THE rapid evolution of multimedia and communication

technologies offers new means of sharing and remote access

to patient data. In particular, medical imaging is already
called to play important roles in applications like telesurgery,
telediagnosis, and so on. But at the same time, this ease of transmission
and sharing of data increases security issues in terms
of
1) confidentiality, which means that only authorized users
can access patient data;
2) availability, which guarantees access to medical information
in the normal scheduled conditions of access and
exercise;
3) reliability, which is based on a) integrity—a proof that the
information has not been altered or modified by nonauthorized
persons; and b) authentication—a proof of the
information origins and of its attachment to one patient.
Reliable pieces of information can be used confidently by
the physician.