A development team is testing a new application release.
The team needs to import existing client PHI data records from the production environment to the test environment to test accuracy and functionality.
Which of the following would BEST protect the sensitivity of this data while still allowing the team to perform the testing?
Click on the arrows to vote for the correct answer
A. B. C. D.C.
The best way to protect sensitive data while allowing a development team to perform testing is to use deidentification. Deidentification is the process of removing or masking identifiable information from a data set, while still preserving the integrity and usefulness of the data for testing purposes.
Encoding is a method of converting data into a different format for storage or transmission, but it does not provide any protection for sensitive data. Encoding can easily be reversed, so it should not be used to protect sensitive data.
Encryption is a process of converting plain text into a coded message that only authorized parties can read. Encryption provides strong protection for sensitive data, but it may not be necessary for testing purposes, as it can be time-consuming to encrypt and decrypt data for testing purposes.
Watermarking is the process of embedding a unique identifier into a digital file to identify its ownership or origin. This is not a suitable option for protecting sensitive data during testing, as it does not provide any protection for the data itself.
In summary, the best option for protecting sensitive client PHI data records while allowing a development team to test accuracy and functionality is to use deidentification.