Glossary

What is HIPAA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1996 to safeguard protected health information (PHI). HIPAA establishes national standards for the privacy, security, and integrity of healthcare data, ensuring that patient information remains confidential and protected against unauthorized access.

Why HIPAA Matters for CFS

Cirrus File Server (CFS) is designed to support HIPAA-compliant data management by providing secure storage, encryption, and access controls for healthcare organizations, medical providers, and businesses handling Protected Health Information also referred to as PHI.

Key Components of HIPAA

  • Privacy Rule
    Defines how PHI can be used, disclosed, and accessed.
  • Breach Notification Rule
    Requires covered entities to notify affected individuals and authorities in the event of a data breach.
  • Enforcement Rule
    Outlines penalties for non-compliance, including substantial fines.
  • Security Rule
    Establishes safeguards for Electronic PHI (ePHI) through administrative, technical, and physical security measures.

How CFS Helps with HIPAA Compliance


  • Access Controls – Role-based access permissions prevent unauthorized users from accessing PHI.

  • Audit Logging – Tracks user actions, providing an audit trail for compliance.

Industries That Rely on HIPAA Compliance:

  • Healthcare Providers (Hospitals, Clinics, Medical Practices)

  • Health Insurance Companies

  • Medical Billing & Coding Services

  • Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences Organizations

  • Business Associates Handling PHI

By integrating HIPAA-compliant security features, CFS helps healthcare organizations digitize, manage, and protect sensitive records, ensuring compliance with federal regulations while enabling seamless AI-powered search and automation.