In short
- ✓Patient health records are special category data under UK GDPR, so a breach is treated more seriously.
- ✓Practices with NHS contracts or access to NHS patient data and systems are expected to complete the NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) each year.
- ✓Ransomware that locks practice management or imaging software can stop appointments the same day.
Why dental, GP and healthcare practices are targeted
Dental surgeries, GP practices, physiotherapy clinics, opticians and private healthcare providers hold some of the most sensitive personal data there is: medical histories, treatment notes, X-rays and payment details. Criminals know practices can't function without their records, which makes them a target for ransomware and phishing.
Our background includes cyber security in healthcare, so we understand how clinical systems, NHS requirements and busy front desks fit together. For practices across Guildford, Woking, Farnham and the rest of Surrey, we focus on practical steps that protect patients without slowing down clinicians.
The main risks
- Ransomware locking practice management, imaging or booking systems, cancelling appointments and putting care at risk.
- Phishing emails aimed at reception and practice managers, often pretending to be suppliers, labs, the NHS or patients.
- Shared logins on reception PCs and clinical workstations, making it hard to see who accessed which records.
- Patient data sent to the wrong person or stored on unencrypted laptops and USB drives.
- Personal data breaches involving health data, which may need reporting to the ICO within 72 hours and through the DSPT if you use it.
- Weak security at suppliers, such as hosted practice software, labs and IT providers, with access to your systems.
How we help dental, GP and healthcare practices
- Ransomware Protection & Backup ResilienceBackups ransomware can't reach, tested so you can restore patient records and keep the practice open.
- GDPR & Data Protection SecurityPractical controls for special category health data, plus help with DSPT evidence.
- Microsoft 365 & Google Workspace SecurityMulti-factor authentication, secure email and safe file sharing for practice staff.
- Staff Cyber Awareness TrainingShort sessions for reception, nurses and clinicians on spotting phishing and handling patient data safely.
- Cyber Essentials Certification SupportA recognised standard that also covers many DSPT technical requirements.
Cyber security checklist for dental, GP and healthcare practices
- Give every member of staff their own login and lock screens when unattended.
- Turn on multi-factor authentication for email, remote access and cloud practice software.
- Keep practice PCs, imaging workstations and software up to date, and replace unsupported versions of Windows.
- Back up patient records daily, keep a copy offline or immutable, and test restoring it.
- Encrypt laptops and avoid USB drives for patient data.
- Check what security your practice software and IT suppliers provide, and who can access your systems remotely.
- If you have NHS contracts, complete the Data Security and Protection Toolkit before the 30 June deadline.
- Have an incident plan covering your IT supplier, the ICO, NHS reporting and your insurer.
Questions
Do dental practices need to complete the DSPT?
Organisations with NHS contracts or access to NHS patient data and systems are expected to complete the Data Security and Protection Toolkit each year, with submissions due by 30 June. Private-only practices aren't required to, but it's a useful benchmark.
Is patient data treated differently under UK GDPR?
Yes. Health data is special category data, so it needs stronger protection, and breaches involving it are more likely to need reporting to the ICO within 72 hours.