Which action should you take to protect sensitive information, according to best practices?

To protect sensitive information, especially Protected Health Information (PHI), the action of shredding documents containing PHI aligns perfectly with best practices in data protection and privacy. Shredding ensures that any physical documents that contain sensitive information are rendered unreadable and irretrievable, thereby preventing unauthorized access to such data. This method is a vital part of maintaining confidentiality and complying with regulations such as HIPAA, which emphasizes the safeguarding of personal health information.

Effective information security necessitates that any physical copies of PHI be destroyed in a manner that guarantees they cannot be reconstructed or accessed by individuals who should not have that information. By taking this proactive step, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and protect the privacy of individuals whose information they handle.