Cybersecurity

Hi Kodian, One of my favourite articles on Medium.com is about red-teaming LLMs: https://medium.com/ai-in-plain-english/llm-jailbreak-comparing-drattack-artprompt-and-morse-code-17acb0f18be8 I would be considered on the anti-LLM/AI takeover side, although I am a big fan of algorithms. -Katie

I used AI to help generate this response to please don't quote the text - only use it as a guide to identify points of research.

Good question, and thanks for sparking the discussion! Here are a few recommendations tailored to a Canadian context, building on points already mentioned: Risk Assessment & Vendor Transparency As Matt noted, verify if vendors provide security details (independent audits, regular penetration tests, timely patch updates). For legacy systems, especially if support has ended, assess whether the risk is acceptable or if extra security controls are needed. System Modernization & Interoperability Evaluate if the outdated software integrates well with modern electronic health records (EHRs) and other systems. If not, consider upgrading to newer platforms that are fully supported, ensuring compliance with Canadian standards such as PIPEDA and any relevant provincial regulations (PHIPA in Ontario, etc.). Enhanced Cybersecurity Controls for Legacy Systems If replacing the outdated system isn’t immediately feasible, apply additional safeguards: Limit network access to the system through segmentation. Restrict unnecessary internet connectivity. Use application whitelisting and other compensating controls to reduce risk. User Training & Awareness Ensure that dietitians and other staff are aware of the specific risks that come with using outdated software. Regular training on recognizing phishing attempts and other cyber threats is critical, particularly when using unsupported systems. Regulatory & Compliance Considerations Compliance with Canadian privacy laws, like PIPEDA, is key. Ensure that data managed by these systems is secured according to current standards and that your organization has a clear plan for managing legacy systems under Canadian cybersecurity guidelines.

Cybersecurity Recommendations for Dental Clinics in Canada Cybersecurity is a critical concern for dental clinics, especially with threats like data breaches, ransomware, and insider attacks. Below are practical recommendations, tailored for Canadian clinics. 1. Aligning with Canadian Privacy and Security Regulations Understand PIPEDA Compliance: Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) applies to most private dental clinics handling patient health data. Provincial Health Privacy Laws: Some provinces have their own health data regulations, such as PHIPA (Ontario), HIA (Alberta), and PIPA (British Columbia). Regulatory Guidance: Consult the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and provincial regulatory bodies for security and privacy guidelines. 2. Preventing Data Breaches Encrypt Patient Data: Protect data at rest (stored) and in transit (transferred online) using encryption. Backup and Disaster Recovery: Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule—keep three copies of data, on two types of storage, with one copy offsite. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Restrict data access based on job roles. Maintain audit logs of who accessed records. Patch and Update Software: Keep operating systems, dental practice software, and security tools updated to prevent vulnerabilities. 3. Ransomware Protection Use Endpoint Protection: Install reputable antivirus and anti-ransomware solutions with real-time protection. Separate Network Access: Keep patient records on a private network and guest Wi-Fi on a separate network. Least Privilege Access: Give each staff member only the access they need to perform their job. Incident Response Plan: Have a clear plan on how to respond to ransomware, including IT support contacts and steps to restore backups. 4. Preventing Insider Threats Onboarding and Offboarding Protocols: Revoke access to systems immediately when an employee leaves. Security Awareness Training: Train staff regularly on phishing, data security, and safe browsing practices. Monitor Access Logs: Track privileged account activity and regularly review login attempts. Whistleblower Policy: Encourage staff to report security concerns confidentially. 5. Additional Canadian-Specific Security Considerations Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require MFA for system logins and remote access. Use Email and Web Security Filters: Protect against phishing and spam emails with filtering tools. Regular Security Assessments: Consider hiring a cybersecurity firm for vulnerability testing. Cyber Liability Insurance: Ensure your insurance covers data breaches and ransomware attacks. Maintain Compliance Documentation: Keep records of security practices in case of an audit by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. 6. Key Resources for Canadian Clinics Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC): www.priv.gc.ca Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS): cyber.gc.ca Ontario PHIPA: www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/04p03 Alberta HIA: www.alberta.ca/health-information-act.aspx BC PIPA: www.oipc.bc.ca/about/legislation/ Canadian Dental Association (CDA): www.cda-adc.ca National Cyber Security Strategy: www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/ntnl-cbr-scrt-strtg/index-en.aspx By following these best practices and aligning with Canadian regulations, dental clinics can reduce the risks of data breaches, ransomware attacks, and insider threats.

One of the scariest cybersecurity threats/attacks that can be faced in healthcare, or in general, is called a "Man in the Middle" attack. This form of attack can happen when a 'threat actor' gets access to the middle of communications or systems, and can see, delete, disable or distort them, without the other parties knowing that anything has occurred. This can be particularly detrimental for communications/relationships where there are factors (such as an NDA investigation, lack of public transportation, distance, low income, etc.) preventing or interfering with direct contact. These can occur with very little technical ability, but with a lot of wit/motivation/time. I draw your attention to Shelly Chartier and her particular crimes (I like to provide a Canadian example where I can). Some call her a catfish, but I see her as a Woman in the Middle. I would just like to add that Shelly Chartier has served her punishment and should not continue to be seen as a criminal or bullied in any way as she has done her time. Is anyone working on anything involving Women in the Middle?