Is faxing more secure than scanning to email?

Yes, in most cases. Traditional fax transmits point-to-point over phone lines without exposure on public internet servers. Online fax adds TLS encryption and audit logs. Scanned documents sent via email pass through multiple servers and are vulnerable to interception unless end-to-end encryption is applied — which most email workflows don't enforce.

Is a faxed document legally binding?

Yes. Faxed signatures are treated as legally equivalent to handwritten signatures in most US states, and fax confirmation reports are admissible in court as proof of delivery. Scanned signatures sent via email have weaker legal standing and are more easily challenged.

What is the difference between fax and scan on a printer?

Scanning converts your physical document to a digital file (PDF or image) stored on your device or sent to email. Faxing from a printer transmits the document directly to a recipient's fax number — the machine scans internally as part of the send process. Fax includes delivery confirmation; a scanned copy sent via email does not.

Is scan to email HIPAA compliant?

Standard scan to email is NOT HIPAA compliant. Standard email lacks the encryption, access controls, and audit logging required for PHI. Faxing can be HIPAA compliant when proper safeguards are in place and a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is signed with the fax service provider. See our [guide to HIPAA-compliant faxing](/blog/is-faxing-hipaa-compliant/).

Why do hospitals still use fax instead of email?

Healthcare organizations fax because it provides legally recognized delivery confirmation, is accepted under HIPAA with proper safeguards, and operates on dedicated phone infrastructure that bypasses public internet exposure. An estimated 75% of hospital communications still go by fax, and 9 billion fax pages are exchanged annually in US healthcare alone.

Fax Vs Scan: Which Is Better?

Fax vs scan — two document methods that seem similar but serve very different purposes. This guide explains the key differences, when each is the right choice, and which industries rely on faxing even in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is faxing more secure than scanning to email?: Yes, in most cases. Traditional fax transmits point-to-point over phone lines without exposure on public internet servers. Online fax adds TLS encryption and audit logs. Scanned documents sent via email pass through multiple servers and are vulnerable to interception unless end-to-end encryption is applied — which most email workflows don't enforce.
Is a faxed document legally binding?: Yes. Faxed signatures are treated as legally equivalent to handwritten signatures in most US states, and fax confirmation reports are admissible in court as proof of delivery. Scanned signatures sent via email have weaker legal standing and are more easily challenged.
What is the difference between fax and scan on a printer?: Scanning converts your physical document to a digital file (PDF or image) stored on your device or sent to email. Faxing from a printer transmits the document directly to a recipient's fax number — the machine scans internally as part of the send process. Fax includes delivery confirmation; a scanned copy sent via email does not.
Is scan to email HIPAA compliant?: Standard scan to email is NOT HIPAA compliant. Standard email lacks the encryption, access controls, and audit logging required for PHI. Faxing can be HIPAA compliant when proper safeguards are in place and a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is signed with the fax service provider. See our [guide to HIPAA-compliant faxing](/blog/is-faxing-hipaa-compliant/).
Why do hospitals still use fax instead of email?: Healthcare organizations fax because it provides legally recognized delivery confirmation, is accepted under HIPAA with proper safeguards, and operates on dedicated phone infrastructure that bypasses public internet exposure. An estimated 75% of hospital communications still go by fax, and 9 billion fax pages are exchanged annually in US healthcare alone.