DT News - UK - GDC warns of new online scam

Dental Tribune UK

Thu. 28 September 2017

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LONDON, UK: The General Dental Council (GDC) has warned dental practices not to answer requests recently sent by a computer forensics company pretending to be working on its behalf. In the e-mail, the company asks for remote access to patient data, the GDC stated on its website.

According to the GDC, providing unauthorised access to computer software could not only compromise data, but also result in a serious breach of the Data Protection Act. Practices that have received such requests are advised to check with the regulatory body first and, in case of suspected fraud, contact the police immediately.

“The GDC have confirmed that this is not standard procedure and that any requests are unlikely to have been authorised by them. Therefore if you are contacted by any company requesting access to your computer software you should refuse the request,” it said in a statement on its website.

Earlier this year, a global cyber-attack, caused by a wave of ransomware-laden phishing e-mails, brought disruption to NHS systems nationwide and saw details of thousands of its staff stolen.

Editorial note: Are you a victim of a cybercrime? If so, please contact the National Fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting Centre at 0300 123 2040.

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