Identify potential security risks to a health care network. Provide specific examples of security risks and how they can affect the entire health care organization.
Imagine you are hired by a health care organization as a network technician. During your initial network audit, you noticed vulnerabilities in the system that could grant unauthorized persons access to the network. Establishing a security policy will be integral to a reliable telecommunications system, as well as ensuring a consistent and ongoing auditing policy is in place.
Develop a 2,100- to 2,450- word network security policy that prescribes techniques and methods to ensure secure access to the organization’s network. You may utilize the SANS Security Policy templates as guidance as you develop the network security policy.
In your policy, include the following:
o Privacy policy
o Acceptable use policy
o Authentication policy
o Internet use policy
o Access policy
o Auditing policy
o Data protection
Full Answer Section
- Purpose
The primary purpose of this policy is to:
- Protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic Protected Health Information (PHI) as mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Safeguard the organization's network infrastructure from unauthorized access, malicious attacks, and data breaches.
- Ensure the proper use of network resources and prevent misuse that could compromise patient care or system integrity.
- Establish a framework for ongoing network security assessments, vulnerability management, and incident response procedures.
- Scope
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, temporary workers, volunteers, and other authorized users who access or utilize [Healthcare Organization Name]'s network resources. This includes desktops, laptops, tablets, mobile devices, servers, network equipment, and any connected applications or systems.
- Definitions
- Acceptable Use Policy (AUP): Defines the authorized and prohibited uses of the network and associated resources.
- Access Control: The process of verifying a user's identity and authorization level before granting access to network resources.
- Authentication: The process of verifying a user's claimed identity.
- Authorization: The process of granting a user specific permissions to access network resources based on their role.
- Auditing: The process of tracking and recording user activity on the network to identify potential security breaches or misuse.
- Data Protection: Measures taken to safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, or destruction.
- Firewall: A security device that controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.
- Intranet: A private network accessible only to authorized users within the organization.
- Internet: A global network of interconnected computer networks.
- Malware: Malicious software designed to harm a computer system.
- Password: A secret string of characters used to verify a user's identity.
- Phishing: A cybercrime attempt that uses deceptive emails or messages to steal personal information or login credentials.
- Protected Health Information (PHI): Individually identifiable information about a patient's health condition, healthcare services provided, and payment for those services.
- Remote Access: Accessing the network from outside the organization's physical location.
- Social Engineering: A cybercrime tactic that manipulates people into revealing confidential information or clicking malicious links.
- Virtual Private Network (VPN): A secure tunnel that encrypts data traffic between a user's device and the network.
- Privacy Policy
[Healthcare Organization Name] respects the privacy of its patients and employees. We collect, store, and use patient data only for legitimate healthcare purposes and in accordance with HIPAA regulations. This policy does not cover any personal information collected through the organization's website, which may be subject to a separate privacy policy.
- Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
- Authorized Use: The network is provided for conducting official business and authorized healthcare activities.
- Prohibited Use: The following activities are strictly prohibited:
- Accessing or sharing patient data or other confidential information without proper authorization.
- Downloading, installing, or using unauthorized software or applications.
- Engaging in personal activities like online gaming, streaming movies, or excessive social media use during working hours.
- Sending or receiving spam emails, phishing attempts, or malicious content.
- Engaging in activities that could compromise network security or violate copyright laws.
- Connecting unauthorized personal devices to the network.
- Authentication Policy
- Strong passwords are mandatory for all user accounts. These passwords must be at least 12 characters long and include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) will be required for all remote access and access to sensitive systems containing PHI.
- Password sharing is strictly prohibited. Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their login credentials.
- User accounts will be automatically locked after a certain number of failed login attempts.
- Internet Use Policy
- Access to the internet is provided for work-related purposes only.
- Access to inappropriate websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, malware distribution) is strictly prohibited.
- Browsing history and downloaded files may be monitored to ensure compliance with this policy.
Sample Answer
This Network Security Policy (NSP) outlines the security protocols and procedures for [Healthcare Organization Name]'s entire network infrastructure. It aims to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive patient data, healthcare information systems, and all associated network resources. All employees, contractors, and authorized users must adhere to this policy to ensure a secure and reliable network environment.