Which of the following is a recommended practice for protecting health data?

• A. Use the same password for all systems.
• B. Share passwords with colleagues to improve efficiency.
• C. Use a strong password.
• D. Never log off when leaving a workstation.

Answer: (C)

Strong credential protection is essential for safeguarding health data. A strong password creates a solid barrier against unauthorized access to accounts that hold patient information. Focus on length and complexity: at least 12 characters, a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid common words or predictable patterns. Unique passwords for each system prevent one breach from compromising multiple accounts. Sharing passwords or using the same password across systems undermines accountability and increases risk, while leaving a workstation unattended and logged in allows others to view or modify sensitive information. For added protection, pair strong passwords with other controls like multi-factor authentication and proper access management to bolster confidentiality and compliance.