In data privacy practices, what must organizations ensure during the encryption of PHI?

Maintaining access logs during the encryption of Protected Health Information (PHI) is crucial for several reasons. Access logs provide a detailed record of who accessed the encrypted data, when they accessed it, and what actions they performed. This transparency is essential for monitoring data access and ensuring that only authorized personnel can view sensitive information.

Documenting access attempts also helps organizations demonstrate compliance with data protection regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Having access logs is a critical component of an overall security strategy, as it supports auditing efforts and helps detect any unauthorized attempts to access PHI, which can be imperative in responding to potential breaches.

The other options do not align with best practices in data privacy. For instance, storing data in plain text compromises its security and exposes it to unauthorized access. Performing only one period of encryption could be insufficient if the data is exposed after that point. Finally, sharing PHI only internally does not address broader concerns about data security and protection, especially when considering the requirements for encrypting data in transit or at rest. Overall, ensuring that access logs are maintained strengthens the control and accountability around sensitive information, making it the correct choice.