1-2 Journal Security Measures 1 1-2 Journal: Security Measures Qushae McNeill Southern New Hampshire University HIM-220 Healthcare Data Management
1-2 Journal Security Measures 2 1-2 Journal: Security Measures Healthcare facilities need to protect their computer systems which contain confidential patient health information as well as important facility information. There are many ways a facility can do this including access controls, audit trails, and antivirus software. Security Measure Choices The first security measure I have identified is access controls, according to our textbook, access controls are "a computer software program designed to prevent unauthorized use of an information resource". A facility makes specific policies and procedures as to who can view, change, and create data in all areas of the system. Each user is assigned a unique username that is linked to their role within the organization and limits their access to only the areas of the system that are required of their role. Each user must create a unique password that has to meet certain requirements which is usually a required minimum of characters, uppercase and lowercase letters, and special characters. Passwords should also be required to be changed at regular intervals to ensure the integrity of the system. Some organizations utilize two-factor authentication which would require a password as well as requiring a user to swipe an ID card, or another token, or enter a code that is sent through a separate system, or some form of biometrics. A form of biometrics could be a fingerprint, iris scan, palm print, voice recognition, etc. These measures help ensure that the correct user is entering the system. Combining several system requirements; usernames, passwords, as well as ID cards, biometrics, and other methods deter unauthorized access to the system and safeguard the integrity of confidential patient data as well as other sensitive data. Another important security measure is audit trails. Audit trails are the record of all system login and outs, unsuccessful log-in attempts, queries, and other actions. It
1-2 Journal Security Measures 3 also records the identity of the user along with timestamps of all activities. It also tracks what the user did and saw while in the system. Audit trails are important for identifying potential security incidents. Audits should be scheduled periodically but can also be performed if a problem has been suspected. The last security measure I am identifying is antivirus software. A company can have all of these security measures in place, but without good antivirus software, used along with a firewall, the company's computer systems are at great risk. Antivirus software stops any potential viruses, malware, trojans, bots, and other harmful things from entering the system and compromising the security and integrity of the system. Security Measure Rationale Combining the three security measures above along with encryption and a firewall is very important to safeguard patient data and sensitive business information. Using a system that includes usernames, passwords, two-factor authentication, and other safeguards can help protect the systems and ensure patient information remains confidential. Audit trails are