Top 7 HIPAA Compliant File Sharing Services
Healthcare data breaches cost organizations an average of $10.93 million per incident, according to IBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report. With healthcare organizations storing and sharing vast amounts of Protected Health Information (PHI), choosing the right HIPAA-compliant file sharing solution is critical for maintaining regulatory compliance and protecting patient privacy1 .
HIPAA violations can result in fines ranging from $100 to $50,000 per violation, with annual maximums reaching $1.5 million per incident category. Beyond financial penalties, data breaches damage reputation and erode patient trust. Standard file sharing services like Dropbox or Google Drive lack the specific security controls and compliance features required for healthcare dataory compliance and protecting patient privacy2 .
Our guide examines the top 7 HIPAA compliant file sharing services, providing a detailed analysis of security features, pricing models, and implementation considerations to help healthcare organizations make informed decisions.
Top HIPAA-compliant file-sharing services
Services | Ratings | Free Trial | Price | Employee Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
- based on - review | ✅ for 7 days | Not shared publicly. | 500 – 1,000 | |
4.5 based on 130 reviews | ✅ for 25-days | Professional: USD 1,499/annual Enterprise: USD 3,299/annual Enterprise Plus: 7,499/annual | 500 – 1,000 | |
4.8 based on 79 reviews | NA | Not shared publicly. | 51-200 | |
Serv-U by SolarWinds | 4.2 based on 12 reviews | ✅ for 14 days | Not shared publicly. | 51-200 |
FileCloud | 4.0 based on 358 reviews | ✅ for 14-days | Essentials: USD 12,50 / month- per user *min 10 users Advanced: USD 18,75 / month- per user *min 25 users GovCloud: upon contacting FileCloud | 51-200 |
Accellion (Kiteworks) | 32 based on 32 reviews | ✅ | Not shared publicly. | 201-500 |
SmartFile | 4.1 based on 67 reviews | ✅ | Business: USD 20,00/ month- per user *min 25 users Business Plus: upon contacting SmartFile *min 50 users Business Premium: upon contacting SmartFile *min 100 users FileHub Premium: upon contacting SmartFile | 11-50 |
* Ratings are based on Capterra and G2. The HIPAA compliant file sharing vendors are listed according to rating.
Shared Features
- HIPAA secure file sharing: All these services ensure HIPAA compliance, making them suitable for handling Protected Health Information (PHI).
- Data encryption: They offer end-to-end encryption to protect data both at rest and in transit, safeguarding sensitive information against unauthorized access.
- Audit trails: Detailed audit logs are available to monitor file access and transfers, an essential requirement for HIPAA compliance and security auditing.
- Secure file transfer protocols: These services support secure file transfer protocols such as FTPS, SFTP, or HTTPS to ensure the safe transmission of data.
Detailed analysis of leading services
JSCAPE MFT Server
JSCAPE provides an enterprise-grade managed file transfer solution with robust HIPAA compliance features. The platform holds SOC 1 Type 1, SOC 2 Type 2, and ISO 27001 certifications, demonstrating its commitment to security standards.
- Access Control: Regulates who can view or use the information, ensuring only authorized personnel have access to sensitive data.
- Audit Controls: Monitors and logs all file transfer activities, providing a detailed audit trail.
- Data Integrity: Ensures that PHI is not altered or destroyed during transfer.
- Authentication: Verifies the identity of users accessing the system, preventing unauthorized access.
- Transmission Security: Protects data during transfer using encryption, ensuring confidentiality and integrity.
Deployment Options:
- On-premise installation with full control
- Private cloud deployment
- Hybrid configurations
Integration Capabilities:
- REST API for custom integrations
- Database connectivity (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server)
- Enterprise systems integration (SAP, Oracle)
- Email notification systems
Cerberus FTP Server
Cerberus FTP Server offers customization options for security settings. This capability allows healthcare organizations to mold the service to their security protocols, a feature that stands in contrast to more rigid platforms with HIPAA compliant file sharing.
Source: Cerberus FTP Server Website 3
- Access controls: Implements stringent access controls to prevent unauthorized data access.
- Encryption: Ensures data protection in motion with a minimum of 128-bit encryption, with an option for FIPS 140-2 mode.
- Auditing: Provides full logging of file activity for security and compliance auditing.
Deployment Options:
- Windows-based on-premise installation
- Virtual machine deployment
- Terminal server environments
Integration Capabilities:
- Windows Active Directory integration
- ODBC database connectivity
- Event scripting and automation
- LDAP authentication support
Stonebranch
Stonebranch focuses on enterprise automation with strong file transfer capabilities designed for complex healthcare IT environments. The platform excels in orchestrating file transfers across multiple systems while maintaining HIPAA compliance.
Features:
- End-to-end encryption with key management
- Centralized security policy enforcement
- Role-based access control with delegation capabilities
- Compliance reporting and audit trail generation
Deployment Options:
- Cloud-native deployment
- On-premise installation
- Hybrid cloud configurations
- Multi-site distributed deployments
Integration Capabilities:
- RESTful API for third-party integrations
- SAP, Oracle, and mainframe connectivity
- Cloud platform integration (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Database and application workflow automation
SmartFile
SmartFile provides cloud-based file sharing with strong integration capabilities, making it suitable for healthcare organizations that need to connect with existing workflows and systems.
Source: SmartFile Website 4
- Granular permissions: Allows detailed control over file access rights, enhancing data security.
- End-to-end encryption: Secures files in transit and at rest with robust encryption standards.
- Monitoring & reporting: Offers tools for comprehensive tracking of user actions and file movements.
Deployment Options:
- Cloud-based SaaS solution
- Private cloud options available
- API-first architecture for custom deployments
Integration Capabilities:
- Extensive REST API for custom integrations
- Single sign-on (SSO) support
- Active Directory and LDAP integration
- Webhook support for real-time notifications
- Third-party application connectors
Accellion (Kiteworks)
Accellion Kiteworks specializes in secure collaboration tools that work across diverse platforms and communication channels. The platform is designed for organizations operating in multi-platform environments requiring seamless collaboration.
Source: Accellion Kiteworks Website 5
- Auditing: Offers auditing and reporting to meet HIPAA requirements and manage risks.
- Data security: It supports SSL/TLS and AES-256 encryption for data in transit and at rest, effectively protecting patient data.
- Rapid incident detection: Features real-time notifications and reporting for swift response to security incidents.
- Collaboration: Facilitates secure data exchange between healthcare organizations and business associates.
Deployment Options:
- Cloud-hosted solution
- On-premise appliance
- Hybrid deployment models
- Government cloud options
Integration Capabilities:
- Email security integration
- Mobile device management (MDM) platforms
- Identity provider integration (SAML, OAuth)
- API access for custom applications
- Secure file sync and share capabilities
Serv-U by SolarWinds
Serv-U by SolarWinds differentiates itself by offering flexible on-premises and hybrid deployment options. This versatility grants healthcare organizations control over their file storage and HIPAA-compliant document sharing, catering to those who prefer or require on-site data management solutions.
- Managed file transfer (MFT): Delivers a reliable and secure platform for managing file transfers while ensuring compliance with various regulations.
Source: HIPAA compliant file sharing tool Serv-U MFT Reviews by Capterra 6
Deployment Options:
- On-premise Windows installation
- Virtual machine deployment
- Cloud-hosted options
- Hybrid configurations with DMZ deployment
Integration Capabilities:
- Active Directory and LDAP authentication
- Database connectivity for user management
- Web services API for automation
- Email notification integration
- Scripting support for custom workflows
FileCloud
FileCloud stands out for its customization and control on sharing files. Its platform allows users to customize their environment to align with specific operational and security policies, providing a significant edge to maintain HIPAA compliant file sharing.
Source: FileCloud Website 7
- Built-in DICOM image preview: Supports large medical file formats, enhancing collaboration and file sharing within healthcare contexts.
- Hyper-security: Offers powerful encryption, automatic anti-virus scanning, and smart data loss prevention to safeguard patient and client privacy.
FAQ
Further reading
- Top 8 Managed File Transfer (MFT) Solutions
- Top 8 SFTP Server Software Based on 1000+ Reviews
- Top 6 Enterprise File Transfer Solutions
Reference Links
Cem's work has been cited by leading global publications including Business Insider, Forbes, Washington Post, global firms like Deloitte, HPE and NGOs like World Economic Forum and supranational organizations like European Commission. You can see more reputable companies and resources that referenced AIMultiple.
Throughout his career, Cem served as a tech consultant, tech buyer and tech entrepreneur. He advised enterprises on their technology decisions at McKinsey & Company and Altman Solon for more than a decade. He also published a McKinsey report on digitalization.
He led technology strategy and procurement of a telco while reporting to the CEO. He has also led commercial growth of deep tech company Hypatos that reached a 7 digit annual recurring revenue and a 9 digit valuation from 0 within 2 years. Cem's work in Hypatos was covered by leading technology publications like TechCrunch and Business Insider.
Cem regularly speaks at international technology conferences. He graduated from Bogazici University as a computer engineer and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.
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