What is a major cause of security breaches in health information systems?

What is a major cause of security breaches in health information systems?

• A. Lack of encryption
• B. Human error
• C. Inadequate hardware
• D. Weak network design

Answer: (B)

Human behavior and how people interact with the system are the main drivers of security breaches in health information systems. Attackers often rely on human mistakes or social engineering to gain access, such as weak or reused passwords, falling for phishing, sharing login details, or leaving a workstation unlocked. Even the strongest technical controls can be bypassed if someone approves access or reveals credentials, so data can be exposed despite encryption, hardware, or network defenses. Encryption and solid hardware/network design are essential, but they protect data only when the right people use the system correctly; when user error occurs, breaches can happen. Emphasizing training, clear access policies, and user-friendly security measures helps reduce these risks and strengthens overall protection.

Human behavior and how people interact with the system are the main drivers of security breaches in health information systems. Attackers often rely on human mistakes or social engineering to gain access, such as weak or reused passwords, falling for phishing, sharing login details, or leaving a workstation unlocked. Even the strongest technical controls can be bypassed if someone approves access or reveals credentials, so data can be exposed despite encryption, hardware, or network defenses. Encryption and solid hardware/network design are essential, but they protect data only when the right people use the system correctly; when user error occurs, breaches can happen. Emphasizing training, clear access policies, and user-friendly security measures helps reduce these risks and strengthens overall protection.