Cisco Cyber Security Practice Exam

Which federal act specifically targets the protection of personal health information?

1. HIPAA

2. GLBA

3. FISMA

4. PCI DSS

The correct answer is: HIPAA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) specifically targets the protection of personal health information in the United States. Enacted in 1996, HIPAA established national standards for the protection of individually identifiable health information, commonly known as protected health information (PHI). The act outlines various provisions for the privacy and security of PHI, ensuring that sensitive patient information is safeguarded against unauthorized access and breaches. HIPAA sets specific requirements for healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses concerning the handling, storage, and transmission of health information, empowering patients with rights over their own health data. Compliance with HIPAA's regulations is mandatory for covered entities, and violations can result in significant penalties. Other options relate to different areas: GLBA (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act) focuses on the protection of financial information, FISMA (Federal Information Security Management Act) deals with information security within federal agencies, and PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) outlines standards for organizations that handle credit card information. These acts do not specifically address personal health information, which is why they are not the correct choice.