CPAS CPAS Network & Connectivity 3

Question 1

What technology allows radiologists to securely access the hospital PACS from a remote location or home office over the internet?

Accepted Answer

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Answer

A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between the remote user and the hospital network, enabling secure PACS access that is equivalent to being physically on-site.

Question 2

What does TLS/SSL encryption protect during DICOM image transmission over a hospital or external network?

Accepted Answer

Data in transit from eavesdropping and tampering

Answer

TLS/SSL encrypts data moving across the network, ensuring that DICOM images and patient information cannot be intercepted or altered by unauthorized parties.

Question 3

In hospital network security, what is the purpose of placing PACS servers in a DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)?

Accepted Answer

To create a controlled network buffer that limits direct internet exposure to internal PACS resources

Answer

A DMZ places public-facing PACS components in a controlled network segment, preventing direct external access to the core archive and internal hospital systems.

Question 4

Which authentication approach provides the highest security for PACS workstation login in a US healthcare environment?

Accepted Answer

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) combining a password with a second verification factor

Answer

MFA requires users to verify identity with both something they know (password) and something they have or are (token/biometric), greatly reducing unauthorized access risk and supporting HIPAA compliance.

Question 5

What is a 'zero-day vulnerability' in the context of PACS cybersecurity?

Accepted Answer

A security flaw that is actively exploited before the vendor has released a patch

Answer

A zero-day vulnerability is a software security weakness being exploited in the wild before a vendor fix exists, making it especially dangerous for healthcare systems that may patch infrequently.

CPAS - Certified PACS Associate Practice Test

CPAS - Certified PACS Associate Practice Test

CPAS CPAS Network & Connectivity 3