> Any, none, few ? What are the general views on the security issues
> of this ?
Not this one!
> 1.Patient data theoretically available to a determined hacker. This
> always strikes me as unlikely as if IP address is allocated
> dynamically how will they find us ?
Dead easy. There is a number of programs that will post your dynamic
IP address to all and sundry. All available free on the net!
The chat programs use similar technology all the time.
> Also, if the database is on a file server and the LAN is run with
> Novell - this needs to be specifically gated to TCP/IP I hear, so
> this should prevent access - or at least hinder it. Are these fair
> enough points ?
Nop.
> 2.The digital virus risk. If we protect our workstations and server
> with, say, Dr Solomons, would this be adequate ?
I would prefer McAfee. It gets updated every month.
> 3. Also, what if we want to access BBSs such as PryMarie and others
> - would this be considered safe enough.
Nop!
> I know NHS.net will allow managed access to the net through
> appropriate firewalls, but we cannot wait for that. What I want to
> know is what is the general view on whether the risk of connecting
> these PCs is small enough to be *acceptable* or is it really too
> risky ?
Too risky with what you envisage to do. If it is absolutely
essential that you connect, consider a firewall yourself.
Al-Hakim
_________________________________________
Ahmad Risk MB BCh
home: +44 1273 688121
work: +44 1737 240022
fax: +44 1737 244660
web: http://www.cybermedic.org/
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