---
title: "What Is Ransomware? Dental Practice Glossary | Copeland Consulting Services"
description: "Ransomware is malicious software that locks or encrypts a practice's files, and then demands payment from the owner before the files are released again."
url: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/ransomware
publisher: Copeland Consulting Services
email: drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com
contact: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact
---

Compliance and risk

# Ransomware

Ransomware is malicious software that locks or encrypts a practice's files, and then demands payment from the owner before the files are released again.

CISA describes ransomware as an ever-evolving form of malware designed to encrypt files on a device, rendering any files and the systems that rely on them unusable. Malicious actors then demand ransom in exchange for decryption.

The American Dental Association notes that because ransomware is designed to deny access to data, there could be HIPAA implications for a dental office that falls victim to it. HIPAA requires providers to maintain access to health records.

Training staff on basic data security can help. See [cybersecurity](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/cybersecurity) and [data breach](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/data-breach). A [business continuity plan](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/business-continuity-plan) helps the office keep working after an attack.

[Next stepPractice consulting with Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact?topic=consulting)

## Related terms

-   [Cybersecurity](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/cybersecurity)
-   [Data breach](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/data-breach)
-   [Business continuity plan](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/business-continuity-plan)
-   [HIPAA](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/hipaa)

## Sources

1.  [CISA: Ransomware 101](https://www.cisa.gov/stopransomware/ransomware-101)
2.  [American Dental Association: Protect Your Practice from Ransomware](https://www.ada.org/resources/practice/practice-management/protect-your-practice-from-ransomware)
3.  [American Dental Association: Protect Your Practice from Ransomware](https://www.ada.org/resources/practice/practice-management/protect-your-practice-from-ransomware)

## Talk with Dr. Copeland

[Contact Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact)[Email](mailto:drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com)