How to Secure Your Healthcare Clinic in 7 Days
Healthcare is one of the most targeted industries for cyberattacks. Patient data is valuable, and many clinics lack dedicated IT security staff. Here's a practical, day-by-day plan to significantly improve your security posture.
Why Healthcare Is a Target
- Patient records sell for $250+ on the dark web (vs. $5 for credit cards)
- Ransomware can shut down operations, creating urgency to pay
- Many practices run on outdated systems
- Staff are often undertrained on security
The 7-Day Plan
Day 1: Inventory & Access Audit
Goal: Know what you have and who has access to it.
Tasks:
- List all computers, servers, and network devices
- Document all software and cloud services in use
- Review who has access to patient records
- Identify any shared login credentials (these need to go)
Time: 2-3 hours
Day 2: Password & MFA Day
Goal: Eliminate weak authentication.
Tasks:
- Deploy a password manager for the practice
- Enable MFA on email accounts (all staff)
- Enable MFA on your EHR/EMR system
- Remove any default passwords on devices/software
- Create unique admin credentials (no shared admin accounts)
Time: 3-4 hours
Day 3: Update Everything
Goal: Patch known vulnerabilities.
Tasks:
- Update all Windows/Mac computers
- Update all browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
- Update your EHR/EMR software
- Update network equipment firmware (router, firewall)
- Enable automatic updates where possible
Time: 2-4 hours (varies by number of devices)
Day 4: Email Security
Goal: Reduce phishing risk—the #1 attack vector.
Tasks:
- Configure spam filtering (most email providers have this)
- Train staff to recognize phishing (even a 15-minute session helps)
- Implement email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
- Create a reporting process for suspicious emails
Time: 2-3 hours
Day 5: Backup Verification
Goal: Ensure you can recover from ransomware.
Tasks:
- Verify backups are running (check logs)
- Test a restore from backup (critical!)
- Ensure backups are stored offline or in a separate cloud
- Document the recovery process
- Set calendar reminders for monthly backup tests
Time: 2-4 hours
Day 6: Physical Security & Policies
Goal: Address often-overlooked risks.
Tasks:
- Enable screen lock timeouts (5 minutes max)
- Position monitors away from patient view
- Secure server/network closets
- Review and sign acceptable use policies
- Post "no tailgating" reminders at secure doors
Time: 2-3 hours
Day 7: Documentation & Plan Forward
Goal: Maintain momentum.
Tasks:
- Document all changes made this week
- Create an incident response checklist
- Schedule quarterly security reviews
- Identify areas needing professional assessment
- Celebrate your progress!
Time: 2-3 hours
What Comes Next
This week addresses the low-hanging fruit—the issues that cause most breaches. For full HIPAA compliance and deeper security, you'll eventually need:
- Risk assessment (required by HIPAA)
- Security policies and procedures
- Staff training program
- Vulnerability scanning
- Penetration testing (recommended annually)
Need Help?
If this feels overwhelming, you're not alone. Many clinics don't have the time or expertise to handle security in-house.
I offer a free 30-minute consultation for healthcare practices to discuss your specific situation and priorities.
Questions about healthcare security? Reach out at m1k3@msquarellc.net