and observable locations to prevent physical tampering.
• Continually train all of your employees on the best practices to keep IoT devices secured and educate them on the risk posed by any of these devices being compromised.

A Reliable Partner for Dental Cybersecurity

At Sunset Technologies, we prioritize your practice’s uptime, performance and security, allowing you to focus on delivering top-notch dental care. Partnering with an experienced dental cybersecurity and IT provider can help keep your network protected even when connected to numerous IoT devices. Reach out to Sunset Technologies today if you’re interested in how we can help you secure your dental practice.