What is Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

This chapter reviews regulations and laws that are currently affecting information assurance and security policy in both the public and private sectors. Regulations and laws in different areas and at different levels are considered. Important industry sector regulations are also included when they have a significant impact on information security, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Analysis of these regulations including evaluation of their effectiveness, enforceability, and acceptance is presented. Since the regulations in this field are in a state of continuous fluctuation, this chapter also attempts to make proposals for statutory improvements that would make security policy development more comprehensive and consistent, resulting in more secure systems throughout the world. It is also predicted that there will be a need for international information security regulations given the nature of the worldwide internet and cross-border information systems. Such developments will improve digital crime investigations worldwide.