The Hidden Dangers in Dental IT Systems – by Thomas Kane, CEO, Fusion One Technologies

Cyberattacks are no longer a distant threat—they’re a growing reality for dental practices of all sizes. From private clinics to national dental organizations, the industry is under siege. Ransomware, data breaches, and vendor-related incidents are disrupting patient care, exposing sensitive data, and leading to major financial and legal consequences. The need for stronger cybersecurity in dentistry has never been more urgent. The Alarming Rise of Cyberattacks The healthcare industry, including dental care, is seeing a sharp rise in ransomware attacks. When Change Healthcare paid a $22 million ransom to cybercriminals, it triggered an unprecedented wave of attacks—44 in a single month. These breaches didn’t just lock providers out of systems; they halted operations and jeopardized patient privacy across the country. Dental practices are particularly vulnerable because they hold large volumes of personal health data and often lack the robust security infrastructure o...