care business’s IT support and cybersecurity strategy.

Why cybercriminals target healthcare SMBs

Small and medium-sized healthcare providers often don’t have the kind of robust cybersecurity infrastructure that larger hospitals do. Criminals leverage this weakness, making SMBs prime targets.

Criminals don’t always go to great lengths or employ sophisticated technology when attacking their targets. Often, they rely on human error. Alarmingly, a single click on a phishing email or the use of a weak password is all it takes to compromise the security of entire patient databases.

The need for security training   

For this reason, healthcare staff members need to be trained in cybersecurity awareness so they can recognize these threats before they become incidents.

Reducing human error

According to a business intelligence report, 95% of data breaches in 2024 resulted from human error.

To reduce risks associated with human error, your employees need to be trained on how to not fall for phishing attempts. Your staff should know how to handle sensitive data properly. Furthermore, training should include real-life simulations to teach your staff how to properly respond when faced with a security issue.

Maintaining HIPAA compliance

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires strict protocols for the handling of patient data and imposes hefty fines for noncompliance. Your business’s reputation will also suffer if you’re caught being noncompliant. 

Everyone on your staff has an important role to play in maintaining compliance. All employees, from receptionists to lab technicians, should know the rules and how to follow them.

Boosting incident response time

Early detection of suspicious activity plus a quick response time helps to reduce the damage of a breach. That’s why healthcare workers should be trained on what to do the moment they spot an attack. Staff members should know who to contact, what steps to take, and how to properly document security incidents. Quick action is necessary to protect thousands of patient records from exposure.

Protecting business reputation and patient trust

A data breach hurts not just your operations; it also hurts your reputation. And in healthcare, reputation matters a lot. Patients trust you with deeply personal information, and once that trust is broken, it’s difficult to rebuild. Think of investing in your employees’ training as a business advantage.

Creating a culture of cyber awareness

An effective cybersecurity strategy requires a shift in company culture. Training will help integrate cyber hygiene into everyday routine, making safety second nature to your staff. 

This is where a managed IT services provider (MSP) like Digicom Technology Solutions can help. 

How Digicom Technology Solutions supports healthcare SMBs

Digicom works with healthcare providers to create customized training programs that are engaging, up to date with the latest threats, and tailored to security events that your staff may likely face.

As a trusted MSP in the Bay Area, Digicom offers more than just infrastructure support. We offer also cybersecurity services such as:

• Employee security awareness training programs
• Phishing simulations and assessments
• HIPAA compliance consulting
• 24/7 monitoring and incident response

And because we’re local, we understand your business and the people you employ. Healthcare SMBs in Oakland, San Jose, and San Francisco will have peace of mind knowing that their sensitive data is secure and protected.

If you want to strengthen your cybersecurity posture from the inside out, contact us today. Turn your staff from potential liabilities into an effective first line of defense.