Privacy, Confidentiality, and Security of Public Health Information

Abstract

Computer security requires serious attention from knowledgeable personnel. It is important to back up key files on a daily basis and to use strong encryption for transmitting or receiving sensitive data. Users should be required to employ long passwords that are not dictionary words or other easy-to-guess information. Computer network security, in particular, requires expertise in authentication techniques, in encryption, and in deploying firewalls. Once comprehensive confidentiality policies are in place, it is possible to develop a security system to enforce those policies effectively.