IT for a small law, dental or accounting office
- Offices that hold private records need strong sign-in, tested backups, locked down computers and a plan for leaving staff.
- The details differ by field, so use the checklist here and the linked post for your type of office.
One checklist for all three
- Second sign-in step on email and every system with client or patient records.
- Encrypted laptops and phones, with a screen lock.
- Backups that are tested, with one copy kept away from the office.
- Each person has their own login. No shared logins for records.
- Updates installed on a schedule.
- A leaving checklist so old accounts close the same day.
- A short written plan for what to do if something goes wrong.
What differs
- Law offices hold privileged files and often send large documents. Lawyers also have professional duties to keep client information safe. See cybersecurity for New Jersey law firms.
- Dental and medical offices handle patient records, which fall under HIPAA. See cybersecurity for medical and dental offices.
- Accounting and tax offices hold tax records, and tax preparers have a federal duty to keep a written security plan. Tax season is also the busiest time for scams. See cybersecurity for accounting firms.
This is not legal advice. Ask your own lawyer or compliance adviser about the rules for your office. We help with the technical side.
When to call a pro
- A customer, insurer or regulator asked about your security.
- Your records live on one old computer.
- You want a plain report you can show when someone asks.
Need IT support for your business?
Call Ava, or book a free check. We look at your setup and tell you what we would fix first, in plain words, whether or not you hire us.
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Common questions
Do small offices really get attacked?
Yes. Crooks like small offices that hold valuable records and have fewer defenses.
Is cloud storage safe for client records?
It can be, with a second sign-in step, the right settings and a backup. The setup matters more than the brand.
Who is responsible if there is a breach?
The office that holds the records has duties to its clients. That is why prevention and a plan matter.
Keep reading
Where we help
Minority- and Black-owned businesses are welcome here, and so is every other small business.
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Tell us what is not working. We will look at your setup and tell you what we would change, whether or not you hire us.
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