Even with all the tech options we have today, faxing is still a reliable way for many businesses to send important documents. Whether it’s invoices, contracts, legal paperwork, or medical records, faxing remains a popular method because it’s secure, quick, and easy to use.
These days, you don’t even need a bulky fax machine or a landline. Thanks to online fax services and apps, you can fax documents from your computer or smartphone anytime, from anywhere. And yes — they’re just as safe as old-school fax machines.
Is Faxing Still Safe?
Yes, faxing is still one of the most secure ways to send documents. That’s because fax machines work through phone lines, not the internet. This makes it harder for hackers or strangers to intercept your files.
But remember: if you print out a fax on a shared machine (like one at a library or office store), be sure to take the pages right away. If you don’t need the hard copy, shred or store it properly to avoid anyone else seeing your private info.
Why Not Just Use Email Instead?
You might be wondering: if I can attach a document to an email, why fax at all?
Here’s why many people prefer faxing over email:
1. Emails can be hacked.
Email accounts, especially ones connected to other online accounts, can be an easy target for hackers. Once they get in, they may access your messages and attachments.
2. Emails aren’t always encrypted.
Even if your email hasn’t been hacked, the message itself might not be protected. Some email services don’t encrypt your documents unless you use a separate tool — which most people don’t.
3. Emails are often ignored.
With the rise of spam and email scams, people are now more cautious. If you send an important document from an unknown email, your recipient might delete it without even opening it.
4. Large files might not go through.
If your document is large, your email could get stuck or fail to send. It could also fill up the other person’s inbox.
5. Email offers no proof of delivery.
Unlike faxing, email doesn’t let you know for sure if your message was delivered or read — unless you use another app to track it.
6. Faxing keeps you more organized.
Fax apps or services keep all your sent and received documents in one place. It’s easier to find files later, especially if you’re managing lots of paperwork.
How Safe Are Online Fax Services?
Online fax services like eFax are designed with security in mind. They encrypt your documents during sending, so they stay protected along the way. When someone sends a fax to you, it shows up in your secure online inbox.
Only you can see the files in your account, which helps keep private or sensitive information safe.
How to Send a Secure Fax Using eFax (Step-by-Step)
Sending a fax online is super simple. Here’s how to do it using eFax:
Step 1: Log In to Your eFax Account
Go to the eFax website and sign in with your email or fax number and password. This takes you to your dashboard — your home base for all faxing.
Step 2: Start a New Fax
Click on “Compose a Fax.” Add the person’s name, company (if needed), and fax number. You can even send the same fax to up to 50 people.
Step 3: Attach Your Files
Click “Add Attachments” or drag your files into the box. You can upload PDFs, Word docs, images, and more.
Step 4: Check Your Settings and Hit Send
Add a cover page or special notes if you want. Then click “Send Fax.” You’ll get confirmation once it’s delivered.
Who Still Uses Fax Machines or Fax Services?
Faxing is still a big deal in industries like:
- Legal: Lawyers often fax documents to create a time-stamped record. This makes it easier to track and use in court if needed.
- Healthcare: Because of patient privacy laws (like HIPAA), hospitals and clinics must use secure methods to share medical info. Many still use faxing for this reason.
What Makes eFax Different?
eFax gives users more tools than most other options. It’s designed to work well in businesses that deal with lots of documents — like law firms or medical offices — without the mess or risks of using email or chat apps.
Here’s what eFax offers:
- Toll-Free & Local Numbers: You can pick a fax number with a local area code or a toll-free one to build trust with customers across the country.
- Electronic Signatures: Sign documents from your phone, tablet, or computer without printing anything.
- Cloud Storage Integration: Link eFax with Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud to grab files quickly — no downloading or re-uploading needed.
- No Equipment Needed: No fax machine, no phone line, no paper, no ink — and no extra space needed. Just log in, send your fax, and you’re done.
Three Easy Ways to Fax with eFax
You can fax using:
- Your desktop computer (through your eFax account)
- The eFax Messenger app
- Your email (connected to your eFax account)
Final Thoughts: Why Faxing Still Matters
Faxing may seem old-school, but it’s still a trusted way to send important documents — especially when security matters. With online fax services like eFax, you get the best of both worlds: the privacy and dependability of faxing, plus the speed and convenience of the internet.
Whether you’re working in law, healthcare, or any other document-heavy field, switching to online faxing could help you stay safe, organized, and efficient.
