Vets urged to strengthen cyber security as online threats grow

VETERINARY practices are being encouraged to bolster their cyber security as online attackers

increasingly target small businesses in the healthcare sector.

The Cyber Wardens program, a government-funded initiative by the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia (COSBOA), is offering free training to help vet clinics safeguard sensitive business and client data.

Dr Mark Yee, co-owner of Torquay Animal House, said cyber security had become a necessary focus for small veterinary practices.

“It is a sad reality of modern businesses,” he said. “It affects all small businessess.”

With 16 staff handling emails and using the clinic’s computer system daily, Dr Yee said cyber threats were a growing concern.

“Last year we got an employee impersonation email through a payroll scam that we recognised straight away.”

COSBOA chief executive officer Luke Achterstraat said vet practices were among a raft of healthcare businesses being targeted.

 

‘It’s not the first thing that springs to mind during a visit to the vet, but hackers are getting their claws into vet practices to try and steal data such as the financial details of pet owners.

“We want to urge vet practices across Australia to put a muzzle on cyber criminals.

“Given Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world – about 5.7 million households have a pet – vet practices are a lucrative target.”

The Australian Veterinary Association has accredited Cyber Wardens as professional development training, meaning veterinary staff can now earn CPD (Continuous Professional Development) points while learning how to protect their businesses.

Dr Yee said the training was simple but effective.

“The training was easy, all commonsense stuff and a good reminder of what’s out there. If everyone is aware of what to look for and general threats, we can continue operating.”

 

He said knowing his staff were trained gave him confidence and also reassured his clients.

“We want to make sure we can maintain our record of best practice.”

Torquay Animal House, which has served the Surf Coast since 1993, provides veterinary care in a purpose-built facility with modern medical and surgical equipment.

Dr Yee joined as a partner in 2018, helping to expand the clinic’s services to meet the evolving needs of pet owners.

With cyber crime on the rise, he urged other small businesses

to take action.

“Keep your paws off our business,” he said.