What is a primary reason for keeping sensitive data, like patient information, in-house?

Keeping sensitive data, such as patient information, in-house is primarily driven by regulations on data privacy. These regulations often require organizations to maintain strict control over sensitive information to protect it from unauthorized access and breaches. Maintaining control over sensitive data helps ensure compliance with laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, which mandates the protection of personal health information.

By keeping data in-house, organizations can implement tailored security measures that align with regulatory requirements, conduct regular audits, and ensure that data handling processes are transparent and accountable. This approach reduces the risk of data breaches and helps organizations avoid potential legal penalties and reputational damage that could arise from mishandling sensitive data.

While aspects like monitoring remote databases or time zone differences can pose challenges, they are not the primary driving force behind the decision to keep sensitive data in-house. The compliance landscape and the need for strict data privacy control are the key considerations prompting this choice.