Negotiating security among end users: concept and test in a simulation study for the public health service

Abstract

Which security measures to use in a communicative relationship are situation-dependent and may be controversial among the partners. Tools supporting the definition and negotiation of these security measures are required. GMD has developed negotiation concepts for practical use in a simulation study for the public health service and has implemented them as a model solution. The prototype of a security manager has been installed on a `Personal Digital Assistant' which is connected to a mobile telephone. The security manager is embedded in a system enabling participants to define how and for whom to be available via their mobile telephone. Using the security manager, the caller can define security requirements on his/her Personal Digital Assistant which negotiates these requirements with the security manager of another participant. The practical test with doctors and members of the nursing personnel in the simulation study has proved the feasibility of this approach, but has also revealed a still existing imbalance in negotiating on end user level. Additional organizational and technical measures are required to solve this problem.