title: Practice brief. Securing wireless technology for healthcare.
abstract: Wireless networking can be a very complex science, requiring an understanding of physics and the electromagnetic spectrum. While the radio theory behind the technology can be challenging, a basic understanding of wireless networking can be sufficient for small-scale deployment. Numerous security mechanisms are available to wireless technologies, making it practical, scalable, and affordable for healthcare organizations. The decision on the selected security model should take into account the needs for additional server hardware and administrative costs. Where wide area network connections exist between cooperative organizations, deployment of a distributed security model can be considered to reduce administrative overhead. The wireless approach chosen should be dynamic and concentrate on the organization's specific environmental needs. Aspects of organizational mission, operations, service level, and budget allotment as well as an organization's risk tolerance are all part of the balance in the decision to deploy wireless technology.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Retterer
authors.forename: Brian W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Casto
mesh_terms: D003195:Computer Communication Networks / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016494:Computer Security; D003219:Confidentiality; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D006751:Hospital Information Systems; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D011845:Radio; D013685:Telecommunications / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States