Five Essential Cybercrime and Fraud Prevention Tips for Your Clinic

Running a successful aesthetics clinic is no small feat - you’ve worked hard to build your reputation and client trust. But in an increasingly digital world, cybercrime and fraud pose real threats to your business. Imagine coming into your clinic one morning to find your systems locked, sensitive data held for ransom, or a trusted employee misusing company funds. Unfortunately, these scenarios are more common than many realise.

Fraud accounts for nearly half of all crimes in the UK, yet it remains widely underreported. Prevention is the best defence, and by implementing a few key measures, you can protect your clinic, your team, and your patients. Here are five essential steps every clinic owner should take to safeguard against fraud and cybercrime. This list is not exhaustive, so if you wish to discuss your plans with our partners at SJ Partnership, please visit their website here: SJ Partnership

1: Build a Culture of Cyber Awareness

Cyber and fraud risks aren’t just IT issues—they affect your entire business. Every team member plays a role in keeping your clinic safe. Regular training on fraud tactics, phishing scams, and insider threats should be part of your business culture.

• Make cyber awareness an ongoing process, not just an annual refresher.
• Educate staff on how to spot suspicious emails and fraudulent requests.
• Understand the risk of insider fraud—trusted employees can misuse data, finances, or inventory.

2: Keep Your Systems Updated and Backed Up

Many clinic owners assume their CRM provider handles all security measures, but if your own systems are compromised, you may still be locked out.

• Regularly update all software to patch vulnerabilities.
• Back up important data in a secure location separate from your main systems.
• Test backups to ensure they are malware-free and accessible if needed.

3: Strengthen Password and Access Controls

Your clinic’s digital security is only as strong as your weakest password. Poor password management is one of the easiest ways for cybercriminals to gain access.

• Use unique, complex passwords for each system.
• Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
• Enforce strict password policies, ensuring that old employees’ accounts are deactivated immediately.

4: Develop a Cyber Incident Response Plan

If your clinic falls victim to fraud or a cyberattack, a well-prepared response can make all the difference.

• Have a clear plan outlining steps to take in case of a security breach.
• Know who to report cybercrime to, including the Information Commissioner’s Office if personal data is compromised.
• Assign roles and responsibilities within your team to handle incidents efficiently.

5: Stay Informed and Proactive

Cybercriminals continuously evolve their tactics, so staying ahead is key.

• Keep up to date with the latest fraud and cybercrime trends.
• Conduct regular security audits to identify weaknesses.
• Foster a proactive approach to security—assume that an attack isn’t a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’.

By prioritising fraud and cybercrime awareness, you’re not just protecting your business—you’re safeguarding your clients, your reputation, and your livelihood. Take action today to ensure your clinic remains secure in an increasingly digital world.

About the Author:
Kenny Thomson is a retired Detective Superintendent and former Head of Economic Crime, Financial Investigation, Cybercrime, and Digital Forensics for Police Scotland. Now a consultant with SJ Partnership, he provides fraud and cybercrime awareness training to the medical aesthetics industry.