Portfolio Lamley

Table of Contents
Executive Summary (pages 2-3)
Curriculum Vitae (pages 4-5)
Statement of Criminal Justice philosophy (pages 6-7)
Exemplars of writing from graduate courses (pages 8-22)
Five-year Plan for Professional Goals (page 23)
Research proposal (page 24-30)

Executive Summary
My goal is to assist in advancing the field of Criminal Justice by utilizing my education
and experience to bring about positive change where it is needed. My passion is for the
application of restorative justice principles to heal those who have offended and to restore to the
community those who committed the offenses to keep our communities intact. I have put
together this portfolio of my abilities, achievements, and education to present substantiation for
the position for which I am applying. Included below is a letter that details how my education
and experience will meet the objectives of the position being sought, along with a copy of my
curriculum vitae, which highlights my strengths in a variety of areas including communication,
understanding of legal processes, and drafting of policies. Next, is my statement of criminal
justice philosophy of restorative justice that aligns with the position for which I am seeking. The
principles of restorative justice can be applied to many settings, including the community-at-
large and the community within an organization as they aid in healing for the victim and
restoration for the offender. I have included a collection of essays that I have written that are
topics which were covered during my graduate coursework and that are the basis for my criminal
justice philosophy. The first essay, Restorative Justice, discusses cooperation between members
of a community as it encourages cooperation in dealing with social dilemmas. Social dilemmas
arise when there is a conflict between an individual and a collective interest. The second essay,
The Criminal Justice System, discusses streamlining processes such as tracking, charging, and
sentencing to dispense justice in a timelier manner to ensure the preservation of rights of both the
offender and the victim. The third essay, Justice in the Community, discusses the application of
restorative justice to our current criminal justice system to reverse the seemingly increasing
mistrust of law enforcement and decreased confidence in the current justice system. Following

the exemplars of writing, I have included a power point detailing my five-year plan with
benchmarks for achieving my professional goals. Lastly, contained in this portfolio is a research
proposal on the topic of Cybercrime, as it is relevant to both the field of criminal justice and the
healthcare industry. The objective of my research is to broaden the understanding of the
economic ramifications and the effects on privacy in the healthcare arena, and what can be done
to prevent or reduce cyberattacks.

JENNIFER K. LAMLEY
337 Cherry Street, Blissfield, Michigan, 49228, (517)260-0571, jennifer.lamley@promedica.org
I have fifteen years of experience in the healthcare industry, including ten years fulfilling organizational
needs in the medical staff services area. My objective is to integrate my knowledge of criminal justice
principles and theory with legal processes and the standards of credentialing to become an essential
member of the team.
EDUCATION
Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Legal
Studies
Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Arizona
November, 2016
Bachelor of Arts in History
Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Arizona
Magna Cum Laude
March, 2015
EXPERIENCE
Credentialing Coordinator
ProMedica Central Verification Office, Toledo, Ohio
May, 2013 – Present
• Performs the initial, primary source verification of physicians and
clinical affiliates.
• Maintains the integrity of the master credentials files for all
ProMedica hospitals, including confidential and private
information.
• Provides preliminary investigations of material misstatements and
omissions and information of a derogatory nature obtained through
the credentialing process.
• Provides online support for the iResponse verification portal.
• Supports the transition to a paperless online initial appointment
process and paperless credential files.
• I have continued to seek out challenges by taking on additional
functions within the department, including the processing of payroll
and additional training of staff.
Medical Staff Specialist
ProMedica Toledo Hospital Medical Staff Services, Toledo, Ohio March, 2008 – May, 2013
• Facilitated the privileging and verification processes for physicians and allied health professionals
in the surgery-based and ancillary departments.
• Effectively communicated with medical staff leadership, other departments, and facilitated
meetings for departments, ad hoc committees, and standing committees.
• Assisted in the training of physicians in the use of the physician portal for iCare, first generation
electronic medical record.
• Proficient in the matters of facilitating the Medical Affairs and Bylaws Committee, the
Credentials Committee, disruptive and impaired physicians’ committees, and fair hearings while
working closely with in-house and outside legal counsel.
• Entrusted with sensitive confidential and private information.
• Followed up and continued investigations begun at the verification level.
• Created policies to ensure physicians met required criteria to hold specific privileges and that
certain benchmarks were met.

Credentialing Assistant
ProMedica Central Verification Office/ProMedica Toledo Hospital
Medical Staff Services, Toledo, Ohio
February, 2007 – March,
2008
• Assisted in the verification process at both the Central Verification
Office and Medical Staff office levels.
• Entrusted with sensitive confidential and private information.
• I was promoted to Medical Staff Specialist within one year due to
my proficiency with our software, excellent communication skills,
and ability to efficiently and satisfactorily resolve physician
concerns.
Registration Clerk
ProMedica Flower Hospital, Sylvania, Ohio
January, 2002 - February,
2007
• Collected and accurately entered demographic, insurance, and
medical information in the outpatient, inpatient, and emergency
department settings.
• Entrusted with sensitive confidential and private information in
compliance with HIPAA laws.
• Participated in train-the-trainer for the implementation of multiple
software programs and provided training for my peers.
• I consistently had an accuracy rate of 96% or higher.
• My proficiency, knowledge of policy and procedures, and ability to
foster a teamwork environment earned multiple promotions and
added responsibilities within the department.
Community Involvement
• Approved as a volunteer cuddler, ProMedica Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, in 2011.
• River Raisin Festival Committee, since 2012.
• Foster provider for Australian Shepherds Furever, (501c3), since 2016.
Professional References
• Upon request.

Statement of Criminal Justice Philosophy
An important aspect of the field of criminal justice is to understand the effect of
consequences on criminal behavior and the effect of the principles of restorative justice on the
offenders following the end of the restorative process. It is important for people to understand
how the criminal justice system works, to be aware of the law, and the consequences for
violating the law, as certain laws are punishable by fines and fees while others are punishable by
incarceration or even death. The same is true in the workplace. Violations of policies can result
in discipline, up to and including termination. The study of social history and how society plays a
role in the criminality of an offender and his role in society following his punishment has always
interested me and I would like to apply what I have learned in my criminal justice studies to my
current and future workplace position.
The philosophy of restorative justice seeks to draw from both research and practice and
can be distinguished from other criminal justice philosophies by how they address questions
about punishment. For example, deterrent theory is, per Deigh (2014), intended to deter
offenders from committing future offenses, however it some see it as short-sighted when
incarceration, which is temporary, is used as deterrence. Retributive theory, which, many
consider the best response to a crime so long as the punishment is proportionate to the offense, is
often viewed as being inflicted for its own sake rather than to serve a social purpose (Strelan,
Feather, & Mckee, n.d.). Principles of restorative justice are focused on bringing healing to the
victim through various means, including restitution, while restoring the offender back to the
community in hopes that he can be productive (Young, 2006).
I will be able to apply the principles of restorative justice in my career as a privacy
analyst investigating those who are guilty of violating the laws protecting private health

information will be given the opportunity to make amends for their errors. People should be
given the opportunity to correct their mistakes, especially if there was no criminal intent.
Education and the opportunity for redemption are often the best remedy and if people believe
they will be treated fairly, they will be more likely to own their mistakes (Robinson, n.d.). By
applying to principles of restorative justice to mistakes in the workplace, employees can maintain
their positions and regain their integrity. Making a mistake should not always or automatically
result in termination.
References
Deigh, J. (2014). Punishment and proportionality. Criminal Justice Ethics, 33(3), 185-199.
doi:10.1080/0731129X.2014.988429.
Robinson, M. (n.d). Assessing criminal justice practice using social justice theory. Social Justice
Research, 23(1), 77-97. Retrieved from https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?
url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=edswss&AN=000276149900005&site=eds-live&scope=site.
Strelan, P., Feather, N., & Mckee, I. (n.d). Retributive and inclusive justice goals and
forgiveness: the influence of motivational values. Social Justice Research, 24(2), 126-
142. Retrieved from https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?
direct=true&db=edswss&AN=000291952600002&site=eds-live&scope=site.
Young, P. G. (2006). Community justice: exploring possibilities. Idaho Law Review, 42(2), 307-
311. Retrieved from https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?
direct=true&db=ofs&AN=502627775&site=eds-live&scope=site.

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
Jennifer K. Lamley
April 20, 2016

Restorative Justice and the Common Good
General welfare, as defined in the preamble to the United States Constitution, is the
purpose of government to “secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity,"
(Santorum, 2003). General welfare and common good refer to an individual’s capability to
procure and retain basic resources and necessities, including housing, education, and medical
care. Studies have shown that when a community’s general welfare is supported sufficiently that
a positive consequence is a lower crime rate and increased stability (Berigan & Irwin, n.d.).
General welfare and common good refer to an individual’s capability to procure and retain basic
resources and necessities, including housing, education, and medical care. Studies have shown
that when a community’s general welfare is sufficiently supported that a positive consequence is
a lower crime rate and increased stability (Berigan & Irwin, n.d.). Individual’ perceptions are
influenced by culture about cooperation and voluntary contributions. Culture also influences
individuals’ perception in supporting the common good. Contribution and support can take form
in two ways. First, an individual may contribute directly to the cause through participation, such
as donating to a charitable organization. Second, an individual may contribute by supporting a
system that controls the contributions of every individual, such as maintaining government
agendas that reallocate resources, such as personal wealth (Berigan & Irwin, n.d). Restorative
justice is a form of cooperation between members of a community as it encourages cooperation
in dealing with social dilemmas. Social dilemmas arise when there is a conflict between an
individual and a collective interest (Berigan & Irwin, n.d.).
Crime is a fundamental violation of people and relationships and the primary objective of
the restorative justice process is to heal the victim and restore the offender to the community
(Reed & Hipp, 2009). While the primary victims are those who are directly affected by the

actions of the offender, others, such as family members, may be indirectly impacted by the
offender’s actions. Each of these relationships must be addressed during the restorative process.
The obligations of the offender are to make things as right as possible. When a crime is
perpetrated against a person who is a member of a special or protected class, it is often referred
to as a “hate” crime and additional charges are often pursued. Protected classes, as defined by
federal law, include characteristics which cannot be targeted for discrimination such as race, age,
national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender. Individual states can create other special
classes. The restorative justice process can be implemented when the victim is afforded the
opportunity to share with the offender how he or she was impacted by the crimes.
When a crime is perpetrated against an individual due to the individual’s ethnicity or
religion, for example, the entire community that shares that ethnicity or religion may feel
violated. Through the restorative process, the offender will be afforded the opportunity to hear
how his or her actions affected the primary victim, and, if applicable, family members and other
members of the community who were affected by the crime. If the offender can accept
responsibility for the crime, understand how the crime impacted the victim(s), and make
restitution, then the offender can be restored to the community and will be at a decreased risk for
committing future offenses. The same offender who faces charges in criminal court is not always
afforded the opportunity to hear how his actions impacted the victim, let alone the rest of the
community.
However, it is not just “special” or “protected” classes of people who will benefit from
the principles of restorative justice. These principles will positively impact society including
both juveniles and adults. Often bullying happens when a juvenile targets a peer who may be
different (Schweiger, 1999). Difference may include a physical impediment such as a deformity

or a different way of dressing or acting because of a culture or religion. When the victim is given
the opportunity to explain how he or she was impacted by the actions of the offender, the
offender can change his or her opinions and future actions. Restorative justice allows the
offender the opportunity to make the situation right without retribution. (Dorne, 2008). Special or
protected classes do not hinder the process of restorative justice, but may enhance it.
.

References
Berigan N, Irwin K. Culture, Cooperation, and the General Welfare. Social Psychology
Quarterly [serial online]. December 2011;74 (4):341-360. Available from: Academic
Search Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed April 19, 2016. Retrieved from
http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/eds/detail/detail?vid=3&sid=347b167a-
4d1f-4b2a-98ae-e81b4b48d2ae
%40sessionmgr4005&hid=4105&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0Z
Q%3d%3d#db=a9h&AN=69672123.
Dorne, C. (2008). Restorative justice in the United States: an introduction. Upper Saddle River,
N.J: Pearson/Prentice Hall.
Reed, O. Lee, and E. Clayton Hipp. "A “Commonest” Manifesto: Property and the General
Welfare." American Business Law Journal 46, no. 1 (Spring 2009): 103-137. OmniFile
Full Text Select (H.W. Wilson), EBSCOhost. Retrieved from
Q%3d%3d#AN=502095778&db=ofs/
Santorum, R. (2003, October 20). The Necessity of Marriage. Retrieved April 17, 2016, from
http://www.heritage.org/research/lecture/the-necessity-of-marriage.
Schweigert, F. J. (1999). Learning the Common Good: Principles of community-based moral
education in restorative justice. Journal of Moral Education, 28(2), 163-183.
doi:10.1080/030572499103197. Retrieved from
Q%3d%3d#AN=2005-11239-003&db=psyh.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
Jennifer K. Lamley
May 11, 2016

Streamlining the Criminal Justice System
The current state of the criminal justice system in the United States is overburdened,
expensive, and inefficient. Many believe that the criminal system needs streamlined; however,
opinions vary on how best to accomplish this goal (Rocha, 2011). Streamlining the criminal
justice system would allow it to dispense justice more efficiently and effectively. Traditional
suggestions include ensuring that the courts are adequately funded to safeguard enough staff to
keep the process fluid, ensuring that judges are impartial to maintain equality in caseloads and
avoid backlog, holding judges accountable to be engaged in the process from beginning to end to
ensure speedy resolutions to cases, and streamline processes to limit the number of motions that
can be filed or the number of expert witnesses utilized. It has also been suggested to removing
family matters such as divorces from the docket, however, that raises the concern that these
parties may perceive their right to access the courts are being restricted (Rocha, 2011).
Alternative suggestions include modernizing the legal code, utilizing new technology, and
streamlining processes (Rocha, 2011). The current legal code is byzantine in nature as it deals
mostly with issues of right and wrong, it can be overly harsh and is often poorly written (Rocha,
2011). New technology, such as virtual courtrooms, would allow defendants and inmates to
appear before a judge without leaving the jail or prison will save the expense of added security
and transportation and free up personnel for other duties. Processes such as tracking, charging,
and sentencing could be streamlined to dispense justice in a timelier manner.
Streamlining the criminal justice system would make the system more effective and
efficient at all levels, including the federal level, and would facilitate the application of
restorative justice at the federal level (Pomper, 2000). Restorative justice works best in
communities where close bonds exist. By streamlining the processes court personnel, including

judges, attorneys, and clerks would be working together with the common objective of
dispending quick and fair justice. Restorative justice replaces traditional goal of punishment with
an attempt to heal all parties involved, including restitution for the victim and restoration for the
offender (Dorne, 2008). It also seeks to reduce crime, as the offender can bear responsibility for
his actions without fear of additional or harsher punishment and can accept that his actions
negatively impacted his victim, others, and his community (Dorne, 2008).
While the principles of restorative justice may be easier to apply to local communities
and provide the opportunities for consistent application of the processes, application at the
federal level would still be beneficial. Implementing the principles of restorative justice at all
levels of the criminal system would streamline the system (Pomper, 2000). Benefits would
include reduced recidivism, reduced inmate population, and reduced burden on the court system
(Pomper, 2000).
In closing, streamlining the justice system is beneficial to all involved parties, from
enforcement to court personnel to corrections officers, and victims, families, communities, and
offenders. The burden of costs on the taxpayers would be reduced, while victims would receive
some form of restitution and offenders would be restored to their communities. The latter is
especially important in reducing the rate of recidivism as offenders would not necessarily be
labeled “felons,” and would be more likely to be productive members of society and able to
obtain employment.

References
Pomper, S. (2000). Reasonable doubts. Washington Monthly, 32(6), 21-26. Retrieved from
http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/eds/detail/detail?vid=4&sid=1a411cd1-
6595-4af0-a107-
220cffe4ffa3%40sessionmgr4005&hid=4102&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2N
vcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#AN=503673501&db=ofs.
Rocha, J. (2011, November). NACDL. Retrieved from http://www.nacdl.org/Champion.aspx?
id=23289.

JUSTICE IN THE COMMUNITY ESSAY
Jennifer K. Lamley
March 23, 2016

Justice within the Community
The word “justice” invokes visions of fair-mindedness, peace, and a respect for people.
Justice is expected to be even-handed, fair, objective, and neutral. Most people can agree on the
former when looking at the big picture. However, when people begin to think about what justice
means to them, personally, or what they have experienced, the definitions may become more
complex and introspective. Individual backgrounds can affect how people view justice, some
people define justice as equality, others define it as equity (you get out what you put in), and
others see it as a safety net for those who are unable to protect themselves due to disability,
incompetence, or some other reason (Burgess & Burgess, 1999). Personal experience and
expectations also define an individual’s concept of justice, which focuses more on the output, or
result. Defining justice becomes more complex when including the concept of criminal justice.
Our current system of criminal justice is retributive, the basis of which is the punishment should
fit the crime. However, there is a movement towards restorative justice, which is centered on the
wishes of both the victim and the law breaker. The victim is encouraged to take a more active
role in the process, ending with the offender taking responsibility for his actions and obtaining
the support to not reoffend. There has been much discussion regarding the positives and
negatives of applying restorative justice to our current criminal justice system, especially with
the seemingly increasing mistrust of law enforcement and decreased confidence in the current
justice system.
Our current system of retributive justice is based on three main beliefs: the punishment
should fit the crime, punishment should be handed down regardless of mitigating circumstances,
and it is ethically objectionable to knowingly reprimand the not guilty or to enforce excessively
harsh punishments on the guilty (Dorne, 2008). Over the past several decades, the concept of

punishment for retribution has become challenging and problematic. Punishment is the basis of
retributive justice. For something to be considered punishment, it must meet four criteria: it must
inflict a hardship or cost on the offender, it must be intentional, it must be in response to an
offense that has been deemed wrong by law, and it must send the message that the offender is in
the wrong (Dorne, 2008). Retribution should not be confused with revenge or vengeance as the
latter are personal, but punishments should be handed down by an impartial and objective
punisher (Dorne, 2008). Some believe that by having a retributive system of criminal justice that
vigilantism is avoided, and this view supports a practical validation for punishment (Dorne,
2008).
When discussing retribution, the question arises of who may provide the punishment. The
most common view is that the victim has the right to impose punishment, but that right has been
transferred to the State, thus eliminating the opportunity for vigilantism and the chance that the
victim is incapable of imposing punishment (Wellford, 1997). It has been suggested that the
offender may act as his own punisher if he has faced public shaming and ostracism, however
formal punishment should not be abandoned in place of informal punishment (Wellford, 1997).
There are two significant criticisms to retributive justice: the limit or restriction of the
punishment to fit the crime at times conflicting and that harsh punishment is not instrumentally
valuable (Wellford, 1997). Even with punishment, offenders still have the choice to reoffend.
Restorative justice centers on the wishes of both the victim and the guilty party with the
goal of restoring the offender to the community. This is in contrast with the retributive system of
justice that focuses on punishment and satisfying principles of legality (Wellford, 1997).
Restorative justice also allows for the victim to play a more active role, thus encouraging
offenders to take responsibility for their actions, including apologizing, making restitution, or

participating in community service. Just like retributive justice, the goal of restorative justice is
to help the offender to not commit additional crimes. In a true restorative justice system, the
focus of addressing crime is moved to the victim and community, with law officials acting in a
secondary capacity (Wellford, 1997). Instead of focusing on what laws have been broken, by
whom, and what punishment is deserved, restorative justice focuses on the victim or community
that was hurt, the needs of the offended, who is the obligor and what are the causes, and the
appropriate process for addresses all concerns and making things right (Wellford, 1997).
While the concept of restorative justice is somewhat new in the United States justice
system, only evolving in the last several decades, it has been a part of the culture of indigenous
people for hundreds, or thousands, of years (Burgess & Burgess, 1999). People indigenous to
North America, have long embraced the principles of restorative justice which provided for the
protection of people, societal stability, and maintaining integrity of the culture (Burgess &
Burgess, 1999). Additionally, restorative justice is practiced in the Mennonite, Amish, and
Quaker communities and plays a significant role in their juvenile justice system (Burgess &
Burgess, 1999). They believe that restorative justice is compatible with their pacifist lifestyle and
culture and is more humane than the more traditional retributive justice system. Some cultures
practice restorative circles which involve many participants, which include, in addition to the
victim and offender, the community, schools, and neighborhoods (Burgess & Burgess, 1999).
Circles include a restorative group for the victim, a separate restorative group for the guilty
party, a sentencing group, and a follow up group that monitors development, with the goal of the
circles to restore the offender to the community (Boyes-Watson, 2014).
The justice system in the United States has witnessed an increase in mediation programs,
partnered with academic centers, that work to facilitate peace-building between victims and

offenders (Coleman & Mendlow, 2010). Restorative justice programs can also be found in
prisons and have been applied to those awaiting trial, both civil and criminal (Coleman &
Mendlow, 2010). Offenders are encouraged to engage in the process and participate in
mediation.
The main objective of both retributive justice and restorative justice is to reduce the
recidivism rate of offenders. Most studies show mixed results, but several studies published since
2013 have shown significant results in favor of restoration (Boyes-Watson, 2014). With
increasing distrust amongst the public with regards to law enforcement and the justice system in
its entirety, a move to restorative justice may restore the confidence level of the public. People
may be more willing to accept responsibility for their actions if they know they will have the
opportunity to be part of society once they have made amends. By participating in the justice
process, offenders can see how their actions affect others and can learn how to be a more
productive member of society.

References
Boyes-Watson, C. (2014). Suffolk University, College of Arts & Sciences, Center for
Restorative Justice. Retrieved from http://www.suffolk.edu/college/centers/15970.php.
Burgess, G., & Burgess, H. (1999, July 20). Differing Definitions of Justice. Retrieved from
http://www.colorado.edu/conflict/peace/problem/defjust.htm.
Coleman, J. & Mendlow, G. (2010). Theories of Tort Law. The Stanford Encyclopedia of
Philosophy (Fall 2010 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), Retrieved from
http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2010/entries/tort-theories/.
Wellford, C. (1997, December). Two roles of criminal justice. Retrieved from
http://www.cjimagazine.com/archives/cjief73-2.html?id=547.

Five-year plan:
2016, Graduate with a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Legal Studies.
2017, Obtain a position in the Criminal Justice/Legal field.
2018, Transition into a supervisory position within chosen career.
2019, Incorporate education, training, and experience into research and complete research
proposal.
2020, Five-year plan will be completed with application and acceptance to law school.

Cybercrime
Jennifer K. Lamley
November 2, 2016

Cybercrime
The issue of cybercrime is relevant to both the criminal justice field and the healthcare
industry. Cybercrime is a serious issue facing healthcare facilities as they find themselves being
attacked by hackers and spammers on a nearly ongoing basis (Hixson, 2013). Cybercrime is
internet based and is therefore a relatively new crime. It can include hacking into computer
networks, flooding the organization’s email application with spam, which is a high-volume of
junk email, and can even copy an organization’s email address or high-jack actual email
addresses and use them to send junk email to other organizations or to send links allowing the
hackers access to the network. Sensitive information can be stolen, such as private healthcare
records, human resource records, or any other information that is available on the network.
Cybercrime costs the healthcare industry an estimated $5.6B yearly (Hyman, 2013). More
research is needed to fully understand the economic ramifications and the effects on privacy in
the healthcare arena (Hixson, 2013). This paper will discuss what cybercrime is, the effects it has
on the healthcare industry, and occurrences can be prevented or reduced.
What Defines Cybercrime
The Federal Bureau of Investigation defines cybercrime as a crime in which a
computer is used as a tool to commit an offense (Cybercrime, 2016). Due to the speed of growth
in the communication and information technologies and dependence of both governments and
businesses, the occurrences of exploitation of software components, hardware, and application
have increased rapidly. Traditionally, three factors that make up the commitment of a crime
include identification of a target, a determined offender, and the absence of preventive measures
(Moise, 2014). However, cybercrime differs from tradition crime in several ways. The offender
can remain anonymous as it is not necessary to be present to commit the act, there are no

established borders, in most cases extensive knowledge of computers or other technology is not
required, and the amount of time to commit the crime is minimal. Attacks on networks can
originate down the street or in a country that is thousands of miles away and attacks can happen
in an instant with multiple attacks happening simultaneously. Next, this essay will discuss the
effects of cybercrime on the healthcare industry.
The Effects of Cybercrime
Cybercrime is a serious and rapidly growing threat to the healthcare industry. The top 15
breaches of data in 2015 affected over 100 million people, thus compromising personal
information that includes private health information, private insurance information, and other
data breaches. Additionally, major health insurance providers such as Aetna, Premera, and
Carefirst have reported breaches that affected more the 143 million records in total (Hyman,
2013). Cybercrime has become a crisis of pandemic proportion, making healthcare more
expensive for patients, insurers, providers, and healthcare facilities. Ponemon Institute, located in
Traverse City, Michigan, is renowned for being a high-security research firm that conducts
independent research regarding data protection, information security policy, and privacy,
reported that cyberattacks against healthcare industry in the United States costs more than $6
billion annually (Ponemon Institute, 2016). Healthcare provides a very attractive target for cyber
criminals due to the nature of the information that is available, including birthdate, social
security numbers, personal and business addresses, credit card and banking information,
insurance information, and medical history.
Cyberattacks affect individuals in more ways than violating their privacy. Stolen health
information is an extremely valuable commodity as the data is longer lasting and cannot be
canceled like a credit card. A patient’s insurance information may be breached and then used

fraudulently, thus causing a stranger’s health information to be intermixed, threating the patient’s
safety with possible wrong diagnoses and treatments. Extricating the fraudulent information from
a patient’s medical record and insurance liabilities is complex and requires a large amount of
time, and most healthcare providers do not help in determining what information has been
compromised (James, 2015). Although charges can be disputed, medical identity theft is more
complicated and stolen medical records sell on the black market for 10 to 20 times the amount of
money as stolen credit card and banking information (Ponemon Institute, 2016).
Cyber criminals know that medical facilities are often behind in implementing the
newest technology that will secure protected information and therefore will not be confronted
with much of a challenge when gaining access to the networks through hacking. Often, once
hackers gain access to a network they can around for a while undetected (Moise, 2014). Due to
the complexity of cybercrime in the healthcare industry and the propensity for the crimes to cross
borders, there have been an increasing number of partnerships involving the U.S. Federal Bureau
of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and even the U.S. State Department
“to address cybercrime in a coordinated and cohesive manner,” (Cybercrime, 2016). Next, this
essay will discuss ways to reduce or prevent cyberattacks.
Prevention of Cybercrime
Ironically, initiatives that are promoted by the healthcare industry to enhance the patient
experience, often puts patient information at risk. Wi-fi enabled devices frequently used by
healthcare providers such as physicians and nurses, tablets and computers-on-wheels that are
used in place of clipboards and paper, and various pieces of equipment such as monitors (fetal,
heart, temperature, cardiac, and glucose) are patient-friendly, convenient to use, and can improve
patient care. However, these devices also pose a high risk for a security breach if not properly

monitored and protected (James, 2015). Implementation of electronic medical records provide
innumerable enhancements to patient care, but also provide a myriad of opportunities for hackers
as all information including medical history, diagnoses, treatment plans, medication lists,
insurance information, and even payment information is included all in one large database.
Healthcare facilities can learn from the examples set forth by the financial
industry that include the use of automated fraud detection services, employing vigorous security
programs to quickly detect breaches, and having a plan that allows breaches to be rapidly
addressed with those who are affected (James, 2015). However, battling cybercrime is out of the
sophistication and expertise of most of the healthcare industry as its focus remains primarily on
providing top-notch patient care.
Users and administrators of internet technology in use in healthcare facilities need to be
trained in best practices of security awareness. Per Benigno (2013), there are several tools
available that are simple to implement to prevent or reduce cyberattacks in the healthcare setting.
Employment of basic cyber security instruments such as a firewall to prevent infiltration by
hackers. Training users to not click on suspicious links in emails and to be able to identify
phishing scams contained in links in emails in on websites. Enhanced verification procedures in
which each user has a unique username and password with which to access the system.
Restricted access to the system based on role of end user, meaning users can only access the
information that is necessary to complete their assigned tasks. Utilizing real-time monitoring to
ensure that users are only accessing information that is required. Implementation of security
polices and continuous auditing for compliance. Installation of a back-up security system in case
the main system fails. Lastly, development of a plan to quickly advise affected patients of any
security breaches so they are able monitor their information and accounts for fraudulent use.

These preventive measures can be implemented relatively fast and inexpensively within a single
facility or within an entire health system (Benigno, 2013).
In addition to the security measures above, collaboration with law enforcement will also
help to combat cyberattacks (Cybercrime, 2016). Many sheriff’s departments, police
departments, investigators, and prosecutors have acquired special training to handle crimes that
involve technology. Many of these law enforcement agencies have the resources to perform
forensic analysis to determine from where an attack occurred. If the breach is serious or meets
certain criteria, federal law enforcement, such as the FBI, may become involved (cybercrime,
2016).
Conclusion
This essay discussed what cybercrime is, the effects it has on the healthcare industry, and
occurrences can be prevented or reduced. Training users and administrators in best practices of
security awareness and implementation of tools to prevent cyberattacks is currently the best way
to protect sensitive patient information and healthcare resources. Collaboration with law
enforcement with resources to investigate breaches will help in combatting cybercrime.
Although, prevention is the best solution for cyberattacks, any reduction is positive and will help
to save costs in an industry that is heavily critiqued for its costs to patients.

References
Benigno, R. (2013, May 14). Hospital Cyber security: Emergency prevention tips. Retrieved
from Becker’s Hospital Review, http://www.beckershospitalreview.com/healthcare-
information-technology/hospital-cyber-security-emergency-prevention-tips.html
Cybercrime. (2016, November 14). Retrieved from Federal Bureau of Investigation,
https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber.
Hixson, R. (2013). The evolution of the business side of health care. Annals of Psychotherapy &
Integrative Health. 16(2), 19-21. Retrieved from https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?
url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=psyh&AN=2015-24718-
003&site=eds-live&scope=site.
Hyman, P. (2013). Cybercrime: it's serious, but exactly how serious? Communications of the
ACM, 56(3), 18-20. doi:10.1145/2428556.2428563.
James, S. (2015, December 21). Growing pains: cybercrime plagues the healthcare industry.
Retrieved from Healthcare IT News, http://www.healthcareitnews.com/blog/growing-
pains-cybercrime-plagues-healthcare-industry.
Moise, A. C. (2014). Some considerations on the phenomenon of cybercrime, Journal of
Advanced Research in Law and Economics, (Volume V, Summer), 1(9): 38 – 43, doi:
10.14505/jarle v5.1(9).04.
Ponemon Institute - measuring trust in privacy and security. (2016). Retrieved from Ponemon
Institute Research Finding, https://www.ponemon.org/

Portfolio Lamley

Recomendados

Recomendados

Más contenido relacionado

Similar a Portfolio Lamley

Similar a Portfolio Lamley (13)

Portfolio Lamley