John Williams wrote:
>
> In message <[log in to unmask]>, Mary Hawking
> <[log in to unmask]> writes
> >Could anyone tell me - I thought the whole point of encryption was to be
> >able to send confidential material safely over unsafe networks. If you
> >have secure encryption, does it matter whether or not you are connected
> >to the WWW ? Am I missing something?
> >Mary
>
> No Mary you are 'spot on'. By using an appropriate form of encryption
> the sender can make the message unreadable to anyone (including himself
> / herself) EXCEPT for the intended recipient. It can then be sent
> through networks that have very little in the way of security /
> confidentiality at virtually no risk. From an ethical point of view
> there is a strong case for clinicians (health care professionals as a
> whole) NOT delegating responsibility for protecting patients' privacy to
> a third party. By 'wrapping' our messages in encryption and digital
> signatures we can take that full responsibility with a high degree of
> confidence.
>
> Also, you are right to highlight the dangers of over-engineered and
> unworkable solutions. Our prime objective should surely be to enhance
> the care of our patients rather than protect (?rather doctor oriented)
> confidentiality. But of course privacy / confidentiality / security ARE
> important. The trick is to find a way of getting maximum protection for
> minimum 'baggage'. Some ideas are beginning to come together as to how
> this can be done in an incremental and highly pragmatic manner.
Absolutely agree.
The NHS(E) are also beginning to see the light on this....
--
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* Alan Hassey, GP IT Adviser North Yorks HA, GP Trainer Airedale VTS *
* Fisher Medical Centre, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1EU, England *
* Email - [log in to unmask] & [log in to unmask] *
* PGP ID:161BB451: 40 D9 32 4D 86 D4 33 F1 8A 77 3E 38 6B 70 56 A2 *
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