The consequences of data theft in epidemiology can be severe: - Loss of public trust: When sensitive health data is compromised, it can erode public trust in health institutions and research organizations. - Privacy violations: Stolen data can lead to breaches of patient confidentiality, causing emotional and financial harm. - Research setbacks: Data theft can result in the loss of valuable research data, delaying important public health discoveries and interventions. - Legal repercussions: Organizations may face legal actions and penalties for failing to protect sensitive data in compliance with regulations like the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
