What is an example of a technical safeguard for PHI?

Encryption or passwords serve as technical safeguards for Protected Health Information (PHI) because they are designed to protect electronic data by making it accessible only to authorized users. These measures convert information into a coded format that can only be deciphered by someone who has the correct key or password. This is vital in maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive health information in an increasingly digital world.

The key distinction of a technical safeguard lies in its ability to protect information through technology-based methods rather than physical security measures or procedural controls. While options such as locked filing cabinets pertain to physical safeguards, and employee training relates to administrative safeguards, encryption and passwords specifically utilize technology to secure data against unauthorized access and potential breaches. This alignment with the technical nature of data protection distinctly identifies encryption and passwords as appropriate examples of technical safeguards for PHI.