Protected Health Information (PHI) refers to any health-related data that can be linked to an individual and is safeguarded under regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the U.S.
PHI includes a wide range of sensitive information stored, transmitted, or processed by healthcare providers, insurers, and business associates.
Examples of PHI
- Patient names, addresses, and phone numbers
- Medical records, diagnoses, and treatment history
- Prescription details and lab test results
- Billing and insurance information
- Any other data that connects health information to a specific person
Why PHI Security is Important
- Privacy Protection - Ensures sensitive health information remains confidential.
- Regulatory Compliance - Healthcare organizations must secure PHI to meet legal standards like HIPAA.
- Cybersecurity Risk - PHI is a prime target for cybercriminals engaging in identity theft and fraud.
How to Protect PHI
- Encrypt data both in transit and at rest to prevent unauthorized access.
- Implement strict access controls to limit who can view or modify PHI.
- Conduct regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities.
- Train employees on HIPAA compliance and secure data handling.