Which of the following is an example of physical security for healthcare data?

• A. Fences
• B. Encryption
• C. Backups
• D. Access control lists

Answer: (A)

Physical security focuses on protecting the physical environment and hardware that store and process health data. Fences create a tangible barrier that helps prevent unauthorized people from reaching servers, workstations, or paper records, reducing the risk of theft, tampering, or damage. Encryption, backups, and access control lists operate in the realm of digital safeguards: encryption protects the content of data even if someone gains access to it, backups ensure data can be restored after loss, and access control lists regulate who can perform actions in the system. They address data confidentiality, availability, and logical access, not the physical barrier to entry. So the example that demonstrates physical security is the presence of a fence.