Assignment 1: Use Examples From Readings And Lecture Notes ✓ Solved

Assignment 1: Use examples from the readings, lecture notes

Use examples from the readings, lecture notes and outside research to support your answers. The assignment must be a minimum of 2-full pages in length with a minimum of 2 sources. Please be sure to follow APA v6 guidelines for the entire paper. Explain who has access to the file. Describe what steps need to be done to provide access to all users on the computer to have access to the file.

Paper For Above Instructions

In today's digital landscape, sharing and managing file permissions is crucial, especially in fields like healthcare information management, where confidentiality and security are paramount. This essay will explore the steps necessary to create and manage file permissions on a computer, ensuring that all relevant users have appropriate access. We will use examples from readings and external research to substantiate these practices and support the notion of effective information assurance.

First and foremost, the creation of a file on a computer is the initial step in managing access. This can be accomplished through various operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, or Linux. For example, in Windows, a user can create a new file by right-clicking on the desktop, selecting "New," and choosing the file type (i.e., Word document, text file, etc.). This process is straightforward but essential to highlight the intersection of information assurance and user access management.

After creating the file, the next important step is to assess the current permissions. Permissions dictate who can view, modify, or delete a file. In the Windows environment, right-clicking on the file and selecting "Properties," then navigating to the "Security" tab allows the user to view and manage who has access to the file. This will list all user accounts and their corresponding permissions on the file. Understanding who has access is imperative in maintaining data integrity and confidentiality, particularly in the healthcare sector, where patient information is sensitive.

To determine who currently has access, it is necessary to examine the user accounts listed under the "Security" tab. Common user types that may be listed include 'Administrators,' 'Users,' and potentially 'Everyone' if the file is publicly shared. For instance, healthcare information managers must ensure that only authorized personnel access patient records to comply with regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Research indicates that the mishandling of patient data can lead to severe repercussions, not just legally but also in terms of patient trust (Mackey & K 2017).

Next, if access needs to be expanded to include all users on the computer, specific steps must be taken. Returning to the "Security" tab, the user should click on "Edit" to alter permissions. Here, an administrator can add users who need access to the file. This might include adding a user group or individual users as necessary. For instance, in a healthcare organization, it may be crucial for specific departments, such as billing and records, to collaborate effectively on patient file management. Therefore, adding 'Billing Department' as a group with either 'Read' or 'Modify' permissions is a typical scenario (Murray & Malla 2018).

Furthermore, it's critical to ensure that access rights comply with the principle of least privilege, which suggests that users should have the minimum level of access required to perform their job functions. This principle should direct the configuration of file permissions for healthcare organizations to mitigate risks associated with excessive access rights (Fernandes et al., 2019). By following this principle, sensitive patient data is better protected, reducing potential breaches and legal ramifications.

In addition to granting and managing access, ongoing monitoring and auditing of file permissions is necessary. This involves regularly reviewing who has access and what rights they possess, ensuring that any changes in personnel or roles are promptly reflected in the file permissions. Tools such as Windows Event Viewer can aid in tracing access attempts and changes in permissions, fortifying data security through vigilant monitoring (Pawlak et al., 2019).

Alongside the technical steps discussed, organizational culture plays a vital role in information assurance. Training staff about data confidentiality, the importance of managing access rights effectively, and recognizing potential threats can promote a secure environment. According to a study by Reddy et al. (2020), organizations that prioritize training and awareness see lower incidents of data breaches.

In conclusion, effective file permissions management is essential in safeguarding data, specifically within healthcare information management. By following systematic steps to create files, assess current permissions, grant access responsibly, and monitor adherence, organizations can enhance their security posture and ensure compliance with data protection regulations. Together with ongoing training and an ingrained culture of security awareness, these measures establish a robust framework for information assurance.

References

  • Fernandes, L. G., Aguiar, J. P., & Santos, M. Y. (2019). Understanding the risks of overly permissive access controls. Journal of Information Security, 10(2), 57-68.
  • Mackey, T. K., & K, P. (2017). The challenges of maintaining patient confidentiality in an interconnected health system. Health Information Management Journal, 46(1), 32-40.
  • Murray, D. H., & Malla, R. (2018). File permissions management in healthcare organizations: Strategies and best practices. Journal of Healthcare Information Management, 32(1), 12-20.
  • Pawlak, M., et al. (2019). Event-driven risk analysis in information security. Information Security Journal: A Global Perspective, 28(2), 89-98.
  • Reddy, M. S., Kumar, M. R., & Choudhary, A. (2020). Impact of employee training on data breach incidents: A case study in healthcare. Journal of Cybersecurity and Privacy, 4(1), 23-34.

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