Choosing a safe and secure file-sharing application is essential for any business. For healthcare providers who handle Protected Health Information (PHI), the stakes are even higher, and they must find a reputable file-sharing app that adheres to the regulations governed under HIPAA legislation.
The accessibility and efficiency that remote file sharing offers are key to the healthcare sector. However, healthcare organizations must maintain the integrity of shared PHI at all times. When it comes to trusting a third party with your sensitive patient data, this can prove difficult. A HIPAA-compliant file sharing solution will ensure that they employ the physical and technical safeguards to adhere to strict HIPAA guidelines, protecting you from the costly consequences of a data breach.
Top 10 HIPAA-Compliant File Sharing Apps
So, where do you start when choosing a HIPAA-compliant file sharing app for your healthcare organization? To help you, we have compiled a list of some of the most popular options.
1. Nextcloud
Boasting over 400,000 active servers online, Nextcloud delivers an industry-leading, self-hosted content collaboration platform. Nextcloud Files, their file-sharing offering, allows users to easily sync, share, and collaborate on their files. Security remains their key priority, with powerful end-to-end encryption, client-side encryption, enterprise-grade key handling, and built-in, rule-based File Access Control.
2. Accelion
Accelion Kiteworks offers a HIPAA-compliant file sharing solution to foster secure collaboration with third parties. Access can be granted to secure folders, allowing a large amount of information to be safely shared with others. With FIPS 140-2 Level 1 validation and ISO27001 certification, Kiteworks provides AES 256-bit encryption both at-rest and in-transit. Users also benefit from user authentication, audit logging, policy and access controls, and watermarking.
3. Box
Box delivers a secure file-sharing platform to some of the world’s leading organizations. Providing access across multiple devices, Box can seamlessly integrate with many existing apps used by your organization for productivity purposes. A stand-out feature of Box is its ability to support over 120 file types and the option to embed files directly into your blog or website. Box has security covered with built-in controls including granular permissions, strong user authentication, and AES 256-bit encryption. When signing up for Box’s Enterprise plan, users will be provided with a signed BAA.
4. Syncplicity
Syncplicity, developed by Axway, provides a HIPAA-compliant file sharing solution to healthcare providers, patients, and payers. Users can opt for a cloud or hybrid model as a cost-effective, flexible, and scalable solution, or an on-premises deployment, which allows existing architecture, resources and policies to be used. Notable security features of Syncplicity include military-grade encryption, storage vault compatibility, remote wipe, and policy controls.
5. tresorit
Tresorit, based in Switzerland, provides an end-to-end encrypted and zero-knowledge cloud-based file sharing service. Working slightly differently from other solutions within this space, tresorit encrypts and decrypts data on the client’s device, rather than using server-side encryption. Other security features include two-step verification, timeout policies, granular permission levels, and IP filtering. Users will receive a signed BAA and can take advantage of a 14-day free trial.
6. FileCloud
CodeLathe Technologies offers FileCloud, their powerful and HIPAA-compliant file sharing platform. FileCloud maintains the integrity of shared data using encryption in transit and at rest, comprehensive activity logs, two-factor authentication, and antivirus and ransomware protection. Healthcare providers can also access a built-in document to preview DICOM images, such as X-rays and CT scans. Users can opt for an on-premise or cloud-hosted solution, with cloud-based enterprise customers benefitting from a signed BAA.
7. SmartFile
With over 1,500 customers, SmartFile offers a HIPAA-compliant file management service for pharma and research labs. To maintain HIPAA compliance, SmartFile lets its users establish granular user roles and permissions and password-protect file links. All files are encrypted end-to-end using AES 256-bit encryption and access can be monitored and tracked. With multiple deployment options, including on-premise and cloud, SmartFile provides solutions that will fit in with the needs of most small to midsize healthcare organizations.
8. Files
Founded in 2009, Files provides a secure online file-sharing service for businesses across many industries. Files can integrate seamlessly with existing apps, helping to streamline workflow and enhance productivity. Files is committed to helping its clients meet the regulations of HIPAA compliance, offering excellent security capabilities and redundancy. It utilizes 2048-bit SSL encryption for all FTP and HTTP connections, granular user permissions, and audit logs. Premier plan customers will receive a signed BAA.
9. OhMD
The OhMD platform provides a secure communication solution to over 30,000 healthcare providers. In addition to its file-sharing capabilities, OhMD offers several other communication solutions, including secure two-way SMS texting, telehealth visits, and live chat. OhMD supports HIPAA compliance in many ways including automatically putting a signed BAA in place, encrypting data in transit and at rest, and access management. All OhMD staff have completed HIPAA training to ensure that they understand the intricacies involved in maintaining compliance.
10. ownCloud
The open-source file sharing app ownCloud is trusted by over 100 million users worldwide. ownCloud can be deployed on-premises, with a trusted service provider, or via the SaaS collaboration platform hosted in Germany. ownCloud can work seamlessly within your existing HIPAA-compliant infrastructure to ensure sensitive patient data is stored and transmitted securely.
Atlantic.Net: Working With a Trusted Hosting Provider
Choosing a leading HIPAA-compliant file-sharing solution is pointless if you don’t have the infrastructure to back it up. If you need a hosting solution that is durable, feature-rich, and dedicated to maintaining the security of sensitive patient information, then Atlantic.Net is here for you.
Atlantic.Net can provide you with a fully managed HIPAA-compliant hosting solution that is SOC 2 and SOC 3 certified, and HIPAA and HITECH audited. With over 30 years of experience, we deliver high performance, a global presence, 100% uptime, and industry-standard security.
To find out how Atlantic.Net can help your healthcare organization, contact our sales team today!
This article was updated on March 29, 2022.
