Which practice protects private health information when using computers?

• A. Use of a User ID or Password
• B. Share Login Credentials with a Coworker
• C. Leave Screens Unlocked When Away
• D. Copy Patient Data to a USB Drive Without Encryption

Answer: (A)

Protecting private health information on computers comes down to controlling who can access the data. Using a User ID and password provides authentication, so only someone with the proper credentials can open or interact with PHI and so actions can be attributed to a specific person. This accountability helps keep information private and reduces the chance of unauthorized viewing or tampering. Sharing login credentials breaks that trust and makes it impossible to know who actually accessed the data. Leaving screens unlocked allows anyone nearby to see PHI, increasing exposure. Copying patient data to a USB drive without encryption creates a portable, easily lost or stolen copy that anyone could read. Using a credential-based login is the best safeguard in this scenario.