Why is Secure Data Storage Important in Epidemiology?

Secure data storage is critical in epidemiology for several reasons. Firstly, epidemiological data often contains sensitive information about individuals, including health records, genetic information, and personal identifiers. Protecting this data is essential to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with regulatory requirements such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Secondly, secure storage ensures the integrity and availability of data, which is paramount for reliable analysis and evidence-based decision making in public health.