Cyber security Awareness among Dental Healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in North Western Nigeria

Background: The challenges placed by increased automation and significant use of internet in healthcare management, puts health data at risk and an attractive target for nefarious actors. Health care organizations have traditionally focus more on providing patient care oblivious of these danger and exposure to cybersecurity attacks especially in developing countries. Breach of valuable patient data may lead to innocent exposure of personal and non-personal credentials such as password to these malicious individuals. Vast amount of research and investments have been directed at technical controls instead of the more evident vulnerabilities in cybersecurity security among healthcare workers. Objective: This was a pilot study that investigated cyber security behaviours of dental professionals working in a public tertiary health facility. This shall guide policymakers toward focusing more investments in creating awareness and training of the workforce. Methods: A cross-sectional, anonymous, internet-based survey was distributed among dental professionals working in a public health care organization in Nigeria. Data were collected about each professional’s role, experience, work environment, cybersecurity practices Results: A total of 19 health professionals in the dental department were included in the survey. Most were male , 40-49 years and clinicians. Most professionals demonstrated fair cybersecurity password management aptitude. Conclusion: Our findings showed the need for instituting adequate cybersecurity training among the dental staff. Institutions must intensify their efforts to combat these breaches by investing more in their workforce proper password hygiene practices.