PHI (Protected Health Information) must be safeguarded by all Covered Entities during all stages of storage, transmission, and rest. There is a widespread misperception that sending and receiving PHI via email is secure.
PHI must be protected by implementing HIPAA compliant email encryption procedures. Only the sender and intended receiver can see an email’s content thanks to end-to-end encryption.
With encryption, only the intended receiver is given a special “key” that may be used to decrypt the email’s contents.
In the end, your business will have to choose which vendor delivers the solution that best suits its requirements.
These HIPAA-compliant email encryption providers are presented alphabetically, and the descriptions of each provider are broken down into four categories: setup, encryption and security, additional features, and cost.
HIPAA-compliant Email Solutions
1. Paubox
Paubox offers healthcare businesses an out-of-the-box email solution that is HIPAA compliant and HITRUST CSF certified, while automatically and securely encrypting all email traffic. Paubox can seamlessly interface with well-known, pre-existing email services like Office 365 and G suite and is simple to set up and use.
According to the G2 Grid Reports, Fall 2020, it is the best HIPAA Compliant Messaging and Email Encryption Software available. A signed BAA is given to each user of the paid subscription service.
Paubox provides developers with the Paubox Email API, enabling them to incorporate a secure email service into their programme. Email DPI offers inbound and outbound email surveillance to reduce risks associated with insider threats.
2. ProtonMail
A group of scientists and engineers from top global research universities created ProtonMail in Switzerland. End-to-end encryption, secure data centre storage, a zero-access architecture, and self-destructing emails are all features of ProtonMail.
There is no tracking or logging of personally identifiable information when utilising this email service. Due to the fact that ProtonMail’s servers are based in Switzerland, some of the strongest data protection rules in the world apply to user data there.
3. Virtru
Over 6000 clients use Virtru’s secure email and file encryption products. This email platform with end-to-end encryption can easily integrate with current G Suite and Outlook accounts, guaranteeing compliance with regulations like HIPAA and GDPR. A signed BAA, access limits, and comprehensive audit trails will be advantageous to users.
4. MailHippo
A simple and inexpensive HIPAA-compliant email solution is offered by MailHippo. You may keep your current email account and it is incredibly user-friendly with no setup or configuration needed.
MailHippo offers end-to-end encryption and operates without a hitch on a variety of gadgets, including smartphones and desktop computers. The platform allows consumers to “test before they purchase” with a 30-day free trial.
5. Hushmail
For more than 20 years, Hushmail, a Canadian company, has offered its customers a cross-platform email encryption service.
Hushmail provides secure web forms, electronic signatures, email archiving, and a signed BAA for businesses in the healthcare, financial, and legal sectors. A secure SSL/TLS connection, two-step authentication, and OpenPGP encryption are just a few of the platform’s industry-leading security features.