As hospitals get ready for comprehensive information automation, healthcare organizations consider how new systems and software can be protected from intrusions and illegal information access. Understanding these situations can help direct future IT spending decisions, as well as make certain that hospital organizations do not face expensive fines or lawsuits.

1) Think of how data are typically used in a hospital. Consider the number of employees and the uses of confidential information in a hospital. What are some of the ways that data could be compromised in such an environment?

2) What are major legislative mandates impacting the financial sector? How about publicly traded companies?