What does data security in healthcare primarily aim to protect?

Data security in healthcare primarily aims to protect healthcare information from unauthorized access. This is crucial because the sensitive nature of health data, which includes personally identifiable information (PII), medical histories, and treatment details, makes it a prime target for breaches and misuse. Protecting this information is not just about compliance with regulations such as HIPAA, but also about maintaining patient trust and safeguarding individual privacy.

Ensuring the security of healthcare data involves implementing various measures, such as encryption, secure access controls, and regular audits, which help prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing or altering sensitive information. By focusing on protecting healthcare information from unauthorized access, organizations can reduce the risk of data breaches and protect patients from potential harm that could arise from the misuse of their health data.

While aspects such as patient satisfaction, financial records, and operational efficiency are important in healthcare management, they do not directly relate to the core aim of data security, which is focused on preserving the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of health information.