Security Best Practices
CareLog implements multiple security layers to protect patient health information and ensure system integrity.
Authentication
Password Security
Requirements:
- Minimum 6 characters (recommended 12+)
- Unique passwords per user
- Regular password updates encouraged
Best Practices:
- Use strong, complex passwords
- Don't share passwords
- Change default passwords immediately
- Enable password managers
- Avoid common passwords
Login Security
- Session-based authentication
- Automatic logout after inactivity
- Failed login attempt tracking
- IP address logging
- Secure session management
Authorization
Role-Based Access Control
- Each user assigned specific role
- Permissions based on role
- Principle of least privilege
- Regular permission reviews
Data Access Controls
- Patients can only view own data
- Medical staff access patient records
- Family members have limited access
- Sensitive data protection
- Audit trail for all access
Data Protection
Encryption
- Secure data storage
- Protected data transmission
- Encrypted sensitive fields
- Secure backup encryption
Data Privacy
- Sensitive health information flags
- Role-based data visibility
- Privacy controls for patients
- HIPAA-aligned practices
System Security
Audit Logging
- All user actions logged
- Access attempts tracked
- Modifications recorded
- Security events monitored
- Admin review capabilities
Account Security
- Account disable functionality
- No account deletion (maintains audit trail)
- Regular account reviews
- Suspicious activity monitoring
Network Security
Access Controls
- Secure authentication required
- Session management
- HTTPS recommended for production
- IP address tracking
API Security
- Authentication required for API access
- Rate limiting (recommended)
- Input validation
- Error handling without information leakage
Backup and Recovery
Data Backup
- Regular automated backups
- Secure backup storage
- Encrypted backup files
- Retention policy enforcement
Disaster Recovery
- Backup restoration procedures
- Data integrity verification
- Recovery time objectives
- Business continuity planning
Compliance
Healthcare Regulations
- Privacy protection measures
- Data access logging
- Secure data handling
- Audit trail maintenance
Security Standards
- Regular security assessments
- Vulnerability management
- Incident response procedures
- Security update processes
Security Monitoring
Admin Responsibilities
Daily Monitoring
- Review audit logs
- Check failed login attempts
- Monitor user activities
- Verify system health
Weekly Tasks
- Review user accounts
- Check backup status
- Analyze security trends
- Update security policies
Monthly Tasks
- Comprehensive security audit
- Permission review
- Security training updates
- Vulnerability assessment
Incident Response
Security Incident Types
- Unauthorized access attempts
- Data breach suspicions
- Account compromises
- System anomalies
Response Procedures
- Detection: Monitor audit logs and alerts
- Containment: Disable compromised accounts
- Investigation: Review audit logs and timeline
- Recovery: Restore from backups if needed
- Documentation: Record incident details
- Prevention: Update security measures
User Security Responsibilities
All Users
- Protect login credentials
- Log out after sessions
- Report suspicious activity
- Follow security policies
- Complete security training
Admins
- Regular security reviews
- Monitor audit logs
- Enforce security policies
- Manage user accounts securely
- Maintain backup procedures
Medical Staff
- Access only necessary records
- Protect patient privacy
- Secure workstations
- Follow data handling procedures
Patients
- Use strong passwords
- Mark sensitive information appropriately
- Report unauthorized access
- Protect account credentials
Security Checklist
Initial Setup
- [ ] Change all default passwords
- [ ] Configure backup system
- [ ] Review user roles and permissions
- [ ] Enable audit logging
- [ ] Configure session timeouts
- [ ] Set up admin alerts
Regular Maintenance
- [ ] Review audit logs weekly
- [ ] Update passwords quarterly
- [ ] Review user accounts monthly
- [ ] Test backup recovery quarterly
- [ ] Conduct security training annually
- [ ] Perform security audits semi-annually