The correct answer is B — Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).

According to WGU Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering (KFO1 / D488), AES is a widely adopted symmetric encryption standard that ensures the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data, including patient health information, which HIPAA mandates to protect. AES is considered highly secure and efficient for encrypting stored or transmitted healthcare data.

WEP (A) is outdated and insecure. SMTP (C) is a protocol for sending emails, not encryption. RSA (D) is an asymmetric encryption method typically used for key exchanges, not bulk data encryption.

Reference Extract from Study Guide:

"Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is recommended for encrypting sensitive healthcare data, providing strong protection for confidentiality and integrity in HIPAA-regulated environments."

— WGU Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering (KFO1 / D488), Encryption Standards and Regulatory Compliance

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