In healthcare, cryptographic algorithms are used to secure communications and the transmission of information through security services. A conference paper from the International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, Vol.8 No. 11 2017 notes, “It provides a way to protect sensitive information by transferring it into unintelligible and only the authorized receiver can be able to access this information by converting it into the original text.”
These algorithms encrypt patient data, such as medical records and personal details, turning them into a secure, unreadable format that only authorized personnel can access with a decryption key. The process protects the data against unauthorized access, both during storage and when transmitted across networks, like in telemedicine consultations or electronic health record exchanges.
See also: What happens to your data when it is encrypted?
How do cryptographic algorithms work?
Encryption
Encryption converts plain, readable data (plaintext) into an unreadable format (ciphertext). When you want to secure information, a cryptographic algorithm takes your plaintext. It transforms it using a key (secret information) according to its mathematical rules. This key could be a string of letters, numbers, or a combination of both.
Types of cryptographic algorithms
- Symmetric-key cryptography: Here, the same key is used for both encryption and decryption. The sender and receiver must both have access to this secret key. The process is like a lock and key mechanism - the same key locks (encrypts) and unlocks (decrypts) the data.
- Asymmetric-key cryptography (Public key cryptography): This involves two keys - a public key, which is available to everyone, and a private key, which is kept secret by the user. The public key encrypts the data, but only the corresponding private key can decrypt it. It's akin to a mailbox with a mail slot (public key) and a locked door (private key). Anyone can drop a letter through the slot, but only the person with the key can open the door and read the letter.
Decryption
This is the reverse process of encryption. The recipient uses a key to decrypt the ciphertext, transforming it back into the original plaintext. In symmetric-key cryptography, this is the same key used for encryption. In asymmetric-key cryptography, the private key is used for decryption.
Integrity and authentication
Apart from just encrypting data, cryptographic algorithms often ensure the integrity and authenticity of data. This means they confirm that the data hasn't been tampered with and verify the sender's identity.
See also: How to encrypt your email and why you should
How are cryptographic algorithms applied in healthcare communication?
There are several areas where cryptographic algorithms can be used to protect sensitive patient information. This is useful in the securing of securing electronic health records exchanged between providers to safeguarding telemedicine sessions where doctors and patients interact over video and audio calls.
When doctors send electronic prescriptions to pharmacies, these algorithms ensure the transmission is secure and tamper-proof, preventing prescription fraud. They also play a vital role in patient-doctor messaging platforms, such as HIPAA compliant email.
FAQs
How are cryptographic systems challenged by cryptanalysts?
Cryptanalysts attempt to break cryptographic systems by:
- Analyzing weaknesses in encryption algorithms.
- Employing brute-force attacks.
- Identifying patterns in ciphertext to deduce plaintext or keys.
What key lengths are recommended for secure encryption?
The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) recommends key lengths of:
- 128 bits
- 192 bits
- 256 bits
Longer keys provide higher security but require more computational resources.
How does probabilistic encryption enhance security?
Probabilistic encryption generates different ciphertexts for the same plaintext using different keys, making it more difficult for attackers to predict patterns or reverse-engineer the encryption process.