Which of the following defines a security incident under HIPAA?

A security incident under HIPAA specifically refers to any attempted or actual unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of electronic protected health information (ePHI). The correct understanding of a security incident includes not only successful breaches of data but also unsuccessful attempts to gain access, as they are still considered incidents that need to be monitored and managed.

This concept is essential because HIPAA requires covered entities to implement safeguards to protect ePHI. Being aware of unsuccessful attempts allows organizations to strengthen their security measures and respond effectively, emphasizing the importance of proactive threat management.

The focus on unsuccessful attempts as part of security incidents signifies that even if no breach occurred, any attempt to compromise data is significant enough to warrant attention and potential remediation actions. This aids in vigilance and fortification of security protocols within healthcare organizations.