Top 5 HIPAA Compliant File Sharing Services in 2024 based on 400+ Reviews

The healthcare industry’s emphasis on HIPAA compliant file sharing highlights the critical importance of secure data handling practices. Data breaches in healthcare, notably those involving Protected Health Information (PHI), incur the highest costs industry-wide, exceeding $7 million on average.¹ This underscores the critical importance of data security, particularly in the context of HIPAA compliance and the secure sharing of medical records and patient data.

Source: United States Department of Health and Human Services²
HIPAA rules encompass a variety of security measures divided into administrative, physical, and technical categories. These measures are designed to safeguard patient data comprehensively. While some of these guidelines are obligatory, others are merely advised as effective practices for enhancing.

This article provides insights into HIPAA compliant file transfer services and highlights essential features to evaluate when choosing a solution for HIPAA compliant file sharing.

Top 5 HIPAA compliant file sharing services

Selecting the right HIPAA compliant file sharing service requires a clear understanding of each provider’s capabilities and how they align with the specific needs of healthcare organizations. By prioritizing patient information security and compliance with HIPAA regulations, healthcare providers can mitigate the risks associated with data breaches and unauthorized access,and protecti patient privacy.

* 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.

1. SmartFile

SmartFile can integrate with a broad array of systems and workflows prevalent in healthcare settings. This adaptability enhances HIPAA compliant data sharing.

Source: SmartFile Website ³

• 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.

User Reviews

Pros:

• Users appreciate the service’s comprehensive FTP functionality and substantial file storage capacity, enhancing their ability to back up and manage files effectively.⁴

Cons:

• Users have noted concerns about the speed of uploads, which can be slower than expected, although it’s mitigated by the typically small data volumes they’re transferring.⁵

2. 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 ⁶

• 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.

User Reviews

Pros:

• Users value the tool’s compliance with HIPAA standards, ensuring the secure handling and transfer of sensitive healthcare data with features like SFTP, HTTPS, and detailed logging.

  ⁷

Cons:

• Users report limitations in allocating specific GB amounts to a user’s folder, restricting the ability to cap data storage per folder effectively.⁸

3. Accellion (Kiteworks)

Accellion Kiteworks is distinguished by its collaboration tools that secure communication across diverse platforms. This feature positions it uniquely for organizations that operate in a multi-platform environment and require collaboration across various communication channels.

Source: Accellion Kiteworks Website ⁹

• Auditing: Offers auditing and reporting to meet HIPAA requirements and manage risks.
• Data security: Supports SSL/TLS and AES-256 encryption for data in transit and at rest, protecting patient data effectively.
• Rapid incident detection: Features real-time notifications and comprehensive reporting for swift response to security incidents.
• Collaboration: Facilitates secure data exchange between healthcare organizations and business associates.

User Reviews

Source: A review of HIPAA compliant file sharing tool Accellion by Capterra ¹⁰

Pros:

• Accellion’s software is found exceptional for document management and collaboration, praising its ease of use for creating and sharing a large volume of documents.¹¹

Cons:

• Users report that the interface can be unwieldy, especially when navigating through numerous folders, making the management of expiration settings challenging.¹²

4. Serv-U by SolarWinds

Serv-U by SolarWinds differentiates itself by offering flexible on-premises and hybrid deployment options. This versatility grants healthcare organizations the control over their file storage and HIPAA compliant document sharing, catering to those who prefer or require on-site data management solutions.

• Comprehensive compliance: Addresses requirements from HIPAA/HITECH, PCI DSS, SOX, and more, offering a versatile solution for data security compliance.
• Managed file transfer (MFT): Delivers a reliable and secure platform for managing file transfers while ensuring compliance with various regulations.

User Reviews

Source: HIPAA compliant file sharing tool Serv-U MFT Reviews by Capterra ¹³

User Reviews

Pros:

• The tool facilitates easy file sharing and collaboration on projects by offering a secure environment for file transfers. It enhances operational efficiency through automation, allowing users to set up event-driven actions. ¹⁴

Cons:

• Users report challenges configuring the software for high-availability setups with multiple hosts, as managing ports and gateways can become complex.¹⁵

5. FileCloud

FileCloud stands out 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 ¹⁶

• 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.

User Reviews

Pros:

• Users appreciate FileCloud for its no-code setup, enabling easy process creation and access to real-time reports with a single click. It supports HIPAA compliant file sharing and DICOM image previews, enhancing medical report sharing. ¹⁷

Cons:

• Users experience frustration with the software’s stability, noting unexpected exits during media backups, inability to connect to servers, frequent crashes, and limited offline functionality. ¹⁸

Further reading

• Top 8 Managed File Transfer (MFT) Solutions in 2024
• Top 8 SFTP Server Software in 2024 Based on 1000+ Reviews
• Top 6 Enterprise File Transfer Solutions in 2024

External Links

• 1. IBM, “Data Breach Report” Accessed 9 March 2024
• 2. United States Department of Health and Human Services, “Summary of the HIPAA Security Rule”Accessed 11 March 2024
• 3. “SmartFile”
• 4. “A Review of SmartFile”. Capterra January 25, 2019. Retrieved March 12, 2024
• 5. “A Review of SmartFile by Zach W.”. Capterra January 25, 2019. Retrieved March 12, 2024
• 6. “Cerberus FTP Server”
• 7. “A Review of Cerberus FTP Server by Sai R.”. Capterra September 10, 2021. Retrieved March 12, 2024
• 8. “A Review of Cerberus FTP Server”. Capterra May 12, 2020. Retrieved March 12, 2024
• 9. “Accellion Kiteworks”
• 10. Capterra, Accessed 11 March 2024
• 11. “A Review of Accellion Kiteworks by Vipul P.”. G2 Feb 23, 2024. Retrieved March 12, 2024
• 12. “A Review of Accellion Kiteworks”. G2 Sep 13, 2016. Retrieved March 12, 2024
• 13. Capterra, Accessed 11 March 2024
• 14. “A Review of Serv-U by Vallo S.”. Capterra November 25, 2023. Retrieved March 12, 2024
• 15. “A Review of Serv-U”. Capterra February 1, 2019. Retrieved March 12, 2024
• 16. “FileCloud”
• 17. “A Review of FileCloud by Ashwini J.”. G2 Jun 09, 2023. Retrieved March 12, 2024
• 18. “A Review of FileCloud by Ashwini J.”. G2 Jul 13, 2023. Retrieved March 12, 2024