Is Dropbox Fax HIPAA Compliant?

Complete guide and alternatives

Dropbox Fax can be HIPAA compliant only if you sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) and handle all compliance details yourself. For a more secure and easy to use HIPAA fax solution Fax.Plus provides a ready-made compliance solution, including a signed BAA, encryption, and healthcare certifications out of the box.

alternative to Dropbox Fax

Key Features to Look For in a HIPAA-Compliant Fax Solution

When choosing a fax provider for healthcare information, make sure it meets these essential HIPAA-compliant features:
  • Signed BAA: Formal agreement confirming the provider's responsibility for securing PHI.

  • Access controls & user management: Limits who can see sensitive data.

  • Audit trails & activity logs: Tracks who accessed data and when.

  • End-to-end encryption: Protects PHI during transmission and storage.

  • Data-center certifications: Look for SOC 2 and ISO 27001 compliance.


For instance, Fax.Plus includes all essential HIPAA safeguards plus optional features tailored to healthcare providers.

Is Dropbox Fax HIPAA-Compliant?

Dropbox Fax states it can be HIPAA-compliant if properly configured and a signed BAA is in place. However, this compliance isn't automatic.

  • Plans Eligible for BAA: Dropbox offers BAAs only on specific paid plans. You must request and sign one explicitly.

  • Limited Security: Dropbox Fax states that "all transmissions are encrypted" this typically refers to TLS (encryption in transit). The available information suggests that while Dropbox Fax encrypts transmissions, it does not provide end-to-end encryption, as defined by zero-knowledge protocols

  • Other Limitations & Gray Areas: Dropbox Fax stores fax images and metadata with limitations, has limited mobile security controls, and relies on third-party integrations that may complicate compliance.

Send faxes and stay HIPAA compliant.
See how Fax.Plus compares to Dropbox Fax

Signed BAA available / included

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End-to-end encryption 

Audit trail & reporting

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- Detailed

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- Basic

Role-based access controls

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- Full

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- Limited

HITRUST / SOC 2

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PHI data residency

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- EU or US

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High volume faxing

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Support

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- Dedicated

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- Generic

Switch to Fax.Plus

Fax.Plus: HIPAA Compliance fax solution built for Healthcare

Fax.Plus is built specifically for secure healthcare communication. Key benefits include:

Extremely Secure Solution

Built-in HIPAA Compliance

Fax.Plus is designed as a HIPAA compliant faxing solution with multiple layers of protection. Fax.Plus provides a signed BAAs with enterprise accounts.

Secure HIPAA fax

Fax.Plus protects your data both in transit and stored with top-tier encryption and privacy. HITRUST CSF & SOC 2 Type II Certifications.
All Fax Functions In Your Own App

Access to PHI Records

Streamline record management by accessing audit trails of sent faxes. Easily search your archive using dedicated notes to find stored faxes, saving time and improving efficiency.
Dedicated Support

Advanced admin controls

Empower teams with role-based access controls and comprehensive audit trails, making security management and oversight straightforward.
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Flexible Data Residency (EU or US)

Fax.Plus allows you to choose where your data resides, supporting HIPAA and GDPR simultaneously.
Seamless Integrations

Cost Efficiency

Enjoy visibility of all expenses, choosing from various plans tailored to meet admin demands, including options for high-volume needs.

Migrating from Dropbox Fax to Fax.Plus

Switching fax services doesn't have to disrupt your clinic. Here's a simple migration plan:

1
Create an account on Fax.Plus and purchase an enterprise plan.
2
Fax.Plus provides a straightforward process to port in numbers with minimal downtime.
3
Set up Fax.Plus to become HIPAA compliant:
  • Meet data residency requirements by selecting the appropriate data center location in the compliance tab.

  • Activate advanced security controls to further secure your account.

  • Request and sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) to officially mark your account as fully HIPAA compliant.

4
Brief your team, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity of patient care.
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FAQs

Do I always need a BAA?
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Yes, if you handle PHI, a signed BAA is mandatory.
Is email-to-fax automatically HIPAA compliant?
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Not automatically. It requires encrypted communication and a signed BAA with the provider, like Fax.Plus.
How do I audit fax logs for HIPAA?
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Fax.Plus offers clear audit trails and reporting tools, enabling you to regularly check compliance.

Discover Fax.Plus,
HIPAA compliant fax solution.

Want to see how our cutting-edge faxing solution can help your healthcare organisation?
Schedule a demo and one of our representatives will contact you for a customized demonstration.