Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

What is a critical step in reporting security incidents?

1. Updating patient contact information

2. Changing passwords to protect from further invasion

3. Notifying the insurance provider

4. Conducting patient interviews

The correct answer is: Changing passwords to protect from further invasion

Changing passwords to protect from further invasion is a critical step in reporting security incidents because it helps to mitigate the risk of ongoing unauthorized access to sensitive data. When a security incident occurs, such as a breach or suspected compromise of electronic systems, ensuring that passwords are updated quickly is essential to safeguard patient information and other confidential materials. This proactive measure prevents potential attackers from continuing to exploit vulnerabilities that were used in the initial breach. Additionally, it plays a key role in the overall incident response strategy, which aims to contain the situation and prevent further damage. While notifying stakeholders, updating information, and conducting interviews can be important actions in the response to a security incident, they do not directly confront the immediate security risk posed by compromised credentials.