Originally published on Healthcare IT Today
Cloud technology is at the forefront of digital transformation strategies for the healthcare industry. Indeed, 81% of healthcare executives stated that they use it in most or all of their operations.
And while the shift to the cloud promises to enhance patient care, streamline workflows, and improve safety, it also introduces new security challenges. Healthcare data is a prime target for cybercriminals, as evidenced by the staggering 133 million health records exposed, stolen, or improperly disclosed in 2023.
With this in mind, healthcare IT must prioritize compliance with regulations such as HIPAA and HITRUST to ensure the highest level of patient data protection. When applied correctly, the basic tenets of a secure cloud deployment can ensure that these unique security needs are met in this highly regulated sector.
Beyond a Single Cloud: Diversification for Enhanced Security
Cloud diversification—also known as a distributed cloud strategy—has long been considered one of the most suitable options across myriad industries. Whether it’s hybrid or multi-cloud, distributing data and workloads across multiple platforms can help ensure greater resilience in the event of a security incident or outage.
The same can be true for healthcare. Taking a multi-cloud or hybrid approach reduces the risk of major disruption when one platform is hit by an outage or a breach. It also helps comply with data protection requirements by distributing sensitive patient data across different locations rather than having it all stored in one central place. After all, a moving target is harder to hit.
Continuous Vigilance: Updates and Maintenance are Key
All cloud infrastructure runs best when supported by a routine maintenance schedule. Healthcare is no exception. Regular software updates, security patching, and routine maintenance are vital for robust security. By staying vigilant and proactive with maintenance, you can minimize the risk of cyberattacks and ensure the safety of your patients’ data.
Planning for the Unexpected: Proactive Measures for Peace of Mind
Healthcare organizations are responsible for protecting sensitive data and adhering to regulations. This necessitates a thorough evaluation of potential cloud providers. Factors to consider include their security track record, compliance certifications, and data backup and recovery plans.
Cloud providers have been prioritizing these security features for several years now. No industry is immune from attack, so providers have invested heavily in procedures and security products that help ensure data is protected.
Healthcare IT teams can learn from cloud best practices about regular backups, both on-site and off-site. The “air-gapped” backup strategy could be particularly beneficial for protection against ransomware attacks. With this approach, the backed-up data is inaccessible from the live systems. Malicious code cannot physically access the backup data, ensuring it will not be encrypted. Also, frequently testing recovery procedures ensures an organization is prepared for outages or data loss rather than waiting for a disaster to strike.
The human aspect of data access is another critical element. Two-factor authentication (2FA) should be standard when accessing any form of sensitive data, as this is the only way to truly help protect data from breaches. Passwords can be breached remotely far more easily than having to use a physical device that only the user has for a code.
Risk Assessment: A Crucial Step for Comprehensive Security
Where healthcare IT may need to take an extra step in cloud security is in its approach to risk assessment. Given the unique nature of healthcare data and the increased risk of damage from an outage or a breach, cloud-bound healthcare IT professionals should maintain an up-to-date asset inventory. This should include patient records, other sensitive data, and any Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices on your network that can be potential entry points for attackers.
Understanding the potential impact of a data breach should also be included in the risk assessment. Estimating the worst-case scenario’s possible consequences helps prioritize security measures, many of which will be unique to the healthcare organization.
HIPAA’s contingency planning guidelines mean that healthcare organizations also need to identify potential threats to cloud infrastructure such as natural disasters, insider threats, power outages, or malicious attacks.
Finally, it is crucial to recognize potential vulnerabilities in your systems. Outdated medical equipment, unpatched software, and untrained staff are all examples of vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
Cloud deployment has always been a daunting task, and the strict confines in which healthcare organizations operate add another layer of complexity. But by following industry-leading best practices, healthcare organizations can harness the power of the cloud to transform patient care while safeguarding sensitive information. This allows them to focus on their core mission: delivering exceptional healthcare.
