While these demands are being made, the regulatory and technology landscape is shifting rapidly. As if this were not enough, organizations are struggling with Y2K issues. Security considerations are extremely important as organizations prepare to use a network to electronically send confidential clinical data outside the four walls of the institution. Organizations that carefully think through the issues of security and apply a methodical and disciplined approach to the problem will fare better than organizations that react as problems arise. To cope with the issues of security, thinking through the basics, managing trade-offs, and looking to the present and future will serve an organization well.
Fundamentals Apply Each day brings new advances in security technology.
Although technology is a potent weapon in protecting clinical data, it is not enough. Transmittal of plain text, reusable passwords over networks. Failure to use security tools. Choice of software tools and applications with potential security holes. Lack of adequate backup procedures.