What is Protected Health Information (PHI)?
Protected Health Information (PHI) is a subset of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) that relates specifically to an individual’s health status, medical records, or healthcare services. It includes data such as diagnoses, treatment information, and insurance details.
PHI is regulated under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which mandates strict safeguards for its protection.
What is PHI used for?
PHI is used in healthcare operations, patient care, and medical research. Due to its sensitivity, it is a high-value target for cyber attacks such as Ransomware and Insider Threat activity.
Organizations handling PHI must implement strong Security Controls, including Encryption, Access Control, and continuous monitoring, to ensure compliance and protect patient data.
