Data security in the age of veterinary AI: What your practice needs to know

Veterinary practices have largely transitioned to digital operations, resulting in the generation of more data than ever before. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in veterinary medicine – and in many other aspects of our lives – only increases our responsibility to protect the data that powers and is produced by AI platforms.

While it may not be at the top of your mind every moment of the day, data security is foundational to the delivery of trustworthy, efficient veterinary care. But what does a secure, compliant veterinary practice look like in today’s AI-driven world? 

We happen to think about data security all the time, and we take it very seriously. In this article, we examine what it takes to build a secure, compliant veterinary practice while integrating AI safely into daily workflows.

AI brings new vulnerabilities to data

Artificial intelligence has brought efficiency to traditional veterinary workflows; however, storing and using data associated with AI can be tricky. Medical record scribes, AI-assisted diagnostic tools, and interactive client communication platforms rely on data to work, which introduces vulnerability.

According to the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, AI systems should be designed and implemented with security and privacy in mind to minimize harm and unintended consequences. However, these standards aren’t law, and not all companies follow them. True data security requires an understanding of how your practice collects and uses data, as well as how your vendors manage it behind the scenes.

The risks of suboptimal AI data security

Every AI feature you use generates data – data that can easily fall into the wrong hands without adequate attention to security details. Risks to be aware of include:

• Unauthorized sharing – Check your AI tools’ user agreements before signing contracts or paying for long-term use. Many platforms use your data to train their models and may or may not offer an option to opt out. You should have a clear understanding of what the AI tool can do with your data after you agree to its terms.
  
  
• Insecure access points – AI tools may require syncing across devices or platforms. If staff use unsecured logins or can gain access to systems from personal devices without safeguards, sensitive data can be intercepted or compromised.
  
  
• Ransomware or breaches – AI-enabled tools typically rely on cloud-based services. If any part of that service is taken offline by a bad actor, operations are quickly interrupted. The IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index reports that ransomware and server attacks on healthcare-adjacent businesses are made possible because of an abundance of outdated systems, and make up around 5% of reported incidents.
  
  
• Loss of client trust – Clients expect their personal and pet data to be kept confidential. If they learn that information was shared, leaked, hacked, or used without their consent, they may lose trust in the clinic.
  
  
• Legal and regulatory consequences – In the EU and the UK, AI tools that process client data must comply with strict security regulations or face legal action. In the US, laws and potential consequences of improper data usage vary by state.
  
  

Global data security standards

Veterinary practices worldwide share the same goal of protecting sensitive information, but legal requirements vary by region. For example, US data security is a patchwork of state-level laws without a federal standard, meaning companies are left to their own devices to determine how they’ll handle client and patient data.

In contrast, the UK and the EU adhere to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The law mandates that businesses, including veterinary practices, must:

• Limit data collection to only what is necessary 
• Obtain informed consent for data use
• Uphold clients’ rights to access, correct, or delete their data
• Report data breaches within 72 hours

Provet Cloud operates globally, which means that even in the US, we follow GDPR-compliant data security protocols.

Securing your AI-powered veterinary practice

Here are some best practices we recommend to improve your clinic’s data security:

• Vet your vendors – Ask your AI and PIMS providers about their security certifications, protocols, and policies.
  
  
• Choose integrated solutions – AI tools that are built into your practice management system are more secure than separate apps.
  
  
• Update regularly – Automatic software updates may include critical security patches.
  
  
• Build team awareness – Training on secure login procedures, device security, and phishing attempts keeps team members from making critical errors.
  
  
• Review permissions – Audit user roles periodically to ensure access to sensitive information is limited.
  
  

Key takeaways

• Using AI services and platforms can increase veterinary hospitals’ exposure to data leaks or unauthorized use.
  
  
• Ask vendors specific, direct questions about how your data is stored, encrypted, and accessed before signing up for an AI-powered service.
  
  
• Global standards for data security differ, but Provet Cloud uses the EU’s GDPR for all practices, regardless of their location.
  
  
• Consider upgrading to a cloud-based system if your legacy PIMS does not provide the data protection you need in the AI age.
  
  

Protect your data with Provet

Our veterinary practice management platform focuses on global best practices, including GDPR and ISO standard compliance, encryption, passwordless authentication, and IP locking.

Wherever your veterinary hospital is based, you can trust that your hospital, client, and patient data – and your reputation – are protected by a system designed with privacy and security top of mind.

Schedule a demo to learn how Provet supports safe, secure, AI-powered veterinary care.