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If you're looking for a secure way to store Protected Health Information (PHI), you'll want to consider Box, a cloud storage option that offers HIPAA compliance.
Box has been certified as a HIPAA-compliant cloud storage provider, meeting the necessary requirements to handle sensitive patient data.
With Box, you can rest assured that your PHI is secure, thanks to its robust data encryption and access controls.
Box also offers a robust audit trail, which provides a complete record of all user activity, ensuring that you can track and monitor access to sensitive data.
What Is Cloud Storage?
Cloud storage is a type of online storage that allows you to store and access your files from anywhere, at any time.
It's essentially a virtual file cabinet where you can upload, store, and share your files with others.
Cloud storage providers use servers to store your data, and you can access it using the internet.
HIPAA compliant cloud storage is a type of cloud storage that meets specific regulations for storing sensitive medical information.
What Is Cloud Storage?
Cloud storage is a way to store and access digital data over the internet, rather than on a physical device like a hard drive.
It's like having a virtual filing cabinet that you can access from anywhere, at any time, as long as you have an internet connection.
Cloud storage allows you to store files, documents, and other data in a remote location, which can be accessed by multiple users.
This can be especially useful for businesses that need to collaborate on projects or for individuals who want to access their files from multiple devices.
HIPAA compliant cloud storage is a type of cloud storage that meets the regulations set by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
These regulations are designed to protect sensitive medical information, and compliant cloud storage providers must follow specific protocols to ensure data security.
Some of the standard protocols included in HIPAA compliant cloud storage systems include data classification, encryption, and two-factor authentication.
Cloud storage providers must also issue Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) that govern the nature of their relationship with the end user, and the agreement must be in place before any sensitive data is uploaded, stored, or used.
What Is a Cloud Storage Solution?
A cloud storage solution is essentially a virtual library where you can store, manage, and access your files from anywhere with an internet connection. This technology allows you to access your files from multiple devices, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets.
Cloud storage solutions can be categorized into three main types: public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid cloud. Public cloud storage is a multi-tenant environment where multiple users share the same infrastructure, while private cloud storage is a single-tenant environment that is dedicated to a single organization.
Cloud storage solutions provide scalability, which means they can grow or shrink according to your needs. For example, if you need more storage space, you can simply upgrade your plan, and if you need less, you can downgrade. This flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of cloud storage solutions.
Cloud storage solutions also offer a high level of security, with features such as encryption, backup, and disaster recovery. This means your files are protected from unauthorized access, data loss, and other potential threats.
Security and Compliance
Box is a cloud-based content management and file sharing service that allows organizations to store, share, and manage files securely online. It is designed as a centralized platform for collaboration and data storage.
To manage protected health information within the digital realm, HIPAA compliance is a fundamental requirement for healthcare organizations. Box does not meet HIPAA regulations for the safeguarding of Protected Health Information (PHI) as standard, but it can be configured to bring its use into compliance with HIPAA standards.
Box has limited security measures to protect sensitive information, and healthcare organizations must actively ensure their use of Box remains compliant at all times. By entering into a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with Box, healthcare organizations can commit to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of PHI.
Signing a BAA does not ensure your organization's compliance with HIPAA, and healthcare organizations must actively ensure their use of Box remains compliant at all times. Box only offers a BAA to healthcare organizations that are subscribed to an Enterprise or Enterprise Plus account.
Here are some key points to consider when using Box for HIPAA compliance:
- Box settings must be configured correctly at all times.
- Employees must be trained on proper data security and proper handling protocol.
- Box is willing to sign a Business Associate Agreement with covered entities.
- Box only offers a BAA to healthcare organizations that are subscribed to an Enterprise or Enterprise Plus account.
Data leakage risks are significant when storing PHI in Box, and additional Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions are recommended to mitigate these risks. Strac's Box DLP enables organizations to take control of their data security with features such as automatic detection and redaction of sensitive files, access and sharing permissions, and app integration controls.
Storing and Sharing PHI
To store PHI in Box, you must ensure Box's settings are configured to be HIPAA compliant, including data access permissions, activity logging, and the ability to control data sharing. This requires a subscription to an Enterprise or Enterprise Plus plan.
Healthcare organizations must also train all staff on handling sensitive information to mitigate the risk of data leaks. Improper handling of sensitive data and protected information within Box can open your organization up to significant regulatory and litigation risks.
To share PHI in Box, you should utilize Box's security features, such as two-factor authentication and restricting sharing permissions. Employees and staff also play a crucial role in ensuring data security and the proper handling of sensitive patient data.
Here are some key considerations for storing and sharing PHI in Box:
- Data access permissions must be configured to control who can access PHI
- Activity logging must be enabled to track access to PHI
- Data sharing must be controlled to prevent unauthorized access to PHI
- Staff must be trained on handling sensitive information
Storing PHI
Storing PHI can be a bit tricky, but it's essential to do it right to avoid any regulatory and litigation risks.
Yes, you can store PHI in Box, but you need to ensure Box's settings are configured to be HIPAA compliant, which includes data access permissions, activity logging, and controlling data sharing.
To mitigate risks, healthcare organizations should train all staff on handling sensitive information, and employees play a crucial role in ensuring data security and proper handling of sensitive patient data.
Data leaks are a major risk when using cloud-based services like Box, and even with security features like two-factor authentication and restricting sharing permissions, vulnerabilities remain.
To be HIPAA compliant, cloud storage solutions must issue Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) before any PHI is uploaded, stored, or used.
Data classification, encryption, two-factor authentication, audit trails, access monitoring, and administrative controls are all essential protocols for HIPAA compliance.
Here's a quick rundown of some popular cloud storage solutions that offer HIPAA-compliant options:
Strac Box DLP is a comprehensive data leak prevention solution that adds additional security mechanisms to safeguard protected health information in Box, ensuring regulatory compliance and instantaneous email redactions.
Google Drive Document Sharing Tool
Google Drive is a user-friendly HIPAA-compliant document sharing tool that offers 15 GB of free storage to all users. Its accessibility from any device or operating system makes it an attractive option for both individuals and businesses.
Google Drive's HIPAA-compliant version includes comprehensive security measures, such as ISO 27001 certification and SOC 2 and SOC 3 audits, which provide an added layer of security for sensitive data.
To ensure HIPAA compliance, businesses need to upgrade to Google Workspace and sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA), which is essential for organizations handling sensitive data.
Google Drive's HIPAA-compliant version includes features like two-factor authentication, logs all user access, and supports custom access controls, enabling administrators to monitor who has accessed specific data.
The Basic plan, at $6 per user per month, provides 30 GB of storage, while the $12 Business Standard plan offers increased storage and additional features, both operating on a month-to-month basis.
Google Drive is a scalable, cost-effective option for small to medium-sized businesses, providing a secure way to ensure HIPAA compliance without compromising on ease of use or security.
Here are the key features of Google Drive's HIPAA-compliant version:
Google Drive's HIPAA-compliant version is a secure choice for businesses handling sensitive data, providing a scalable and cost-effective way to ensure HIPAA compliance without compromising on ease of use or security.
Best Practices and Solutions
To ensure Box remains HIPAA compliant, it's essential to configure its settings correctly. This includes data access permissions, activity logging, and the ability to control data sharing.
Box's Enterprise and Enterprise Plus plans are required for storing PHI. Subscribing to one of these plans will also enable the Business Associate Agreement (BAA) that Box offers to healthcare organizations.
Healthcare organizations must train their staff on handling sensitive information and data security protocols to mitigate the risk of data leaks.
Strac's Box DLP solution can help organizations take control of their data security with features like automatic detection and redaction of sensitive files, access and sharing permissions, and app integration controls.
Strac's Box DLP solution can also provide a comprehensive audit overview, documenting every SharePoint operation in detail, which simplifies audit logs for clear and accountable oversight.
To comply with HIPAA, business associates must have a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) in place with all healthcare organizations classified as HIPAA-covered entities.
Box is willing to sign a Business Associate Agreement with covered entities, but only for Enterprise or Enterprise Plus accounts.
Here are some key features to consider when evaluating Box's HIPAA compliance:
- Data access permissions
- Activity logging
- Data sharing controls
- Business Associate Agreement (BAA)
- Strac's Box DLP solution
By following these best practices and implementing the necessary solutions, healthcare organizations can ensure that Box remains HIPAA compliant and their PHI is protected.
Box and Other Services
Box is a secure cloud storage and file sharing solution that promotes itself as compliant with HIPAA, HITECH, and the HIPAA Omnibus Rule.
Box supports secure viewing of medical files saved in the DICOM format, which includes x-rays, ultrasound images, and CT scans.
Box has been evaluated by third-party auditors to ensure its protocols are thoroughly HIPAA compliant.
Box's specifically HIPAA-compliant features include data encryption, physical and system access restrictions, account activity reporting and audit trails, employee security training, and disaster mitigation through mirrored, active-active data center facilities.
Box provides a secure, HIPAA-compliant file-sharing solution designed for businesses that need to manage large files and maintain strict data security across multiple devices.
Box's HIPAA-compliant Enterprise Plan includes essential security features like two-factor authentication (2FA), multi-layer encryption, and customizable access controls.
Box's authentication and encryption protocols are robust, ensuring data protection in line with compliance standards.
Box's integrations with popular business tools, such as Trello, Salesforce, and Adobe, streamline workflows and keep information synchronized across applications.
Box's Enterprise Plan offers HIPAA compliance and includes a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) for clients who require formalized data protection.
The price range for Box's Enterprise Plan is customized based on business size and user needs.
Here is a comparison of Box with other services that are also HIPAA compliant:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is box PII compliant?
Box is compliant with PII standards, meeting requirements for sensitive data protection. Learn more about our comprehensive compliance certifications
Is Dropbox considered HIPAA compliant?
Dropbox offers HIPAA compliance, but requires careful setup and monitoring to ensure safe handling of Protected Health Information. To confirm compliance, healthcare providers must follow Dropbox's guidelines for third-party app use.
Sources
- https://www.strac.io/blog/is-box-hipaa-compliant
- https://duplocloud.com/blog/hipaa-compliant-cloud-storage/
- https://www.netsec.news/is-box-hipaa-compliant/
- https://www.cloudsecuretech.com/top-5-hipaa-compliant-file-sharing-services/
- https://www.symmetry-systems.com/blog/best-hipaa-compliant-cloud-storage/
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