Preparing for the Microsoft Server 2012 Phase-Out: Insights for Dental Practices
As summer draws near, you might be planning for some much-needed sunshine. However, for those dental practices operating on Microsoft Server 2012, it’s crucial to start preparing for Microsoft’s Server 2012 end-of-life phase now.
With the October end-of-life deadline rapidly approaching, it’s vital to plan ahead. Replacing and setting up a new server requires considerable time and forethought. Not to mention, your dental practice’s network will be offline during the transition, so it’s important to have enough lead time to accommodate your office’s schedule.
What Does Microsoft Server 2012 End of Life Mean to Dental Professionals?
Every piece of technology has an operational life expectancy. Introduced in 2012, Microsoft Server 2012 has reached its retirement age after a decade of service. Its features, functionality, and security measures can no longer cope with modern demands and growing cybersecurity threats. The hardware running Server 2012 will also be out of date, with diminished performance and heightened risks of failure.
The end-of-life date signifies when a server company will cease providing security updates, system patches, and any form of technical support. For Microsoft Server 2012 users, this date is October 10, 2023. Once a server company discontinues support for its server system, the system becomes significantly more susceptible to cyber attacks. This risk is amplified when the end of support is widely publicized, as is the case with Microsoft’s Server 2012.
Dental organizations and practices that are bound by HIPAA regulations must prioritize the server transition. The HIPAA Security Rule 45 C.F.R. 164.308 (a)(5)(ii)(B) necessitates that organizations establish procedures for detecting, safeguarding against, and reporting malicious software. Using an outdated and unsupported server after October puts your dental practice in direct violation of HIPAA regulations.
To adhere to HIPAA rules, your dental practice should utilize a server that routinely and actively updates and inspects your system. Non-compliance with HIPAA regulations can result in voided insurance claims in the event of a cyber attack or server compromise. There’s also the risk of substantial fines if audited.
What Does Microsoft Server 2012 End of Life Mean to Dental Professionals?
Every piece of technology has an operational life expectancy. Introduced in 2012, Microsoft Server 2012 has reached its retirement age after a decade of service. Its features, functionality, and security measures can no longer cope with modern demands and growing cybersecurity threats. The hardware running Server 2012 will also be out of date, with diminished performance and heightened risks of failure.
The end-of-life date signifies when a server company will cease providing security updates, system patches, and any form of technical support. For Microsoft Server 2012 users, this date is October 10, 2023. Once a server company discontinues support for its server system, the system becomes significantly more susceptible to cyber attacks. This risk is amplified when the end of support is widely publicized, as is the case with Microsoft’s Server 2012.
Dental organizations and practices that are bound by HIPAA regulations must prioritize the server transition. The HIPAA Security Rule 45 C.F.R. 164.308 (a)(5)(ii)(B) necessitates that organizations establish procedures for detecting, safeguarding against, and reporting malicious software. Using an outdated and unsupported server after October puts your dental practice in direct violation of HIPAA regulations.
To adhere to HIPAA rules, your dental practice should utilize a server that routinely and actively updates and inspects your system. Non-compliance with HIPAA regulations can result in voided insurance claims in the event of a cyber attack or server compromise. There’s also the risk of substantial fines if audited.
Is a Server Transition Simplified?
With the right planning and scheduling, transitioning to a new server can be straightforward. This is an opportune moment to evaluate your entire network and ensure that the end product meets the needs of your dental practice in terms of productivity, security, and reliability.
Our experienced IT professionals at Dental Hi-Tech Management can address all your queries regarding a server transition and network upgrade timeline for your dental practice. These processes are comprehensive and should be trusted to seasoned professionals. Server replacements and network updates require substantial preplanning due to the time necessary to plan, procure, and set up a server and coordinate a schedule.
With meticulous planning, organization, and scheduling, you can seamlessly transition your server, maintain HIPAA compliance, and secure your server documents and data. Plus, you can upgrade your network equipment and possibly even your workstations.
Rely on Dental Hi-Tech Management’s professionals to guide you, and you’ll understand why we’re the trusted choice for IT professional services in the region. Contact us today or schedule a discovery session online to find out why we’re not only experts in general business IT networking but also specialists in all facets of dental and healthcare IT, including practice management, imaging, and compliance.
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