100-160 Question 247
Select 3A cybersecurity analyst is responding to a data breach in a healthcare organization. During the investigation, they identify that sensitive patient data has been exposed. The organization is required to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). How does compliance with this framework impact the incident handling process?
- A
The organization must notify affected individuals and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within a specific timeframe.
- B
The organization must immediately destroy all evidence related to the breach to protect patient privacy.
- C
The organization must document the incident and corrective actions taken as part of compliance reporting.
- D
The organization is required to have an incident response plan in place to address breaches involving patient data.
- E
The organization must halt all cybersecurity operations until federal regulators complete an investigation.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answers: A, C, D
Explanation
Compliance frameworks like HIPAA influence incident handling by imposing specific requirements, such as breach notification, documentation of corrective actions, and the presence of a well-defined incident response plan. These requirements ensure that organizations handle incidents responsibly and transparently while maintaining accountability for protecting sensitive data.
- A. Correct.
Correct: HIPAA requires organizations to notify affected individuals and report breaches to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within a defined timeframe, depending on the size of the breach.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect: Destroying evidence is not compliant with incident handling or legal requirements and would hinder the investigation and future prevention efforts.
- C. Correct.
Correct: HIPAA mandates comprehensive documentation of incidents and the steps taken to address them as part of compliance reporting requirements.
- D. Correct.
Correct: HIPAA requires organizations to have an incident response plan in place to address and respond to security breaches involving sensitive patient data.
- E. Incorrect.
Incorrect: Organizations are not required to halt all cybersecurity operations during an investigation. Instead, they are expected to continue mitigating risks and securing systems while cooperating with regulators.