From viruses to theft to natural disasters, there are countless threats to your patient and practice data every day. With increasing security breaches in the medical field, ensuring that your data is safe and secure has never been more important. Enter cloud backup for dental practices.
When it comes to choosing your dental software, one of the most important factors to consider is whether or not the software has cloud backup for your dental practice.
What is cloud backup?
Also known as online backup, cloud backup simply means that your dental practice data is copied, encrypted, and stored remotely on multiple cloud-based servers in a data center, rather than stored locally on a computer in your office. This allows you to access, retrieve, and restore online dental records in the event of a disaster.
67% of dental organizations report that they’re using cloud-based applications, and according to Forbes, almost all companies will be reliant on the cloud in some way in the near future.
Benefits of cloud backup for your dental practice
1. Peace of mind
You can rest assured that your data is always protected and instantly retrievable in case of natural disaster, theft, or cybercrime. With cloud backup, your files are no longer dependent on your office’s computer or server. Your online dental records are backed up in the cloud and stored across several online server environments so even if one server fails, your data is never lost.
2. Increased security
Cloud backup is far safer than storing physical copies or keeping the information on a computer in your office because data in the cloud is stored at a professional data center with dedicated, around-the-clock security. In addition, cloud backups are more preventative against ransomware attacks as they’re outside of your practice network.
3. Saved time and resources
Cloud backups mean data is kept on remote servers, and the software provider that offers cloud backup is responsible for storing and securing your information, which takes the onus off of you and your IT team.
Good dental software providers frequently conduct manual audits to catch any technical glitches that may affect your backup to ensure there are no roadblocks if your data ever needs to be restored.
Cloud backups also occur automatically, saving you the time and effort that is involved with manual backups.
4. Automatic backups
Human error accounts for 52% of data breaches. This is a risk that your dental practice cannot afford if you want to remain compliant with patient privacy laws. With cloud backup for dental practices, your data is backed up automatically multiple times a day, reducing the risk of human errors and ensuring accuracy and security of your patient information.
5. Encrypted data
It’s crucial that your dental practice is compliant with PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act). Backing up your dental data in the cloud helps you remain compliant as your data is always encrypted.
Cloud backup providers will typically encrypt data at multiple points in the process, such as at the original source, in transit, as well as at rest in the provider’s data center, to ensure maximum security. And even if your data is encrypted and thieves were able to get their hands on your practice information, they wouldn’t be able to access it without an encryption key.
6. Complete compliance
There are strict data residency requirements regarding information kept in the cloud based on where the data is stored. It’s not uncommon for cloud backup providers to store information across the globe. However, what that means for you is that you have to be aware of the local privacy residency laws and regulations. With ClearVault, your data is always stored in Canada, remaining fully compliant with Canadian privacy acts.
7. Easy restorability
A complete backup system ensures there are no interruptions to your business if a disaster ever occurs. This not only includes the backup process but also the process to recover the information lost. With cloud backups, restoration is much easier than manual or other methods.
A full disaster recovery plan should include a backup verification to ensure that you’re restoring exactly what was backed up and recovery drills that ensure your disaster recovery plan works smoothly.
Using cloud backup can reduce inefficiencies, increase your data security, and give your patients peace of mind that their information is secure.
