Table 3

Summary of indicators

CriteriaIndicatorIndicator descriptionOther notes
Data breach causeHacking/IT IncidentTotal number of hacking/IT breaches
Improper DisposalTotal number of improper disposal breaches
LossTotal number of loss breaches
TheftTotal number of theft breaches
Unauthorized Access/DisclosureTotal number of unauthorized access/disclosure breaches
Data breach locusLocationsTotal number of locations affected as a result of breachesHIPAA classifies locations holding PHI into eight categories: desktop computers, electronic medical records (EMRs), emails, laptops, network servers, paper/films, other portable electronic devices, and others (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2013). These locations represent both physical (e.g. paper records) and online locations (e.g. email, network servers)
Data breach impactPHI StolenNumber of types of PHI stolen. For example, if the breach led to the loss of medical diagnoses and billing numbers, the cell in data should show the number “2,” indicating that two types of PHI were stolenHIPAA web description provides the type of PHI stolen. While covered entities can select predefined categories, they can enter additional types of PHI as they find appropriate. Examples included names, social security numbers, diagnoses, medications prescribed, and treatment information
Number of Individuals AffectedNumber of individuals affected as a result of the data breach

Source(s): Table by authors

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