Data Protection in Healthcare Information Systems Using Cryptographic Algorithm with Base64 512 bits

Abstract

Due to the recent advancement in technology in Healthcare Information Systems, data leakages at the data level have been on the rise.  Therefore, there is need to analyze the existing data protection techniques using cryptographic algorithms in healthcare systems at the  data level. Existing data-level protection techniques that are developed to ensure data-level protection in Healthcare Information Systems  lack integration of key security models and database security approaches such as enhanced cryptographic algorithms in the design and development of data protection techniques. In this study, design science research methodology was used to design and  develop a cryptographic algorithm with Base64 512 bits to enhance data protection at the data level. Python programming language was  used to develop a simulation program for experiment. The performance of the developed algorithm was tested in a healthcare  information system. The results were compared with the existing cryptographic algorithms to evaluate encryption and decryption  process, strength on brute force attack and plain text vulnerability. The results showed that the developed algorithm with Base64 and  fixed length of 512 bits achieved optimal performance. In conclusion, healthcare data is very sensitive and critical thus enhanced  cryptographic algorithms are necessary to reduce data leakages at the data level.