Your security and compliance glossary

All the terms you need to know when you’re trying to get compliance audit ready, fast.

Show filters

What is the HIPAA Privacy Rule?

The HIPAA Privacy Rule is a 2003 addition to the original Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). HIPAA required the Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop regulations protecting the privacy and security of certain health information. 


The HIPAA Privacy Rule sets national standards to safeguard individuals’ medical records and other protected health information (PHI) and establishes when PHI may be used and disclosed. The HIPAA Privacy Rule applies to health plans, health care clearinghouses, and health care providers that conduct certain health care transactions electronically. 


The HIPAA Privacy Rule requires appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy of personal health information and sets limits and conditions on the uses and disclosures of such information without patient authorization. The Privacy Rule also gives patients rights over their health information, including rights to examine and obtain a copy of their health records and  request corrections.


Companies seeking to establish and maintain HIPAA compliance must fulfill the requirements of the initial Act of 1996, its subsequent amendments and additions—including the HIPAA Privacy Rule—and any related legislation.

Additional resources you might like:

SOC 2
Events
Learn How to Automate Compliance for SOC 2, ISO 27001, and More

Register to see how Vanta helps fast-moving startups and security teams get audit-ready fast and stay continuously compliant, turning compliance into a deal accelerator, not a blocker.

Compliance
Events
Beyond the Checkbox: Scaling Compliance Across European Regulations

Register to learn how to scale your compliance program across NIS2, DORA, and the EU AI Act — without duplicating controls or overwhelming your team.

Compliance
Blog
Compliance risk: A guide to assess and manage it effectively

A guide to help you navigate the growing complexity of managing compliance risk.

Additional resources you might like:

SOC 2
Events
Learn How to Automate Compliance for SOC 2, ISO 27001, and More

Register to see how Vanta helps fast-moving startups and security teams get audit-ready fast and stay continuously compliant, turning compliance into a deal accelerator, not a blocker.

Compliance
Events
Beyond the Checkbox: Scaling Compliance Across European Regulations

Register to learn how to scale your compliance program across NIS2, DORA, and the EU AI Act — without duplicating controls or overwhelming your team.

Compliance
Blog
Compliance risk: A guide to assess and manage it effectively

A guide to help you navigate the growing complexity of managing compliance risk.

Product updates
Events
Goodbye, Audit Chaos. Hello, Calm-pliance.

Register for this edition of Vanta Delivers to see how we’re putting audit chaos behind us and moving forward into Calm-pliance.

Product updates
Blog
New in Vanta | February 2026

Vanta’s latest releases give teams more control over audits, automated TPRM evidence collection, and more.

Comparisons and reviews
Blog
The best TPRM software for 2026

Discover the best third-party risk management software solutions for 2026.

Compliance
Events
Getting Ready for APRA CPS 230/234 Compliance

Watch this on demand session to learn the most common CPS 234 readiness questions, and undersand how CPS 230 builds on these foundations.

Comparisons and reviews
Blog
The best SOC 2 compliance software for 2026

Here are the best SOC 2 compliance software platforms, including Vanta and others.

Comparisons and reviews
Blog
The best ISO 27001 compliance software for 2026

Discover the best ISO 27001 compliance software options for 2026, including Vanta.