Secure communications via encrypted web connections using https are:

Secure communications via encrypted web connections using HTTPS are generally considered essential in the context of protecting sensitive information, particularly in healthcare settings governed by HIPAA regulations. The use of HTTPS ensures that data transmitted between the user's browser and the web server is encrypted, providing a secure channel that prevents unauthorized access to the information being exchanged.

In the realm of health information, where confidentiality and privacy are paramount, the necessity of secure communication cannot be overstated. HTTPS helps to mitigate risks related to data breaches and protects the integrity of sensitive patient data while in transit. This aligns with the HIPAA requirements to safeguard electronic protected health information (ePHI).

Considering the importance of maintaining patient privacy and security, organizations working with health data are expected to implement HTTPS as a standard practice to ensure that all communications are secure and compliant with regulatory expectations. Therefore, the characterization of HTTPS as essential for secure communications is accurate given the critical nature of data security in healthcare.