Final answer:
A healthcare practitioner's use of encryption to protect patient information on the internet is described as a Data Security Measure, as mandated by HIPAA to maintain patient confidentiality and privacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a healthcare practitioner uses encryption to protect patient information from unauthorized users on the internet, the process is best described as a Data Security Measure. This is a critical aspect of maintaining patient confidentiality and ensuring that sensitive health records remain private and secure from potential breaches.
As outlined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), it is mandatory for healthcare providers and related businesses to implement stringent security protocols to shield this data from unauthorized access, thereby upholding the privacy rights of individuals.