• KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems (TIIS)
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• v.15 no.11
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• pp.4145-4162
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• 2021

During the period of epidemic prevention and control, contact tracing systems are developed in many countries, to stop or slow down the progression of COVID-19 contamination. However, the privacy issues involved in the use of contact tracing apps have also attracted people's attention. First, we divide contact tracing techniques into two types: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) based and Global Positioning System (GPS) based techniques. In order to clear understand the system structure and its elements, we create data flow diagram (DFD) of each types. Second, we analyze the possible privacy threats contained in various types of contact tracing apps by applying LINDDUN, which is a threat modeling technique for personal information protection. Third, we make a comparison and analysis of various contact tracing techniques from privacy point of view. These studies can facilitate improve tracing and security performance to contact tracing apps through comparisons between different types.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.16-33
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• 2022

Purposes: Prompt evaluation of routes and contact tracing are very important for epidemiological investigations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To ensure better adoption of contact tracing apps, it is necessary to understand users' expectations, preferences, and concerns. This study aimed to identify main reasons why people use the apps, appropriate services, and basis for voluntary app services that can improve app participation rates and data sharing. Methodology/Approach: This study conducted an online survey from November 11 to December 6, 2020, and received a total of 1,048 survey responses. This study analyzed the questionnaire survey findings of 883 respondents in areas with many confirmed cases of COVID-19. This study used a multiple regression analysis. Findings: Respondents who had experience of using related apps showed a high intention to use contact-tracing apps. Participants wished for the contact tracking apps to be provided by the government or public health centers (74%) and preferred free apps (93.88%). The factors affecting the participants' intention to use these apps were their preventive value, performance expectancy, perceived risk, facilitative ability, and effort expectancy. The results highlighted the need to ensure voluntary participation to address participants' concerns regarding privacy protection and personal information exposure. Practical Implications: The results can be used to accurately identify user needs and appropriate services and thereby improve the development of contact tracking apps. The findings provide the basis for voluntary app that can enhance app participation rates and data sharing. The results will also serve as the basis for developing trusted apps that can facilitate epidemiological investigations.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.21 no.9
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• pp.176-183
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• 2021

Digital medical technology is very effective and at the same time faces the challenge of protecting privacy. However, for contact tracking and exposure notification apps in COVID-19 environment, there is always a trade-off between privacy measures and the effectiveness of the app's use. Today, many countries have developed and used contact tracking and exposure notification apps in various forms to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but the suspicion of digital surveillance (digital panopticon) is unavoidable. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factors of personal information infringement and dissatisfaction through text mining analysis by extracting user reviews of "Self-Quarantine Safety Protection" in Korea. As a result of the text mining analysis, we derived four groups, 'Address recognition error', 'Exit warning error', 'Access error', and 'App. program error'. Since 'Address recognition error' and 'Exit warning error' can give the app users a strong perception that they are keeping under surveillanc by the app, transparent management of personal information protection and consent procedures related to personal information collection are required. In addition, if the other two groups are not corrected immediately due to an error in an app function or a program bug, the complaints of users can be maximized and a protest against the monitor can be raised.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.93-102
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• 2021

The world is facing an unprecedented economic, social and political crisis with the spread of COVID-19. The Corona Virus (COVID-19) and its global spread have resulted in declaring a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The deadly pandemic of 21st century has spread its wings across the globe with an exponential increase in the number of cases in many countries. The developing and underdeveloped countries are struggling hard to counter the rapidly growing and widespread challenge of COVID-19 because it has greatly influenced the global economies whereby the underdeveloped countries are more affected by its devastating impacts, especially the life of the low-income population. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) were particularly useful in spreading key emergency information and helping to maintain extensive social distancing. Updated information and testing results were published on national and local government websites. Mobile devices were used to support early testing and contact tracing. The government provided free smartphone apps that flagged infection hotspots with text alerts on testing and local cases. The purpose of this research work is to provide an in depth overview of emerging technologies and recent ICT developments to combat COVID-19 Pandemic. Finally, the author highlights open challenges in order to give future research directions.