How to Secure Your Slack for HIPAA & How to Get the HIPAA Badge/Seal

 

If your business works with health information, using Slack in a way that protects Private Health Information (PHI) is essential. “HIPAA compliance on Slack” means you need to meet strict requirements to ensure confidential healthcare data is protected. Here is how to secure Slack for HIPAA, pass audits, and understand how to get the HIPAA badge or seal.

• Choose the Right Slack Plan
  You must use Slack Enterprise Grid. Only this version supports features needed for HIPAA compliance.
• Sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA)
  A BAA is a legal contract needed for HIPAA, where Slack commits to protecting PHI. Without this, you are not allowed to store any PHI in Slack. You can request a BAA directly from Slack if your organization is on Enterprise Grid.
• Control Access and Authentication
  Use strong password policies and enable Single Sign-On (SSO). Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) should be required for all users.
• Limit and Monitor Who Can Access PHI
  Control which users, channels, and apps can see PHI. Remove unnecessary access for any employee or contractor who doesn’t need PHI to do their job.
• Disable File Downloads Where Not Needed
  Control and monitor the download and sharing of sensitive files. Use approved integrations only; remove those that Slack or your compliance partner doesn’t validate as HIPAA-compliant.
• Keep Audit Logs
  Enable Enterprise Key Management (EKM) to control encryption keys. Set retention policies to limit data exposure. Export and store logs securely so you can show access history during a HIPAA audit.
• Train Employees
  Give regular HIPAA training for anyone using Slack, so they understand what they can and cannot share inside channels, DMs, and files.
• Test and Review
  Use regular internal audits and penetration tests to identify risks. Partnering with experienced HIPAA auditors such as OCD Tech for Slack risk assessments can help pinpoint and solve configuration issues before external audits.

How to Get the HIPAA Badge/Seal for Slack

Understand that “HIPAA Certified” or “HIPAA Seal” is not handed out by Slack or HIPAA itself. Instead, you demonstrate HIPAA compliance by:

• Having Slack’s BAA in place and properly configured for Enterprise Grid.
• Documenting your compliance procedures (described above).
• Passing a readiness assessment or independent HIPAA audit – many covered entities choose firms like OCD Tech to review their controls and give a letter, attestation of compliance, or a badge that shows you meet requirements.
• Maintaining proof of your ongoing compliance (logs, policies, employee training records).

What’s most important for HIPAA audits concerning Slack?

• Proof that PHI is only accessed by authorized users
• Documentation of your process, controls, and training
• Logging and auditing all access to Slack
• Up-to-date signed BAA with Slack
• Appropriate configuration of Slack security and retention settings
• Regular review of users, channels, devices, and app integrations
• Evidence of security and compliance testing, such as a readiness review from a third party like OCD Tech

Summary: To secure Slack for HIPAA, use only Enterprise Grid, get the BAA, limit access, monitor everything, and regularly review and test. For a HIPAA badge or compliance seal that proves to partners and clients that you are compliant, you’ll likely need a third-party assessment – a service offered by firms such as OCD Tech, who can help you prepare, assess, and document your compliance.