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Is Amazon CloudFront HIPAA compliant? (2025 update)

Written by Lusanda Molefe | May 23, 2025 1:26:28 AM

Based on our research, Amazon CloudFront is HIPAA compliant because it meets the requirements set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to safeguard protected health information (PHI).

 

What is Amazon CloudFront?

Amazon CloudFront is a content delivery network (CDN) service that enables organizations to securely deliver data, videos, applications, and APIs to users with low latency and high transfer speeds.

With Amazon CloudFront, customers can optimize global delivery of content, benefiting from improved speed and reliability. Amazon CloudFront can be configured for HIPAA compliance through proper use and agreement with AWS.

 

Will Amazon CloudFront sign a business associate agreement (BAA)?

Yes, Amazon CloudFront will sign a business associate agreement, which can be reviewed, accepted, and managed through AWS Artifact in the AWS Management Console.

 

What does the Amazon CloudFront BAA cover?

The AWS BAA covers the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI), stating, "The AWS HIPAA compliance program includes CloudFront as a HIPAA eligible service. If you have an executed Business Associate Addendum (BAA) with AWS, you can use CloudFront (excluding content delivery through CloudFront Embedded POPs) to deliver content that contains protected health information (PHI)."

Their BAA covers:

  • Protection of PHI
  • Delivery of PHI-containing content (excluding Embedded POPs)
  • HIPAA-eligible service configuration
  • Compliance with HIPAA standards for data delivery and storage

 

Is Amazon CloudFront HIPAA compliant?

Amazon CloudFront signs a BAA, and as a result, is HIPAA compliant.

 

The HIPAA compliant solution: Paubox 

Paubox has developed a HIPAA compliant email and texting solution that makes it easier for providers to connect with their patients. It eliminates the need for third-party apps or logins, allowing patients to receive secure, encrypted texts and emails directly on their phones. 

Learn more: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide

 

FAQS 

What is HIPAA?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets national standards for protecting the privacy and security of certain health information, known as protected health information (PHI).

HIPAA is designed to protect the privacy and security of individuals’ health information and to ensure that healthcare providers and insurers can securely exchange electronic health information. Violations of HIPAA can result in significant fines and penalties for covered entities.

 

Who does HIPAA apply to?

HIPAA applies to covered entities, which include healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses. It also applies to business associates of these covered entities. These are entities that perform certain functions or activities on behalf of the covered entity.

 

What is a business associate agreement?

A business associate agreement (BAA) is a legally binding contract establishing a relationship between a covered entity under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and its business associates. The purpose of this agreement is to ensure the proper protection of personal health information (PHI) as required by HIPAA regulations.