Microsoft had 135 security bulletins in 2015, which was a significant increase over previous years. In fact it was over 25%. What this means to you? That Microsoft had to fix a lot of vulnerabilities in their software. Which meant someone found a way to break in to (breach) Microsoft Windows or Office or other Microsoft software. What should you do? Make sure you have Microsoft updates turned on and all of your servers and workstations are up-to-date on software patches (updates).
This includes your applications such at Adobe Acrobat Reader, your ERM/EHR/Patient Management System and other software. Linux and UNIX are no exception, make sure you keep them updated.
You can only update software when the vendor has corrected the vulnerability. Therefore, you simply configure updates to run weekly, usually a day or two after the vendor puts out their updates AND you need to make sure updates are actually working.
For more details check out Wolfgang Kandek’s, the CTO of Qualys, blog.
Remember, it’s the little things that make a big difference, turn on updates. Protect your patients, protect your practice, protect yourself.