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Cybersecurity and Client Data Protection in Social Work: Key Issues for the ASWB Exam

Cybersecurity and Client Data Protection in Social Work: Key Issues for the ASWB Exam

In a world where nearly every aspect of our lives is touched by digital technology, Social Work is no exception. From online records to teletherapy, digital tools have transformed how Social Workers support and communicate with clients. However, this technological shift brings new challenges, particularly in safeguarding sensitive client information. Cybersecurity has become a cornerstone of ethical Social Work practice, as it ensures confidentiality, protects client trust, and upholds professional integrity.

For Social Workers, cybersecurity isn’t just a technical concern—it’s a vital part of client care. Protecting data requires a solid understanding of not only best practices, like encryption and two-factor authentication, but also of the ethical and legal obligations tied to data protection.

With regulations such as HIPAA mandating strict standards, Social Workers must be proactive in learning how to handle, store, and communicate client information securely. This responsibility extends to all facets of Social Work, whether in person, over the phone, or online, highlighting the need for thorough cybersecurity knowledge to meet both professional and ethical standards.

As the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Exam incorporates more content on cybersecurity and client data protection, Social Workers must be well-prepared to tackle these topics. This guide covers the essentials of cybersecurity in Social Work, covering practical tips, ethical considerations, and regulatory requirements crucial for exam preparation. By understanding the key issues surrounding cybersecurity and data protection, Social Workers can better equip themselves to safeguard their clients’ confidentiality and meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Learn more about the ASWB exam and create a personalized ASWB study plan with Agents of Change. We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers pass their ASWB exams and want to help you be next!

1) Cybersecurity in Social Work: Why It Matters

Cybersecurity isn’t a field typically associated with Social Work, but as technology integrates into every part of our lives, Social Workers must now consider data protection as a central aspect of their practice. The sensitive nature of Social Work requires Social Workers to keep client information confidential, safe, and only accessible to those authorized.

a diverse social worker in front of a computer with a questioning look on their face

A data breach or cyberattack can have severe consequences, not just for the Social Worker or organization but for the client’s trust, safety, and well-being. Here’s a closer look at why cybersecurity is so vital in Social Work, broken down into specific areas with the most significant impact.

Protecting Client Confidentiality

At the core of Social Work is the ethical commitment to confidentiality. Clients share personal, often difficult information with their Social Workers, trusting that this information will remain private. Cybersecurity practices are essential to ensure this trust remains intact and that client details are protected from unauthorized access.

Confidentiality Risks in the Digital Age:

  • Online Record-Keeping: As more Social Work records are stored digitally, they become potential targets for cybercriminals.
  • Teletherapy and Virtual Communication: With online consultations becoming more common, Social Workers must ensure that the platforms they use are secure and that clients’ data is safe.
  • Remote Work Vulnerabilities: Social Workers working from home may inadvertently expose client data if their internet connections or devices aren’t adequately protected.

Cybersecurity practices, such as using encrypted platforms and secure storage solutions, are the bedrock for maintaining confidentiality in the digital age.

Building and Maintaining Client Trust

Client trust is a non-negotiable component of the Social Worker-client relationship. If a client’s data is compromised, that trust can be shattered, affecting their comfort and willingness to engage with Social Work services. A Social Worker must be diligent in demonstrating and communicating the safety measures they use to protect client information.

Ways to Demonstrate Cybersecurity Commitment to Clients:

  • Educating Clients about safe online practices, such as verifying the Social Worker’s email and never sharing passwords.
  • Offering Transparency on data practices, including informing clients how and where their data is stored.
  • Providing Choices where possible, such as letting clients decide if they prefer certain forms of communication over others.

When clients feel their information is safe, they are more likely to fully engage in the therapeutic process, share sensitive information, and trust the Social Work process. Cybersecurity thus plays a direct role in creating a supportive and trustworthy environment.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Social Workers are subject to specific laws and regulations when it comes to data protection, particularly when handling sensitive health or personal information. Regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the United States mandate that healthcare professionals, including many Social Workers, follow strict data protection protocols.

Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to penalties and impact a Social Worker’s professional standing.

Key Regulations Affecting Social Work Cybersecurity:

  • HIPAA: Requires Social Workers to protect clients’ protected health information (PHI) and mandates specific data security measures.
  • GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): For Social Workers in the European Union, GDPR outlines strict standards for data processing, with hefty fines for breaches.
  • FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): Social Workers working with minors in educational settings must follow FERPA guidelines to protect student information.

Adherence to these regulations is non-negotiable for Social Workers, especially when handling sensitive data. Having a strong cybersecurity approach helps ensure that Social Workers stay within legal boundaries while safeguarding client information.

Preventing Identity Theft and Client Harm

Cyberattacks do more than breach privacy; they can have real-world consequences for clients, including identity theft or emotional distress. Social Workers often have access to private information, such as medical records, financial details, and family history. In the wrong hands, this information can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, or personal threats.

Specific Client Risks:

  • Identity Theft: Personal information, such as Social Security numbers and financial data, can be stolen and misused.
  • Reputation Damage: Leaked information could lead to stigma, judgment, or personal distress if private details become public.
  • Physical and Emotional Safety: Clients in abusive situations may be put at risk if confidential addresses or contacts are leaked.

A robust cybersecurity approach helps prevent these forms of harm, ensuring that Social Workers can support clients in a safe, protected environment.

The Increasing Threat of Cybercrime

Cybercrime is an ever-evolving field, with new types of threats emerging constantly. Social Workers must stay informed of the latest cyber threats, as the data they handle is valuable to attackers. Phishing, ransomware, and malware are some of the common forms of cybercrime targeting sensitive information in various fields, including Social Work.

Common Cybersecurity Threats for Social Workers

  • Phishing Attacks: Cybercriminals often disguise themselves as trusted entities to gain access to personal data through emails or messages.
  • Ransomware: This malicious software encrypts data, with attackers demanding payment for its release. This type of attack could block access to vital client information.
  • Malware: Malicious software that can infiltrate computers or networks, potentially exposing sensitive data.

Staying aware of these threats and implementing countermeasures, such as firewalls, anti-virus software, and employee training, is essential for any Social Worker handling digital client data.

Practical Cybersecurity Measures for Social Workers

To effectively protect client data, Social Workers need to implement practical, reliable cybersecurity measures. These security measures go beyond technical knowledge and extend into everyday habits and choices that Social Workers make to secure client data.

a confident, diverse social worker smiling as they look at their phone, set in a welcoming and well-lit workspace that conveys approachability and warmth.

Basic Cybersecurity Measures:

  • Strong Passwords: Use complex passwords and avoid reusing them across platforms. A password manager can help manage unique passwords securely.
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA wherever possible to add an extra layer of security.
  • Regular Updates: Ensure that all software, including operating systems and applications, is up-to-date to guard against vulnerabilities.
  • Encrypted Platforms: Use platforms that offer end-to-end encryption for storing or communicating client data.
  • Secure Networks: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for client-related work, and consider using a VPN for additional security when working remotely.

Implementing these measures can help Social Workers reduce the likelihood of a breach, ensuring that clients’ information remains secure at all times.

Cybersecurity Knowledge for ASWB Exam Success

Given the ASWB Exam’s recent emphasis on cybersecurity, having a foundational understanding of data protection is essential for Social Workers preparing for the test. The exam may cover everything from the legal and ethical considerations of client data protection to specific security practices that safeguard client confidentiality.

Topics to Review for the ASWB Exam

  • Legal Obligations: Familiarize yourself with HIPAA, GDPR, and other data protection laws relevant to Social Work.
  • Ethical Guidelines: Know how to apply the principles of client autonomy, informed consent, and confidentiality to digital data.
  • Cybersecurity Best Practices: Review basic cybersecurity terms (like encryption and malware) and protective practices like 2FA and password management.

This knowledge will not only help Social Workers succeed on the ASWB Exam but also provide them with the essential skills needed to navigate cybersecurity in their everyday practice.

Cybersecurity in Social Work isn’t just a technical skill—it’s a critical safeguard for client confidentiality, trust, and well-being. Social Workers who invest time in learning about data protection can positively impact their clients’ lives, helping them feel safe and supported in a world where digital threats are a real and growing concern.

Agents of Change packages include 30+ ASWB topics, 2 free study groups per month, and hundreds of practice questions so you’ll be ready for test day!

2) Key Cybersecurity Terms Every Social Worker Should Know

Understanding the language of cybersecurity is essential for Social Workers who are committed to protecting their clients’ data. Cybersecurity might seem like a technical field, but some basic terms and concepts can significantly improve a Social Worker’s ability to secure sensitive information.

Below are some key terms and their meanings, divided into sections that focus on specific areas like protecting data, managing online threats, and maintaining secure access.

Protecting Data: Essential Security Measures

Protecting data involves techniques and technologies designed to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. For Social Workers, using data protection tools correctly can make all the difference in keeping client information safe.

  • Encryption
    Encryption is a process that converts data into a secure code, making it unreadable to unauthorized users. For Social Workers, encryption is crucial for safeguarding client records, especially when information is stored digitally or shared electronically. Only authorized parties with the decryption key can access the original data.

    • Example: Sending client records via an encrypted email service ensures that only the intended recipient can view the information.

  • Data Minimization
    This principle involves collecting only the data necessary for a given purpose, limiting exposure to sensitive information if a breach occurs. For Social Workers, data minimization helps reduce risks by avoiding unnecessary details in client records or communications.

    • Example: Documenting only relevant case information rather than extraneous details that aren’t essential to client care.

  • Data Backup
    Regular backups create copies of digital information, ensuring that client data can be restored if it’s accidentally deleted or lost during a security incident. Backing up data is a foundational practice for avoiding permanent data loss.

    • Example: Using a secure, cloud-based backup system to store client records ensures data can be recovered if the original files are compromised.

Managing Online Threats

In a digital landscape filled with threats, Social Workers need to be familiar with the types of attacks that could potentially target their systems or data. Recognizing these threats is the first step in preventing them.

  • Phishing
    Phishing is a deceptive attack where hackers disguise themselves as a trustworthy source to trick individuals into sharing sensitive information. Social Workers need to be cautious about phishing attempts, especially since client data can be a valuable target for attackers.

    • Example: Receiving an email that appears to be from an IT department asking for a password reset could be a phishing attempt designed to steal login credentials.

  • Malware
    Malware, short for “malicious software,” is any software intentionally designed to cause damage or unauthorized access. Common types include viruses, spyware, and ransomware. Malware can compromise client information by gaining access to systems without authorization.

    • Example: Accidentally downloading a file from an untrusted source could install malware, giving hackers access to sensitive client records.

  • Ransomware
    This is a specific type of malware that encrypts a user’s files, demanding a ransom payment to restore access. Ransomware can paralyze Social Work organizations, preventing access to critical client data until the ransom is paid.

    • Example: A ransomware attack on a clinic’s database could block access to all client records, disrupting services and potentially harming clients who rely on the clinic’s support.

Ensuring Secure Access

A significant aspect of cybersecurity involves making sure that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive information. Social Workers can prevent unauthorized access by implementing these essential security measures.

a diverse male social worker focused on entering a password on a computer, emphasizing cybersecurity and data protection in a professional office setting.

  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
    2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity through two methods, such as a password and a unique code sent to their phone. This ensures that even if someone has a password, they can’t access the account without the second factor.

    • Example: Logging into a client database with 2FA requires both a password and a code sent to the Social Worker’s phone, making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access.

  • Firewall
    A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. It acts as a barrier, blocking potentially harmful data from accessing the network. Firewalls are essential for protecting both individual devices and broader networks in Social Work settings.

    • Example: A clinic’s network firewall prevents unauthorized devices from accessing internal databases, keeping client information secure.

  • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
    RBAC is a method of limiting access to certain information based on the user’s role within an organization. By assigning different levels of access, Social Workers can ensure that sensitive data is only available to those who truly need it.

    • Example: An administrative assistant in a Social Work office might have access to appointment schedules but not to sensitive case files, which are only accessible to licensed Social Workers.

Safeguarding Client Communications

Social Workers often communicate with clients via digital platforms, making it crucial to understand terms related to secure communications. Protecting these communications is essential for maintaining confidentiality and trust.

  • Secure Messaging
    Secure messaging uses encryption to protect messages sent between the Social Worker and the client. Only the sender and receiver can read the messages, making it a safe option for discussing sensitive topics.

    • Example: A Social Worker using a secure messaging platform for check-ins ensures that no third parties can access the content of the conversation.

  • Virtual Private Network (VPN)
    A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection over the internet, masking the user’s IP address and protecting data from being intercepted. VPNs are useful for Social Workers working remotely or in public places.

    • Example: When a Social Worker accesses client files from a coffee shop, using a VPN keeps the connection secure from potential hackers on the public Wi-Fi network.

Understanding Cybersecurity for the ASWB Exam

For those preparing for the ASWB Exam, familiarity with these terms and their practical applications is essential. Here’s a quick list of the key terms to focus on for exam success:

  • Encryption
  • Phishing
  • Malware
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
  • Firewall
  • Data Backup
  • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

A solid grasp of these cybersecurity terms helps Social Workers understand the risks involved in digital practice and ensures they’re prepared to handle client data safely. This knowledge is valuable for passing the ASWB Exam and critical for creating a secure environment that respects and protects clients’ privacy.

3) Preparing for the ASWB Exam: Cybersecurity and Client Data Protection

The ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards) Exam is designed to test a Social Worker’s knowledge, skills, and ethics across various areas of the field, including emerging topics like cybersecurity and data protection.

With the growing importance of digital tools in Social Work, the exam has incorporated questions on how to safeguard client data effectively and responsibly. Preparing for these questions requires a solid understanding of legal, ethical, and practical cybersecurity principles.

This section covers everything you need to know about cybersecurity and client data protection as you prepare for the ASWB Exam, including core topics, key study tips, and common question formats.

Key Cybersecurity and Data Protection Topics

The ASWB Exam focuses on areas that impact client safety, confidentiality, and ethical practice. The cybersecurity and data protection questions on the exam often center around fundamental concepts, laws, and ethical responsibilities that govern how Social Workers manage client information. Let’s break down the essential topics you should understand.

1. Legal Standards and Compliance

Social Workers must follow specific laws and regulations to ensure client data is protected. Regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) outline mandatory guidelines for data protection, especially when dealing with health-related information. Understanding these legal requirements helps Social Workers maintain compliance and avoid costly errors.

Key Legal Concepts to Study:

  • HIPAA Compliance: Familiarize yourself with HIPAA’s main points, including rules around PHI (protected health information), client consent for information sharing, and requirements for digital data storage.
  • GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): While primarily an EU regulation, understanding GDPR can be useful for Social Workers with international clients or in agencies with global partnerships.
  • FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): Essential for Social Workers working in educational settings, FERPA outlines requirements for protecting student information and parental access to records.

2. Ethical Considerations in Data Protection

Ethical responsibility is at the heart of Social Work, and this extends to data protection. Social Workers must respect client confidentiality, ensure informed consent, and uphold the ethical standards set by organizations like NASW (National Association of Social Workers). Understanding how to apply these ethical principles to digital data is crucial for the ASWB Exam.

Important Ethical Principles to Review:

  • Confidentiality: Be prepared to answer questions on safeguarding client information in various formats (written, digital, and verbal).
  • Informed Consent: Social Workers need to obtain clear consent when using digital communication tools and ensure clients understand the risks involved.
  • Client Autonomy: Respecting a client’s right to control their data includes allowing them to choose preferred communication methods and explaining privacy risks.

3. Practical Cybersecurity Skills

Beyond legal and ethical considerations, the ASWB Exam may assess practical cybersecurity skills. Basic cybersecurity practices, such as password management, two-factor authentication (2FA), and secure communication methods, are increasingly important in Social Work. These practices reduce the risk of data breaches and help Social Workers maintain a secure environment for client interactions.

Core Cybersecurity Skills for Social Workers:

  • Password Management: Use strong, unique passwords and avoid reusing them across platforms.
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Know how and when to use 2FA to secure access to client data.
  • Encrypted Communication: Understand the importance of encrypted platforms for storing or sharing sensitive information.

Tips for Studying Cybersecurity and Data Protection for the ASWB Exam

The ASWB Exam tests applied knowledge, so it’s helpful to study cybersecurity and data protection in a way that emphasizes real-world application. Here are some practical study tips to enhance your understanding of these topics.

Use Case Studies to Understand Application

Case studies provide an effective way to apply cybersecurity concepts in real Social Work scenarios. Look for case studies that discuss data breaches, ethical dilemmas, or legal cases involving Social Work and data protection. Practicing with these examples can give you a clearer understanding of how cybersecurity principles apply in the field.

Suggested Study Steps with Case Studies:

  • Identify Key Issues: Review the ethical, legal, and practical challenges in each case study.
  • Consider Alternative Actions: Think about what the Social Worker could have done differently to protect client data.
  • Reflect on Outcomes: Analyze the consequences of different data protection approaches to deepen your understanding.

Practice Ethical and Legal Scenarios

Ethics-based questions can be challenging on the ASWB Exam, as they often present complex scenarios requiring careful consideration of client welfare, confidentiality, and safety. Practice responding to ethical scenarios involving data protection and cybersecurity to become comfortable with applying ethical principles.

Sample Ethical Scenarios to Practice:

  1. Scenario: A client asks to receive session summaries through an email address that doesn’t have strong security.

    • Question: How do you respond in a way that respects client autonomy while protecting their data?

  2. Scenario: Your laptop containing sensitive client data is stolen.

    • Question: What are your immediate steps, and how do you explain the situation to clients whose data may be affected?

Use ASWB Exam Prep Materials Focusing on Cybersecurity

Specialized ASWB exam prep materials that cover cybersecurity and data protection are helpful for targeted learning. Many exam prep providers have updated their materials to include these topics, reflecting the digital shift in Social Work. Look for practice questions, study guides, or exam prep courses that cover legal standards, ethical considerations, and practical cybersecurity knowledge.

Common Question Formats and What to Expect

The ASWB Exam incorporates different question types, from multiple-choice to scenario-based questions. Below are some question formats you may encounter regarding cybersecurity and data protection.

Knowledge-Based Questions

These questions test your understanding of key terms and definitions. They’re straightforward but require precise knowledge.

Example Question:
Which of the following describes the purpose of encryption in data protection?

  • A) Encrypting data makes it permanently inaccessible to everyone.
  • B) Encryption allows unauthorized users to access information safely.
  • C) Encryption transforms data into a secure format only accessible to authorized users.
  • D) Encryption prevents anyone from saving data on their personal devices.

Answer:
C) Encryption transforms data into a secure format only accessible to authorized users.

Application-Based Questions

These questions assess your ability to apply cybersecurity principles in real-world Social Work settings.

Example Question:
A Social Worker receives an email from a known contact asking for access to client records but notices some grammatical errors and a strange link. What should the Social Worker do?

  • A) Click the link to verify the sender’s request.
  • B) Contact the known contact through a separate communication channel to confirm the email.
  • C) Forward the email to the IT department and delete it.
  • D) Provide the requested client records to avoid delaying services.

Answer:
B) Contact the known contact through a separate communication channel to confirm the email.

Scenario-Based Questions

These questions often involve ethical dilemmas or complex situations where legal, ethical, and practical knowledge intersect.

Example Question:
A client in a high-conflict custody case requests to use a less secure video conferencing platform for convenience. The Social Worker is concerned about data security risks. What should the Social Worker consider first?

  • A) The client’s right to decide which platforms are used
  • B) The security features of the platform and potential risks to confidentiality
  • C) Whether the platform complies with legal data protection standards
  • D) The Social Worker’s workload and availability on other platforms

Answer:
B) The security features of the platform and potential risks to confidentiality.

Final Study Checklist

To help consolidate your cybersecurity knowledge for the ASWB Exam, use this checklist to ensure you’re ready:

  • Understand Key Cybersecurity Terms: Be able to define terms like encryption, 2FA, phishing, and firewall.
  • Review Legal Standards: Familiarize yourself with HIPAA, GDPR, and FERPA as they relate to Social Work.
  • Practice Ethical Scenarios: Be prepared to handle data protection questions with an ethical focus.
  • Master Practical Skills: Know how to use strong passwords, 2FA, and encrypted platforms to secure client data.
  • Familiarize with Exam Format: Review sample questions in multiple-choice and scenario-based formats.

By focusing on these essential areas, you’ll be well-prepared for cybersecurity and data protection questions on the ASWB Exam. Knowing how to protect client data isn’t just an exam requirement—it’s a vital skill that upholds the ethical standards of Social Work and ensures clients’ information remains safe.

With these study strategies and a firm grasp of cybersecurity basics, you’ll be ready to face the exam confidently and apply these principles in your Social Work practice.

4) FAQs – Cybersecurity and Client Data Protection in Social Work: Key Issues for the ASWB Exam

Q: What cybersecurity laws should Social Workers be familiar with for the ASWB Exam?

A: Social Workers should be familiar with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), which mandates data protection practices for healthcare-related information, and FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) for those working in educational settings.

Additionally, understanding GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is useful, particularly for Social Workers interacting with clients or organizations in the European Union, as it sets strict data privacy standards. These laws outline requirements for safeguarding sensitive information, obtaining informed consent, and maintaining secure systems, which are all relevant to data protection questions on the ASWB Exam.

Q: How can Social Workers effectively protect client data when using digital tools?

A: Social Workers can protect client data by following key cybersecurity practices: using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), and choosing encrypted communication platforms for all client interactions.

Avoiding public Wi-Fi for client work, securing personal devices with firewalls and anti-virus software, and routinely updating systems are additional measures that reduce risks. Practicing these steps enhances data protection and aligns with the ethical standards expected in Social Work.

Q: What types of cybersecurity questions should I expect on the ASWB Exam?

A: The ASWB Exam may include questions on recognizing and addressing cybersecurity threats (like phishing or malware), applying legal and ethical standards in data protection, and implementing practical security practices, such as using encryption and managing access controls.

Questions can range from knowledge-based (defining terms like encryption or firewall) to scenario-based, requiring you to navigate ethical dilemmas or respond to data security incidents. Focusing on real-world applications of these concepts will help you effectively answer questions that assess both your technical knowledge and your ability to apply it in practice.

5) Conclusion

As Social Work continues to integrate with digital technology, cybersecurity and client data protection have become fundamental responsibilities. Social Workers must go beyond understanding their therapeutic roles to become proficient in safeguarding sensitive information, ensuring clients feel safe and respected in all interactions.

By mastering cybersecurity basics—from encryption and two-factor authentication to the importance of informed consent—Social Workers demonstrate their commitment to protecting client confidentiality in a digital age.

Preparing for the ASWB Exam is an ideal opportunity to reinforce these crucial skills. Familiarizing oneself with relevant laws like HIPAA and FERPA, understanding ethical responsibilities around client privacy, and learning to identify and mitigate cybersecurity threats are all essential for both the exam and real-world practice. The ASWB Exam’s inclusion of cybersecurity topics reflects the growing need for Social Workers to adapt to these challenges, equipping them with the knowledge to handle client data responsibly and ethically.

6) ASWB Practice Question: Cybersecurity and Client Data Protection in Social Work

A Social Worker receives an email from a known client, asking to communicate further via an unsecured messaging app due to convenience. The client is aware of potential security risks but insists on using this method. What should the Social Worker do to maintain ethical standards while respecting the client’s autonomy?

A) Agree to use the messaging app to respect the client’s preferences.
B) Explain the risks and suggest more secure alternatives, allowing the client to make an informed choice.
C) Refuse to communicate via the messaging app and insist on using only encrypted platforms.
D) Use the messaging app temporarily, with a plan to transition to a secure platform at a later time.

Correct Answer:
B) Explain the risks and suggest more secure alternatives, allowing the client to make an informed choice.

Rationale:
The correct answer is B because it aligns with the Social Work ethical standard of informed consent, allowing the client to understand the risks associated with an unsecured platform.

By explaining the security concerns and suggesting more secure options, the Social Worker respects the client’s autonomy while prioritizing their confidentiality. Simply agreeing (A) or refusing without discussion (C) could overlook the client’s preferences or needs, while using an unsecured platform even temporarily (D) exposes client information unnecessarily.

 

► Learn more about the Agents of Change course here: https://agentsofchangeprep.com

About the Instructor, Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing individualized and group test prep for the ASWB for over 8 years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created the Agents of Change course to help you prepare for and pass the ASWB exam!

Find more from Agents of Change here:

► Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aswbtestprep

► Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/agents-of-change-sw

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Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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