{"id":417,"date":"2014-11-03T15:49:39","date_gmt":"2014-11-03T15:49:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/onlyfordentists.com\/blog\/?p=417"},"modified":"2014-11-03T22:16:23","modified_gmt":"2014-11-03T22:16:23","slug":"the-risks-with-using-email-for-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onlyfordentists.com\/blog\/2014\/11\/the-risks-with-using-email-for-business\/","title":{"rendered":"The Risks with Using Email for Business"},"content":{"rendered":"

Email is an incredibly useful tool for dental practices dealing with basic information. However, using email to communicate with customers and other businesses can pose a serious risk for your practice if you don’t take the proper precautions.<\/p>\n

Because of the risks inherent in unencrypted email communications for hackers and identify\u00a0 thieves, businesses are warned to properly encrypt email documents. These are just a few of the risks businesses face when it comes to using email.<\/p>\n

The Virus Risk<\/h3>\n

While this mostly results from employees opening emails and email attachments or visiting\u00a0unfriendly links in emails on office computers, the risk it poses to not only business computers and networks but also to client information, identifying information of employees, and confidential information concerning your dental practice is potentially catastrophic.<\/p>\n

Hacker Entry Points<\/h3>\n

The other problem with unencrypted email communication for large and small dental practices alike is that it gives hackers an entry point. All they need is an entry point into your network, from which they can then launch all manner of attacks from simply stealing information to launching SPAM campaigns from your company computers that damage your reputation to deleting critical information from your business mainframe.<\/p>\n

Trojans in Your Midst<\/h3>\n

These attacks are quick, unexpected, and brutal, just like the ancient attack on the city of Troy. Trojans are executable files that cause devastation in their wake and all it takes is for someone in your organization to click on the wrong email link.<\/p>\n

Reputation Management<\/h3>\n

SPAM campaigns originating from your email system are bad enough, but people can manipulate your email to release client information, employee information, to send out political\u00a0 statements, and so much more that can harm your public image and crush your bottom line.<\/p>\n

Litigation Potential<\/h3>\n

Depending on the type of information revealed in unsecured email communications, you\u00a0could be placing your small dental practice at an increased risk for litigation – especially in fields that deal with financial services, medical information, insurance, medical care, legal information and representation, accounting, investments, and more.<\/p>\n

Releasing Information to Wrong Person<\/h3>\n

It happens all the time. Whether accidental or intentional (when employees are deliberately\u00a0trying to harm the financial solvency or reputation of the business) employees send sensitive\u00a0information to the wrong recipient. It’s such a simple mistake to make and one that can be so\u00a0 devastating for the practice. Think about it. What if an employee sent out medical records or client lists to someone on their list of contacts that isn’t within your organization?<\/p>\n

Mitigating Your Risks<\/h3>\n

That’s why it’s important for all businesses to take steps now to limit their exposure to risks\u00a0resulting from email communication. Here are a few ways to do just that:<\/p>\n