While SMPC and HIPAA compliant emails have different functions, they can work together to safeguard sensitive healthcare data when providers process and share protected health information (PHI).
Unpacking SMPC and HIPAA compliant email
secure multi-party computation (SMPC) is a cryptographic protocol that allows multiple parties to perform computations on their private data without revealing the data itself. In healthcare, SMPC facilitates collaborative data analysis like research studies or disease tracking without compromising patient privacy.
HIPAA compliant email services provide advanced encrypted methods that secure contents during transmission and at rest. These emails also do not require unnecessary portal logins so users can get encrypted emails directly to their inboxes.
SMPC and HIPAA encryption requirements
SMPC uses advanced cryptographic techniques to keep data encrypted throughout the computation process. Only the final, aggregated results are revealed, so individual data points remain confidential. This allows researchers and healthcare providers to perform secure computations on encrypted data without exposing the raw information.
HIPAA compliant emails complement SMPC, so patient data remains protected throughout processing and sharing.
Ultimately, SMPC and HIPAA compliant email create a security framework that supports innovation and patient privacy.
How HIPAA compliant email supports SMPC workflows
Communicating SMPC results and protocols
SMPC allows secure data computation across multiple parties. Once these computations are completed, the results need to be communicated between the relevant organizations.
These parties can use HIPAA compliant emails to securely share outputs, safeguarding the results from unauthorized access.
Exchanging cryptographic keys and protocol parameters
Since SMPC often requires the exchange of cryptographic keys or protocol configurations. HIPAA compliant email ensures that these sensitive materials are safely transmitted between collaborating organizations, minimizing the risk of interception and potential data breaches.
Secure coordination between multiple parties
Since SMPC involves collaboration between organizations, like hospitals, research institutions, and business partners, they can use HIPAA compliant emails to share project updates, procedural instructions, or compliance discussions.
Delivering compliance documents and consent forms
Before initiating SMPC projects, healthcare organizations must share compliance documentation, consent forms, and data use agreements. Organizations must use HIPAA compliant emails to share these documents, uphold federal regulations, and gain a competitive advantage.
Protecting non-computational PHI
While SMPC protects data during processing, it does not cover other forms of data exchange, like administrative communications or operational updates.
HIPAA compliant email fills this gap by securing all emails that contain PHI, ensuring comprehensive protection across all aspects of healthcare operations.
HIPAA compliant email solutions, like Paubox, automatically encrypt outgoing emails, filling this gap and the information exchange.
Learn more: The intersection of Multi-Party Computation (SMPC) and HIPAA
FAQs
What kind of information does HIPAA protect?
HIPAA safeguards protected health information (PHI), which includes any information that can identify a patient and relates to their health condition or treatment.
See also: Communications that must remain HIPAA compliant
What are the legal risks of not being HIPAA compliant?
Legal risks include potential lawsuits from affected individuals and the associated costs of settlements, legal fees, and damage to reputation.
What is a data breach?
A breach occurs when an unauthorized party gains access, uses or discloses protected health information (PHI) without permission. Breaches include hacking, losing a device containing PHI, or sharing information with unauthorized individuals.
