Securing Cloud-Based Healthcare Data: Best Practices and Regulations

The ability to store data on the cloud has revolutionized how healthcare organizations collect, manage, and store patient data. However, storing healthcare data on the cloud also exposes it to a broad range of new security threats. In 2023 alone, over 80 million people have already been impacted by healthcare data breaches. The frequency of these breaches has been also climbing for several years. This rising frequency of data breaches, combined with the immense sensitivity of healthcare data, highlights the critical need for securing this unique type of data.

For federal agencies, collecting sensitive healthcare data, and keeping that data safe from prying eyes is a top priority. In this article, we'll explore the regulations that govern how healthcare data is stored on the cloud, as well as some proven best practices your agency can use to keep your data secure.

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Federal Regulations Regarding the Storage of Healthcare Data

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Organizations must follow certain laws and regulations when handling healthcare data, and this applies to federal agencies as well. The primary regulatory framework governing healthcare data in the United States is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This framework outlines rules for how healthcare data must be handled. It covers various areas, including how healthcare data is disclosed to third parties. Additionally, it specifies the administrative, physical, and technical safeguards that must be in place and what actions the organization must take to notify affected individuals in case of a breach.

Along with HIPPA, there are a few other regulations that US organizations collecting healthcare data are required to follow. This includes regulations such as the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act , the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act (PSQIA) , and the HITECH Breach Notification Rule. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory for organizations that collect and store healthcare data. Failing to adhere to healthcare data security regulations may result in severe legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and a loss of business licenses.

Cybersecurity in Cloud is a Shared Responsibility

There is a common misconception that Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) handle all aspects of cybersecurity, which is not accurate. In reality, cybersecurity in the cloud operates under a shared responsibility model between the CSP and the system owner or implementer.

While CSPs offer various cybersecurity options, such as secure data centers, encrypted storage, and robust network security, the system owner must secure their own systems, applications, and data within that environment. The CSP is responsible for securing the cloud, ensuring that the infrastructure and physical environment remain secure. On the other hand, the system owner must handle security within the cloud. This includes configuring and managing Identity and Access Management (IAM), Access Control Lists (ACLs), security groups, and other application-specific controls.

For example, although a CSP may offer encryption, it is the system owner’s responsibility to configure encryption settings for sensitive healthcare data, both in transit and at rest. Additionally, the system owner must ensure compliance with regulatory requirements like HIPAA. This includes controlling access to data through strong IAM policies, configuring firewalls, and performing regular audits of security settings.

Neglecting the system owner’s role in shared responsibility can create critical vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities could lead to unauthorized access or data breaches. Therefore, understanding and properly implementing security settings is as important as the security features provided by the CSP.

Best Practices for Securing Cloud-Based Healthcare Data

Following all required regulations for storing healthcare data on the cloud is essential. Moreover, doing so helps ensure your organization has appropriate safeguards in place. Ultimately, these safeguards protect sensitive healthcare data from potential threats and breaches. However, there are additional measures you can take to keep your cloud-based data secure. This includes best practices such as:

Choose a Secure Cloud Service Provider

When choosing a cloud service provider for storing healthcare data, it is essential to choose a provider that is reputable and security-focused. Look for providers that offer robust security measures such as data encryption, access controls, and regular security audits. You should also consider whether the provider adheres to industry-specific certifications and standards, such as ISO 27001 for information security management and applicable publications of NIST SP 800 Series. Before trusting any cloud service provider with your organization’s healthcare data, it’s essential to verify their adherence to strong security standards. Additionally, ensuring compliance with these standards is paramount for protecting sensitive information. Thus, conducting thorough due diligence is crucial before making any commitments.

One effective way to evaluate cloud service providers is to use security questionnaires. Having a provider complete these questionnaires can help ensure that they are a good match for your organization’s security needs.

Implement Strong Encryption Protocols

A comprehensive security strategy for healthcare data must include encryption both in transit and at rest. Strong encryption protocols ensure that even if the data is accessed by an unauthorized user, they won’t be able to actually decode it. Choose encryption algorithms like AES-256 or stronger for data at rest and TLS 1.2 or later for data in transit. This step strengthens protection against unauthorized access and data breaches.

Conduct Regular Security Audits and Assessments

The cybersecurity landscape is one that is rapidly evolving. To stay ahead of the ever-changing threats, it’s essential to continually monitor and update your security controls and practices. To enhance security, you should perform routine penetration testing. This practice simulates potential cyberattacks and assesses your system’s resilience according to industry-recognized frameworks, like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework or CIS Controls. Moreover, it’s important to employ Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems. Additionally, reviewing access logs and monitoring user activities helps detect unusual patterns that may indicate a security threat.

Educate and Train Staff

Human error remains a significant threat to data security. To ensure that your organization’s employees always follow proper cybersecurity practices, it is vital to provide them with thorough training and education. Teach them to recognize phishing attempts, use strong passwords, and follow protocols for data access and sharing to avoid vulnerabilities created by human error. In many cases, human error and improper employee conduct are some of the biggest security threats an organization faces, so thoroughly educating and training your staff is vital to healthcare data security. Such training should be conducted annually once.

Backup Data Regularly

Implementing regular data backups helps mitigate data loss from ransomware attacks or system failures. Although backups won’t prevent unauthorized access, they ensure your data remains accessible during security incidents. Furthermore, maintaining data integrity and accessibility is crucial for ensuring business continuity.

Keep Your Cloud-Based Healthcare Data Safe With Help From i-Link Solutions

At i-Link Solutions, we help federal agencies and organizations protect their healthcare data with advanced cybersecurity solutions. We assist clients in developing robust cloud infrastructure and tailored cybersecurity measures. As a result, our services enable organizations across the country to remain compliant and prevent costly data breaches.

To learn more about how the cybersecurity professionals at i-Link Solutions can help your organization thoroughly secure its cloud-based data, be sure to contact us today!

Our Agile Software Engineering team ensures that your data is safe and compliant with industry regulations. Learn how our tailored software solutions can protect your healthcare data in the cloud.

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