I.T. Guru Blog

What Your Antivirus Isn't Looking For When most veterinary practices think about cybersecurity, they think about malware, ransomware, phishing emails, and hackers trying to gain access to their systems. Those threats are very real, and modern Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) solutions help us detect and respond to them every day. But some of the most significant risks we uncover aren't malware at all. They're password files. As part of the security monitoring and protection services provided by I.T. Guru, we've identified multiple instances of files that appear to contain usernames, passwords, and other sensitive credentials stored on workstations and shared practice network drives. These files often have names such as: Passwords.docx Passwords.xlsx Accounting Passwords.xlsx Password Management spreadsheets Computer and Networking Gear Passwords Website Passwords and Practice Management System Passwords While these files are often created with good intentions, they can become a significant security liability if they fall into the wrong hands. Why Password Files Are a Risk for Veterinary Practices Veterinary hospitals rely on dozens of systems every day, including: Practice Information Management Systems (PIMS) Digital imaging platforms Reference laboratory portals Payroll and accounting systems Microsoft 365/Google Workspace Vendor and pharmaceutical ordering systems Remote access and support tools When passwords are stored in Word documents, spreadsheets, or shared folders, a single compromised workstation can potentially provide access to multiple critical systems throughout the practice. In many cybersecurity incidents, the greatest damage doesn't come from the initial compromise—it comes from what an attacker discovers after they've gained access. The Problem With "We've Always Done It This Way" Many password files started years ago as a quick solution: A spreadsheet shared among managers A document containing vendor logins A list of software credentials stored on a network drive A collection of passwords maintained for employee transitions Over time, those files become part of daily operations and are often forgotten. Unfortunately, cybercriminals actively search for exactly these types of documents because they can provide immediate access to the systems that keep a veterinary practice running. Modern Security Goes Beyond Malware Traditional antivirus focuses on finding malicious software. Modern EDR solutions look much deeper. In addition to identifying malware and suspicious activity, EDR can help detect security risks that may otherwise go unnoticed, including insecure credential storage, risky behaviors, unauthorized software, and indicators that could expose the practice to future attacks. Finding a spreadsheet full of passwords before an attacker does is just as valuable as blocking malware in the first place. A Better Way to Manage Practice Credentials Rather than storing passwords in documents or spreadsheets, we recommend using a dedicated password management platform. Two solutions we frequently recommend are: 1Password Encrypted credential storage Secure sharing between team members Administrative controls Multi-factor authentication support NordPass Secure password vaults Team password sharing Password health monitoring Simple migration from spreadsheets and documents These solutions allow practices to securely store credentials while maintaining appropriate access for doctors, managers, and staff. Questions Every Veterinary Practice Should Ask Take a few minutes to consider: Do we have a file named "Passwords" anywhere in the practice? Are vendor logins stored in Excel spreadsheets? Are team members sharing credentials through email? Are passwords stored on shared drives accessible to multiple users? Do former employees still know passwords that haven't been changed? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it may be time to review how credentials are being managed. Final Thoughts Cybersecurity isn't just about stopping viruses anymore. It's about reducing risk across every part of the veterinary practice. Sometimes that means blocking malware. Sometimes it means stopping a phishing attack. And sometimes it means finding the spreadsheet full of passwords that everyone forgot existed. The goal isn't just to stop cyberattacks—it's to reduce opportunities for them to happen in the first place. Removing insecure password files, implementing a secure password manager, and limiting access to sensitive credentials are simple steps that can significantly improve the security of any veterinary practice.

We’re proud to share that William Lindus, former Director of Operations at I.T. Guru, has been recognized as a contributing author in a newly released veterinary industry publication. The book, Blackwell’s Five-Minute Veterinary Practice Management Consult, 4th Edition, is now available and includes over 1,200 pages of updated insights for veterinary professionals. William Lindus contributed to multiple chapters within the Information Technology section—covering areas such as network infrastructure, cloud readiness, and effective IT communication for veterinary practices. A Lasting Contribution to Veterinary Medicine This contribution reflects what many already knew about William Lindus: his impact extended far beyond day-to-day operations. He had a unique ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical, real-world guidance that veterinary teams could actually use. Whether advising practices on infrastructure decisions or helping leadership teams think more strategically about technology, his approach was always grounded in clarity, practicality, and long-term sustainability. His inclusion in this publication stands as a lasting example of his commitment to helping veterinary practices operate more effectively and confidently in an increasingly complex technology landscape. Continuing His Impact At I.T. Guru, we remain committed to carrying forward the standards and principles that William Lindus helped build: Thoughtful, veterinary-specific technology guidance Clear communication between technical teams and practice leadership A focus on stability, security, and long-term success His work in this book is just one more way his influence continues to support veterinary practices across the industry. Closing We’re honored to see William Lindus’ contributions recognized in such a meaningful way, and we encourage our clients, partners, and peers to explore this resource. It’s a fitting reflection of the expertise, passion, and care he brought to the veterinary community every day. Learn More For those interested in exploring the book, you can find it here: 👉 View the book on Amazon

Cybersecurity threats are evolving rapidly, and artificial intelligence is accelerating that change faster than many businesses realize. In late 2026, a coalition of leading technology and security organizations—including Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Apple, Cisco, CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, and the Linux Foundation—announced Project Glasswing, a large‑scale initiative designed to protect the world’s most critical software from the next generation of cyber threats.

Technology is no longer just a support function in a veterinary practice—it’s a core driver of efficiency, client experience, compliance, and growth. From practice management software and digital imaging to cybersecurity, remote access, and cloud‑based systems, the technology stack in a modern veterinary hospital is both complex and deeply intertwined with daily operations.