Most Important Database Security Scopes:
1. Confidentiality: This is arguably the most significant security scope for the healthcare
industry. Confidentiality ensures that sensitive patient data, including medical history,
diagnoses, treatment plans, and personal identifying information (PII), is protected from
unauthorized access and disclosure.
o Significance to Healthcare: Maintaining patient confidentiality is not just an
ethical imperative in healthcare; it's a legal requirement under regulations like
HIPAA (in the United States) and similar laws globally. Breaches of
confidentiality can lead to severe consequences, including hefty fines, legal
liabilities, reputational damage, and most importantly, a loss of trust between
patients and healthcare providers. Patients entrust healthcare organizations with
their most personal and sensitive information, expecting it to be kept private. Any
compromise can have devastating personal and financial repercussions for
individuals.
2. Integrity: Ensuring the integrity of healthcare data is also paramount. Data integrity
means that the information stored in the database is accurate, complete, and has not been
tampered with or altered by unauthorized individuals or processes.
o Significance to Healthcare: Inaccurate or corrupted medical data can have life-
threatening consequences. For example, if a patient's allergy information is altered
or a dosage of medication is incorrectly recorded, it could lead to severe adverse
reactions or improper treatment. Data integrity is crucial for accurate diagnoses,
effective treatment planning, proper medication administration, and reliable
This study source was downloaded by 100000898182462 from CourseHero.com on 04-29-2025 07:06:49 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/248914869/Milestone-Activity-Transactions-and-Database-Securitydocx/
, medical research. Maintaining the trustworthiness of medical records directly
impacts patient safety and the quality of care.
Greatest Security Threats to the Healthcare Industry:
1. Insider Threats (Malicious and Negligent): While external attacks are a major concern,
insider threats pose a significant risk in healthcare. This includes both malicious
employees intentionally trying to access or steal data and negligent employees who
unintentionally expose data through errors, lack of awareness, or non-compliance with
security policies.
o Why a Great Threat: Healthcare organizations employ a large number of
individuals with varying levels of access to sensitive data. The potential for
disgruntled employees or those who can be coerced to leak information is real.
Additionally, the complexity of healthcare systems and the sheer volume of data
handled increase the likelihood of unintentional breaches due to human error (e.g.,
clicking on phishing links, sharing passwords, mishandling devices).
2. Ransomware Attacks: Ransomware has become an increasingly prevalent and
devastating threat to the healthcare industry. Attackers encrypt critical systems and data,
demanding a ransom payment to restore access.
o Why a Great Threat: Healthcare organizations rely heavily on their IT systems
for patient care, scheduling, medical devices, and administrative functions. A
successful ransomware attack can cripple operations, leading to delays in
treatment, cancellation of appointments, and potentially endangering patient lives.
This study source was downloaded by 100000898182462 from CourseHero.com on 04-29-2025 07:06:49 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/248914869/Milestone-Activity-Transactions-and-Database-Securitydocx/
1. Confidentiality: This is arguably the most significant security scope for the healthcare
industry. Confidentiality ensures that sensitive patient data, including medical history,
diagnoses, treatment plans, and personal identifying information (PII), is protected from
unauthorized access and disclosure.
o Significance to Healthcare: Maintaining patient confidentiality is not just an
ethical imperative in healthcare; it's a legal requirement under regulations like
HIPAA (in the United States) and similar laws globally. Breaches of
confidentiality can lead to severe consequences, including hefty fines, legal
liabilities, reputational damage, and most importantly, a loss of trust between
patients and healthcare providers. Patients entrust healthcare organizations with
their most personal and sensitive information, expecting it to be kept private. Any
compromise can have devastating personal and financial repercussions for
individuals.
2. Integrity: Ensuring the integrity of healthcare data is also paramount. Data integrity
means that the information stored in the database is accurate, complete, and has not been
tampered with or altered by unauthorized individuals or processes.
o Significance to Healthcare: Inaccurate or corrupted medical data can have life-
threatening consequences. For example, if a patient's allergy information is altered
or a dosage of medication is incorrectly recorded, it could lead to severe adverse
reactions or improper treatment. Data integrity is crucial for accurate diagnoses,
effective treatment planning, proper medication administration, and reliable
This study source was downloaded by 100000898182462 from CourseHero.com on 04-29-2025 07:06:49 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/248914869/Milestone-Activity-Transactions-and-Database-Securitydocx/
, medical research. Maintaining the trustworthiness of medical records directly
impacts patient safety and the quality of care.
Greatest Security Threats to the Healthcare Industry:
1. Insider Threats (Malicious and Negligent): While external attacks are a major concern,
insider threats pose a significant risk in healthcare. This includes both malicious
employees intentionally trying to access or steal data and negligent employees who
unintentionally expose data through errors, lack of awareness, or non-compliance with
security policies.
o Why a Great Threat: Healthcare organizations employ a large number of
individuals with varying levels of access to sensitive data. The potential for
disgruntled employees or those who can be coerced to leak information is real.
Additionally, the complexity of healthcare systems and the sheer volume of data
handled increase the likelihood of unintentional breaches due to human error (e.g.,
clicking on phishing links, sharing passwords, mishandling devices).
2. Ransomware Attacks: Ransomware has become an increasingly prevalent and
devastating threat to the healthcare industry. Attackers encrypt critical systems and data,
demanding a ransom payment to restore access.
o Why a Great Threat: Healthcare organizations rely heavily on their IT systems
for patient care, scheduling, medical devices, and administrative functions. A
successful ransomware attack can cripple operations, leading to delays in
treatment, cancellation of appointments, and potentially endangering patient lives.
This study source was downloaded by 100000898182462 from CourseHero.com on 04-29-2025 07:06:49 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/248914869/Milestone-Activity-Transactions-and-Database-Securitydocx/
