The Basics Still Matter—Especially in Healthcare
In a time when ransomware groups specifically target healthcare practices, skipping the basics of cybersecurity is no longer an option. According to IBM’s 2023 Cost Of A Data Breach Report, 82% of breaches involved cloud-stored data—and many could have been avoided with basic security protocols.
Cyber hygiene is your clinic’s version of daily handwashing. It’s not flashy, but it’s foundational. And if your Salt Lake City medical practice is cutting corners on these, you’re leaving your doors wide open.
At Qual IT, we specialize in managed IT services for Salt Lake City medical practices, and here are four must-haves every compliant and secure clinic needs to adopt now.
Lock Down Your Network Infrastructure
Medical data is a high-value target. Keeping your practice’s network secure starts with the basics:
- Encrypt PHI (Protected Health Information) and all sensitive patient records
- Install and configure firewalls that are designed specifically for healthcare environments
- Secure your WiFi using a hidden SSID and complex password protocols
- Require VPN access for any remote staff connecting from offsite
Healthcare-focused IT providers like Qual IT understand how these layers connect to HIPAA and can implement them without breaking your daily workflows.
Train Your Team to Spot Threats Before They Spread
Your front desk staff and clinical team are your first line of defense—and your biggest risk if they’re untrained.
We’ve seen practices fall victim to phishing emails disguised as lab reports or insurance verifications. Here’s how to stop that:
- Deploy phishing simulations and real-world training
- Enforce strong password policies with regular updates
- Require multifactor authentication (MFA) on all EHR logins
- Set clear usage policies for Internet and device behavior
Our IT support for Salt Lake City clinics includes ongoing training that meets regulatory expectations and prepares your staff to recognize threats in real time.
Back Up Like Your Reputation Depends On It (Because It Does)
When ransomware hits, your backups are your lifeline. Yet most clinics in Salt Lake City haven’t tested theirs in months—if ever.
- Automate regular backups of EMRs, billing systems, and scheduling tools
- Encrypt backups to meet HIPAA standards
- Use both local and secure cloud storage to ensure redundancy
- Test recovery regularly to make sure it works when it counts
Qual IT’s managed IT services include HIPAA-compliant disaster recovery planning, so your practice can keep running no matter what.
Restrict Access Like a Pro
Not everyone needs access to everything. Limiting access based on role protects you from internal mistakes and external attacks.
- Segment users by department and need-to-know access
- Use role-based permissions in your EMR and billing software
- Remove ex-employees immediately from all systems upon termination
- Limit admin rights to essential senior staff and IT providers
This is one of the most overlooked but effective tools in cybersecurity. If your practice hasn’t reviewed access levels recently, now is the time.
Securing Your Practice Is Worth It
Yes, implementing cyber hygiene takes time. But it’s far less costly than a data breach, an OCR investigation, or the hit to your reputation when patients lose trust.
At Qual IT, we make it easy. We’re the trusted IT provider for Salt Lake City healthcare organizations because we know your systems, your pressure points, and your regulatory environment.
Want To Know Where You Stand?
Our FREE Cybersecurity Network Assessment uncovers your vulnerabilities, prioritizes what to fix first, and shows you exactly how to protect your practice without tech overwhelm.
Click here to book your FREE Network Assessment
Let’s get your practice secure, compliant, and back in control.
