What type of safeguard is required by the HIPAA Security Rule alongside administrative and physical safeguards?

The HIPAA Security Rule outlines a comprehensive framework to protect electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI) through a triad of safeguards: administrative, physical, and technical safeguards. Among these, technical safeguards are essential as they specifically pertain to the technology and methods used to protect ePHI. These measures include the use of encryption, authentication protocols, firewalls, and access control measures to ensure that sensitive health information is only accessible to authorized users.

Technical safeguards address the electronic aspects of security which is crucial in a digital environment where data can be easily accessed, transferred, and potentially compromised. By implementing robust technical safeguards, healthcare entities can ensure that ePHI remains confidential, secure, and only available to those who legitimately require access for their roles. This multifaceted approach to security helps realize the primary goal of HIPAA—to protect patients' privacy and ensure the integrity of their health information.