EVALUATION OF CURRENT KNOWLEDGE LEVEL ON DATA SECURITY OF PEOPLE WORKING IN A MEDICAL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Throughout the ages, the medical domain can be viewed as restrictive regarding access to the data it generates. The knowledge ought to be confidential: only the doctor and the patient should have access to it. With more and more equipment connected to computers, phones, and other devices, medical information becomes exposed to external access. OBJECTIVES: Our study explores the current knowledge of data security of people working in a medical environment. METHODS: an online questionnaire about data security knowledge was transmitted to possible participants by electronic communication (e-mail, message). Feedback about correct answers was provided to participants. RESULTS: Following the results of our study we estimate that just around a quarter of participants have a good understanding of data security questions from our questionnaire. Most participants failed to mark the correct answers to critical questions. CONCLUSION: People working with medical data are using obsolete security solutions or intentionally ignoring more secure options. It will be necessary to improve the data security knowledge level and data security awareness of people working in the medical environment.

Keywords

• data management
• data theft
• data security knowledge level