Dr. Gene Shoemaker (Waukesha) didn’t realize counterfeit software was a huge issue until two Homeland Security agents showed up at his dental office.
Luckily, he and his partner Dr. Kate Gilson (Waukesha) weren’t in trouble, but HS was investigating four instances of purchasing counterfeit software on systems registered to the Shoemaker & Gilson Family Dentistry IP address.
Counterfeit software is usually infected with malware, Trojan viruses, etc. People who sell the fake software can get access to information on the computers using this software.
HS would not specify which purchased software products were counterfeit, however one possibility is the new digital X-ray equipment, four computers and software Drs. Shoemaker and Gilson purchased about 18 months ago. The companythey hired may have unknowingly bought counterfeit Microsoft programs from a source that was looking to save money rather than buy the actual product.
Dr. Shoemaker shared the name of the company from which their practice purchased the new computers and aren’t in any trouble. The goal of HS is to catch the counterfeit software sellers.
Due to a 48 percent counterfeit rate, it is important that dental practices only buy software from a reputable source – Best Buy, Microsoft, etc. instead of looking to obtain it through an unknown reseller.
“While buying from a trusted source could cost more, it will protect your practice’s computer system from viruses, malware and the potential of having sensitive patient information accessed by ‘bad guys’,” Dr. Shoemaker shared. The WDA’s IT partner PerCSoft can be a valuable and trusted resource for members who are looking to upgrade their software or computers and who want to ensure their products are being acquired through trusted sources. Also, when dealing with an established IT company like PerCSoft, you can be confident that the solutions you invest in will be compatible with your current workflow and will have your future workflow and security goals in mind.
In today’s legal system, leaked confidential information could be cause for patients to bring a lawsuit if it occurred as a result of counterfeit software.
