Question

Brian, a nurse at a healthcare facility who routinely update medical files, stole private medical data from the facility and sold it to a third party. Which phrase applies to this situation?

A) Hacking
B) Identity theft
C) Data breach
D) Insider threat

Answer 1

Brian's actions represent a 'data breach' and 'insider threat' because he misused his access to confidential information to engage in unauthorized release of medical data. Affected entities must react by improving security and mitigating harm, while prevention includes training and strict access protocols.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Brian, a nurse at a healthcare facility, stole private medical data and sold it to a third party, he created what is known as a data breach. This kind of incident can also be qualified as an insider threat because it was perpetrated by someone within the organization who abused their access to confidential information.

Data breaches can lead to identity theft, financial theft, and other forms of cybercrime, causing severe repercussions for the affected individuals and significant costs for the organizations involved. Medical systems, businesses, and various organizations might suffer a loss of trust, financial penalties, and they are required to take reactive measures to mitigate the damages, such as notifying affected individuals, providing credit monitoring services, and bolstering their security infrastructure.

To prevent data breaches, entities need to implement robust security protocols, conduct regular security audits, train employees on data privacy, and establish strict access controls to sensitive information. An informed and vigilant workforce is the first line of defense against potential breaches, including those that might come from within.