Secure, HIPAA-compliant cloud storage

HIPAA-compliant cloud storage is a secure digital storage solution that meets the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). It ensures that protected health information (PHI) is securely stored, encrypted, and shared in compliance with strict privacy and security standards to protect against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security threats.

No, not all cloud storage is HIPAA-compliant cloud storage. For a cloud storage service to be HIPAA compliant, it must meet specific security and privacy requirements. This includes data encryption, controlled access, secure sharing capabilities, and the ability to track and audit who has accessed patient information. Many common cloud storage providers do not meet these standards out of the box.

Proton Drive simplifies HIPAA compliance by using end-to-end encryption (E2EE). With E2EE, data is encrypted before it leaves your device and can only be decrypted by the intended recipient, protecting it from unauthorized access during storage or transmission. Proton Drive also offers features such as access controls, secure file sharing, and audit logs. This enables healthcare professionals to easily store, share, and collaborate on patient data while ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations.

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) aims to give patients control over their sensitive medical details while addressing concerns about privacy and data rights. All healthcare professionals who handle personal health information (PHI) are required to comply with HIPAA, which includes the following requirements:

1. A BAA (Business Associate Agreement) agreement between the practitioner and cloud storage provider outlining responsibilities for safeguarding PHI.
2. Encrypt PHI both in transit and at rest to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Regularly audit access to PHI to ensure that only authorized individuals can view or edit sensitive information.
4. Implement access controls and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure that only authorized personnel can access PHI.
5. Develop an incident response plan to address data loss, breaches, or unauthorized access to PHI.
6. Ensure you disclose only the minimum amount of PHI necessary for any task.
7. Develop policies, procedures, and training to ensure that all team members understand HIPAA policies and procedures.

By using a HIPAA-compliant cloud storage service, like Proton Drive, and following the proper security protocols, you can ensure that you meet HIPAA requirements as a sole practitioner.

Proton Drive protects patient data with robust security measures, including end-to-end encryption (E2EE), which ensures that files are encrypted on your device and can only be accessed by authorized users. The platform is ISO 27001 certified — an internationally recognized standard for information security — ensuring patient data is stored and handled securely. Proton relies on subscriptions, not data-sharing agreements for revenue, and E2EE makes it impossible for us to share your data with third parties.

Proton Drive is an excellent choice for solo practitioners seeking secure, HIPAA-compliant cloud storage. With end-to-end encryption and data stored under Switzerland’s strict privacy laws, your sensitive patient information is well-protected. Proton Drive also offers a Business Associate Agreement (BAA), supporting compliance with HIPAA requirements. Its strong access controls give you peace of mind, knowing only authorized individuals can access your files, and flexible subscription plans allow you to scale your cloud storage as your business expands.

Proton offers BAAs to all users. Consult our model BAA online here. To request a validly signed copy, please contact legal@proton.ch with the subject HIPAA BAA.