Enabling Privacy Preserving Record Linkage Systems Using Asymmetric Key Cryptography.

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Cryptography
• Data Security

Background:

• Traditional record linkage methods often involve sharing sensitive data or common secrets, posing security risks.
• Existing Privacy Preserving Record Linkage (PPRL) systems may require specialized software and struggle with scalability in large, multi-site studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a systemic approach for developing and deploying PPRL systems utilizing asymmetric key cryptography.
• To demonstrate the security benefits and practical advantages of this novel PPRL approach.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of an asymmetric key cryptography framework for PPRL.
• Utilizing private keys and current cryptographic hashes for local data security.
• Ensuring ciphertext token compatibility with existing record linkage modules.

Main Results:

• Eliminates security risks associated with sharing common network secrets.
• Enhances data security by allowing local sites to manage private keys.
• Achieves seamless integration with existing PPRL infrastructures.
• Simplifies hash production to a central party's action.

Conclusions:

• The asymmetric key approach offers greater flexibility and scalability for large-scale, multi-site linkage studies.
• Local sites benefit from not requiring special-purpose software, improving usability.
• This method provides a robust and secure alternative for privacy-preserving data linkage.