Tokenization vs. End-to-End Encryption
Only one approach keeps PHI secure after it's shared.
Seald Healthcare
Encrypts PHI end-to-end and enforces access control wherever data travels.
Datavant
Tokenizes data by replacing identifiers while relying on underlying access to original data.
Tokenization Reduces Risk. Encryption Eliminates Exposure.
Seald Healthcare
PHI remains encrypted at all times outside authorized environments. No plaintext exposure across vendors, systems, or workflows.
Datavant
Tokenized data can be re-identified. The original data must still exist and be accessible somewhere, creating additional risk.
Control After Sharing
Seald Healthcare
Access is enforced at the point of decryption. Permissions can be revoked at any time, even after data has been shared.
Datavant
Once data is shared, control depends on downstream systems, agreements, and trust.
Security Model
Seald Healthcare
Data-centric security. Policies travel with the data.
Datavant
System-centric security. Protection depends on where data is stored.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Capability | Seald Healthcare (Encryption) | Datavant (Tokenization) |
|---|---|---|
| Protects PHI in plaintext | Never exposed | Original data still exists |
| Security after data is shared | Persistent | Lost after transfer |
| Access control enforcement | At decryption | Relies on systems + contracts |
| Ability to revoke access | Real-time, anytime | Not enforceable |
| Cross-vendor protection | Built-in | Depends on each vendor |
| Underlying data exposure risk | Eliminated | Still present |
| Security model | Data-centric | System-centric |
How Data Flows
Tokenization
Original data still exists in plaintext. Access depends on systems and trust. Control is lost once data is shared.
End-to-End Encryption
No plaintext exposure. Access enforced at decryption. Permissions can be revoked anytime.
Tokenization removes identifiers. Encryption protects the data.
If You Need to Share PHI Securely, Encryption Is the Only Complete Solution
Tokenization helps manage identifiers, but it does not secure data across systems. Seald Healthcare ensures PHI is never exposed in plaintext and remains under your control at all times.