Blockchain as Enabler for Cybersecurity in the Context of Electronic Health Records

Abstract

After the introduction of Bitcoin, the interest in Blockchain increased tremendously. In addition to Blockchain’s first application in cryptocurrencies, other applications and promising ideas for applications have emerged. Blockchain is also suitable for cybersecurity applications. With the connection of cybersecurity to healthcare, Blockchain has great potential due to the sensitive data being processed in this sector. In the area of electronic health records, cybersecurity is an important aspect because of the need to comply with regulations, especially on data protection. Cyber-attacks are becoming more frequent and more complex. These attacks are often successful and have major financial consequences. Due to the sensitivity of the data, cybersecurity is especially important in the healthcare sector. Cyberattacks are particularly serious in healthcare and therefore a major problem. Moreover, there is a potential that Blockchain can bring improvements in cybersecurity. For these reasons, this study was carried out. This study investigates the coverage of cybersecurity relevant requirements to electronic health record systems by Blockchain. Additionally, a system not based on Blockchain is considered for comparison....