Health Information Management

Should we include wireless keyboards and mice in our vulnerability assessments?

HIPAA Weekly Advisor, April 17, 2006

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Although wireless keyboards and mice are less risky than wireless networks, include them in your ongoing security evaluations. Users of the old-style radio-frequency keyboards may receive input on their computer screens from someone else's keyboard-indicating that they are not security-friendly.

It's important that you verify the wireless technology that your keyboards use, whether that technology supports and uses encryption, and whether there are any known vulnerabilities with your specific hardware. Do this by checking with your manufacturer or with the National Vulnerability Database.

Editor's note: Kevin Beaver, CISSP, security consultant with Acworth, GA-based Principle Logic, LLC, answered this question. This is not legal advice. Consult your attorney for legal matters.



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