The Board is considering a technology$-$led approach to delivering clinical care to its patients. By moving clinical care to an online delivery $($i$.$e$.$ e$-$health$),$ clinical care will be faster and more convenient for patients. e$-$health is a popular service offered by the medical industry, provided through video call appointments with service providers, removing the need for a patient to attend an office for appointments.

The Board observes that there has been healthy optimism in the Australian digital health sector and several of its competitors already offer e$-$health services. The Board also expects some cost savings from the transition since Coastal Pharmaceuticals will no longer need to maintain multiple shopfronts across the states; however, initial research has indicated consumers may choose to leave Coastal Pharmaceuticals services in favour of in$-$person treatment. Workplace theft will also be curbed since painkillers will no longer be stored at the shopfronts. All prescriptions will be directed to pharmacies that purchase from Coastal Pharmaceuticals.

The transition to e$-$health will be managed by a third$-$party technology provider with extensive experience in e$-$health implementation. While the cost of the implementation will be substantial, Coastal Pharmaceuticals has negotiated staggered payments over the deployment period. As part of the implementation and continued maintenance of the service, Coastal Pharmaceuticals will be required to ensure its infrastructure is safe, from a cybersecurity perspective. Furthermore, Coastal Pharmaceuticals will maintain general security administration of the software.

TASK:

Review the Board$$s proposed transition to e$-$health.

$($a$)$ Identify and explain two $(2)$ risks that Coastal Pharmaceuticals should consider, specifically in relation to the transition.

$($b$)$ Provide one $(1)$ appropriate mitigation strategy for each risk you identified in $2($a$).$ Explain how this mitigation strategy would reduce the risk.