Cloud storage gives organizations the power to access, store, and manage a tremendous amount of data — all without the need for expensive hardware or local storage. While cloud storage has been a boon for so many businesses, it has one major drawback: security.
Cloud solutions improve data access, but that can quickly become a nightmare for cybersecurity, making it challenging to adequately protect sensitive data such as healthcare information. Healthcare providers and other organizations subject to HIPAA regulations can find it extremely difficult to find a compliant storage solution. The penalties HIPAA violations and non-compliance can be significant, but failing to move to the cloud will also limit growth potential.
Instead of stagnating, move to a HIPAA-compliant cloud storage solution. In this guide, we’ll break down the ten most popular cloud storage options of 2024 for HIPAA-covered entities and business associates to help you make an informed decision.
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There are a variety of HIPAA-compliant cloud storage providers on the market, but they differ in features, capabilities, and reputation. Choose from these top ten options of 2024 for the right balance of security and flexibility.
Note that the HIPAA-compliant cloud storage solutions are listed below in alphabetical order; otherwise, they are not ranked or rated in any way.
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Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the most popular cloud storage providers in the world. It also happens to be HIPAA-compliant, allowing you to process, store, and transmit PHI securely.
Pay close attention to AWS’ Shared Responsibility Model, which spells out which compliance elements Amazon is responsible for and which are under your purview.
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Backblaze is a lesser-known cloud storage provider, but it takes security seriously. It encrypts all data using AWS 128-bit encryption at rest and in transit.
You even have the option to specify a private encryption key for added security. Backblaze recommends HIPAA-covered entities partner with one of its many B2 Integration Partners for local encryption before uploading files to the cloud.
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Share files and transmit data worry-free with Box’s compliant solution. In fact, Box has complied with HIPAA and HITECH since 2012.
This platform features end-to-end encryption, physical controls, audit trails, employee security training, and state-of-the-art data center facilities. Box also signs BAAs with all clients that store PHI in the Box cloud.
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Carbonite is a popular computer backup solution, but healthcare organizations also use this tool for secure cloud storage. Carbonite invests heavily in offsite disaster recovery, encryption, data center security, and BAAs.
It also follows the stringent Massachusetts Data Security Regulation (201 CMR 17) to keep your data safe and compliant.
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Comply with HIPAA and HITECH with Dropbox’s well-known file-sharing platform. Its framework includes protections like permissioning, 2FA, SSO, and business associate agreements.
Dropbox also offers a free 30-day trial to see if the platform is the right fit for your practice.
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Egnyte is a HIPAA-compliant cloud storage provider that offers real-time visibility, access control, and alerts. It combines cloud storage with limited cybersecurity options, helping you keep your data under lock and key.
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While it may not be common knowledge, Google Cloud is HIPAA-compliant. This solution is ideal for organizations that already use Google’s other products, like Gmail, Google Drive, or Google Calendar.
Google Cloud emphasizes that HIPAA compliance is a shared responsibility but agrees to sign limited business associate agreements. However, it recommends customers limit the use of PHI in any context not covered by the BAA.
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IDrive is a cloud storage provider that offers backups, versioning, and a custom cloud drive for various industries and organizations. For HIPAA-covered entities, IDrive has a SOC-approved data protection service.
It also has physical controls and retention rules. If you prefer not to store that information on IDrive’s servers, you can choose private encryption.
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Microsoft Azure is another popular HIPAA-compliant cloud storage provider. Azure is also HIPAA and HITECH compliant, as are other popular Microsoft products like Office 365, Power BI, and Windows 365.
Microsoft is also willing to sign a business associate agreement (BAA) through the Microsoft Online Services Data Protection Addendum.
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Sync is a private file-sharing service that allows you to access your files from anywhere without compromising security. It offers access controls, unlimited data transfers, and end-to-end encryption.
Cloud storage makes it possible to create a more comprehensive view of your patients and practice. Instead of managing data locally, consider one of these ten HIPAA-compliant cloud storage providers to manage that data for you.
It’s always a good idea to opt for HIPAA-compliant tools and vendors, but HIPAA-compliant cloud storage won’t protect your healthcare practice from all security threats. The Reveal Platform by Next helps healthcare providers, other covered entities, and their business associates safeguard protected health information (PHI), preventing unauthorized access and data losses that lead to HIPAA fines and penalties.
See Reveal in action now: Sign up for a quick demo.
What specific features should I look for in a HIPAA-compliant cloud storage provider?
A high-quality HIPAA-compliant cloud storage provider will include features like:
Ensure the provider offers a business associate agreement (BAA) to legally bind them to HIPAA compliance requirements.
How does migrating to a HIPAA-compliant cloud storage solution affect my current IT infrastructure?
Migrating to a HIPAA-compliant cloud storage solution will streamline your IT infrastructure. It reduces the need for physical storage and maintenance and increases the accessibility of your data.
However, it's important to plan the transition carefully to ensure compatibility with existing systems for minimal disruption.
Are there any additional costs for using HIPAA-compliant cloud storage services?
HIPAA-compliant cloud storage solutions can actually offer a cost saving advantage over traditional on-site data centers. Most cloud storage costs are subscription fees, but you might pay more for:
Whichever solution you choose, thoroughly understand the pricing structure so you can plan for all costs ahead of time.