Which term describes protecting electronic PHI during transmission across networks?

Which term describes protecting electronic PHI during transmission across networks?

• A. Encryption
• B. Firewall
• C. Antivirus
• D. Physical barrier

Answer: (A)

Protecting electronic PHI during transmission across networks relies on encryption, which protects data in transit by turning readable information into unreadable ciphertext that only authorized parties with the correct key can decrypt. This ensures confidentiality even if the data is intercepted as it travels between devices or over the internet. In practice, encryption is implemented through protocols like TLS for securing web traffic or IPsec for VPN connections, providing privacy and integrity from sender to receiver. A firewall, while important for controlling which data can cross network boundaries, does not by itself encrypt the content being transmitted. Antivirus protects devices from malicious software rather than safeguarding the contents of network transmissions. A physical barrier addresses protection of devices and media from physical access, not the security of data as it moves across networks.

Protecting electronic PHI during transmission across networks relies on encryption, which protects data in transit by turning readable information into unreadable ciphertext that only authorized parties with the correct key can decrypt. This ensures confidentiality even if the data is intercepted as it travels between devices or over the internet. In practice, encryption is implemented through protocols like TLS for securing web traffic or IPsec for VPN connections, providing privacy and integrity from sender to receiver.

A firewall, while important for controlling which data can cross network boundaries, does not by itself encrypt the content being transmitted. Antivirus protects devices from malicious software rather than safeguarding the contents of network transmissions. A physical barrier addresses protection of devices and media from physical access, not the security of data as it moves across networks.