Why is cloud faxing secure?

Posted: Nov 28, 2013
Share This:

One of the many appealing factors of cloud fax is its inherent security. When compared with other digital communication services such as email, cloud fax is significantly more secure.

Traditional fax security
The reliability and security of faxing is the reason why it has not died out as a form of communication in the digital age. Faxing uses the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) which is inherently secure. Documents are sent through the PSTN after being converted into base64 binary, then reassembled at the other end. This encryption of data means that even if someone was able to intercept it by manually accessing the telephone line, the information would appear only as noise.

But what is the difference between fax and email?

When it comes to security, email is far more vulnerable. Multiple parties such as ISPs, servers and virus scanners all obtain access to the email along the process of transmission. As such, any confidential data or images can be viewed and potentially intercepted and stored. Email is fine for sending simple memos and messages as part of day-to-day life, but when it comes to sensitive reports and documents, fax is much more suited.

Although sitting alongside email services, smart phones and tablet computers in the office, the use of traditional fax may be beginning to decline. However, this is simply due to a digital evolution, and the organizations migrating from traditional fax to cloud fax.

Enhanced security with Sfax
As fax is widely used by healthcare providers, it is vital that the sensitive data transmitted is protected much more comprehensively. As such, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets out specific requirements for the exchange of protected health information.

HIPAA-compliant cloud fax services such as Sfax provide an extra layer of security. Organizational and administrative security measures include comprehensive training of staff, the appointment of specialist Compliance Officers, and confidentiality and integrity of information. Technical measures include network defenses such as multiple firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

Regular back-ups and limiting access to documents and permissions to a select number of employees are included among more traditional security measures, but are vital nonetheless. Everything works together as a collection of complementary security measures which contribute to cloud fax being secure. This makes the service ideal for businesses and organizations whose sensitive data is an utmost priority, which is especially important in a time of increasing digital uncertainty.