You are an Information Security consultant for a small doctor’s office consisting of three doctors and two nurses. The office is physically located among several other professional office spaces. The doctors have decided they would like to replace the current method of using paper based medical records with automated medical records. The doctors would like to use mobile devices over a wireless network to move from one examining room to the next to document patient visits. Given the extremely sensitive information captured by the mobile devices and the wireless network, the doctors require you to provide a detailed plan identifying inherent risks associated with this network environment and establish mobile device and wireless security methods that will mitigate the risks. Research findings will be submitted with a minimum of three (3) scholarly level APA references. Write a two to three (2-3) page paper in which you: 1.    Identify risks inherent in the use of wireless and mobile technologies. 2.    Analyze the identified risks and develop factors to mitigate the risks. 3.    Provide a sound recommendation to be employed in the doctor’s office.

Title: Risk Mitigation for Mobile Devices and Wireless Networks in a Doctor’s Office

Introduction:
The use of mobile devices and wireless networks in the healthcare industry has greatly improved the efficiency and accessibility of patient care. However, with the implementation of automated medical records in a small doctor’s office, it is essential to address the inherent risks associated with this network environment. This paper aims to identify the risks associated with the use of wireless and mobile technologies in a doctor’s office and provide recommendations for mitigating these risks.

1. Risks inherent in the use of wireless and mobile technologies:
a. Unauthorized access: The use of wireless networks increases the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive patient information. Without proper security measures in place, attackers can intercept wireless communications and gain access to medical records.

b. Data breaches: Mobile devices are prone to theft or loss, which may lead to a data breach if sensitive patient information is not adequately protected. Additionally, data can be compromised if the wireless network infrastructure is not secured.

c. Malware and viruses: Mobile devices are susceptible to malware and viruses, which can be inadvertently downloaded through malicious applications or compromised wireless networks. These threats could lead to unauthorized access, data loss, and the spread of malware to other devices on the network.

d. Network congestion: The increased use of mobile devices in a small office space can lead to network congestion, causing delays in accessing patient records and potentially impacting the quality of care provided.

2. Analysis of identified risks and development of mitigating factors:
a. Encryption: Implementing robust encryption protocols, such as WPA2-Enterprise, will protect wireless communications from unauthorized access. This encryption should extend to both data transmitted over the network and data stored on mobile devices.

b. Strong authentication: Utilizing multi-factor authentication, such as combining passwords with biometric identifiers, will ensure that only authorized personnel have access to patient records. This will minimize the risk of unauthorized access in case of stolen or lost devices.

c. Mobile device management (MDM): Implementing an MDM solution will allow for centralized control and management of mobile devices, enabling features like remote data wiping, device tracking, and application installation control. MDM will help mitigate the risks associated with lost or stolen devices.

d. Regular security updates: Ensuring that all mobile devices and network infrastructure are regularly updated with the latest security patches will protect against known vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of malware infections.

e. Employee training and awareness: Educating doctors and nurses about security best practices, such as avoiding public Wi-Fi networks and using strong passwords, will help minimize risks from human error or carelessness.

3. Sound recommendations for the doctor’s office:
It is recommended that the doctor’s office implements a comprehensive security plan that includes the following measures:

a. Conduct a thorough risk assessment: Identify all potential risks associated with the use of wireless and mobile technologies specific to the doctor’s office environment. This will provide a baseline for developing appropriate risk mitigation strategies.

b. Establish policies and procedures: Develop and enforce policies and procedures related to the use of mobile devices and wireless networks. These policies should address security, privacy, and acceptable use to ensure consistency and compliance among staff members.

c. Regular security audits: Periodically evaluate and audit the security measures in place to identify any vulnerabilities and address them promptly. This includes reviewing access controls, reviewing user privileges, and assessing the effectiveness of security controls.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the use of mobile devices over a wireless network in a doctor’s office presents significant risks to the security and privacy of patient information. However, by implementing appropriate security measures such as encryption, strong authentication, mobile device management, regular security updates, and employee training, these risks can be mitigated. It is crucial that the doctor’s office takes a proactive approach in identifying and addressing the inherent risks to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of patient data.