Healthcare is innovating: Build a secure and flexible cloud

In the rapidly evolving world of healthcare, ensuring the security of patient data and medical systems is vital. Driven by the need to operate more efficiently, cut costs, and comply with stricter regulations around data security and privacy, the adoption of cloud technologies within the healthcare industry has increased significantly in recent years. According to Gartner, 76% of global healthcare decision-makers worldwide will have adopted cloud platforms to some extent by 2024 for application in treatment, work processes or research. That 76 percent means a doubling compared to 2023. However, with this adoption also comes new issues and challenges in the field of digital security.  

In this blog, we discuss the opportunities and challenges of cloud technology within healthcare and how the continuous monitoring of digital resources actively and demonstrably reduces the risk of vulnerabilities, misconfigurations and security incidents.

The opportunities and challenges of cloud technology within healthcare 

Cloud technology offers numerous benefits to healthcare facilities, such as improved accessibility, scalability, and cost efficiency. Cloud platforms offer the ability to scale up quickly without significant investments in hardware. This is important for healthcare facilities that experience varying demands for healthcare services or need fast computing power for specific examinations. In addition, cloud-based telemedicine solutions increase the accessibility of care and contribute to reducing operational costs. After all, patients and clients have to travel physically to healthcare providers less often, which saves both time and money. The integration of telemedicine into electronic patient and client records makes it possible to seamlessly integrate virtual consultations and remote monitoring into daily healthcare practice. 

Cloud platforms provide advanced capabilities to process, correlate, and identify trends in large amounts of data, such as patient data. This supports, for example, the development of personalized treatment plans and contributes to the improvement of the overall quality of care. In addition, cloud platforms often have advanced security measures against external attacks and internal risks, such as data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information.   

However, the increasing adoption of cloud technologies also brings new points of attention. Healthcare institutions must comply with laws and regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the (upcoming) Cybersecurity Act and sectoral guidelines such as NEN 7510 and NEN 75135. The healthcare sector also remains an attractive target for cybercriminals, with ransomware attacks and data theft as the biggest risks. Protecting sensitive patient data and ensuring the continuity of care processes remains crucial. 

Demonstrably reducing risks from cloud technology  

In addition to securing the well-known security basic measures, such as the use of strong passwords, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), data encryption, patch management, security awareness, Microsoft Defender for Cloud in combination with Microsoft Sentinel and Wortell's 24/7 Managed Extended Detection and Response (MxDR) service, help healthcare institutions to take a proactive approach to their Cloud Security.  

This combination offers protection against external attacks (e.g. ransomeware) and curbing internal risks, such as data leaks and unauthorized access to sensitive patients or client information. This combination quickly identifies and responds to vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, outdated software, phishing attacks, data exfiltration and malware installations within your cloud infrastructure.   

Identify early in the attack chain

Wortell's 24/7 Managed Extended Detection and Response (MxDR) has 'eyes and ears' in all 14 phases that an attacker generally goes through to eventually obtain sensitive data from healthcare organizations via Microsoft Defender XDR, Defender for Cloud, and Microsoft Sentinel.  

The early identification of attempts at a cyber attack can be compared to a triage system in the emergency room. Just as triage nurses can quickly assess and prioritize patients based on the severity of their conditions, our 24/7 MxDR service detects and assesses suspicious activity and potential threats targeting your healthcare facility at an early stage. This early identification allows our 24/7 Cyber Defense Center (CDC) to quickly intervene and take appropriate action before the threat spreads and wreaks havoc on healthcare systems and patient data.  

A safe future for healthcare 

The use of cloud technologies offers healthcare institutions the opportunity to work more efficiently and significantly improve the quality of care. However, these new technologies also come with challenges, such as cybercrime and compliance with laws and regulations. It is therefore important to use all possibilities in a responsible manner. Flexibility and security can go hand in hand here. Basic security measures, along with modern protections such as Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Microsoft Sentinel and Wortell's 24/7 MxDR service, as well as working with trusted partners in the healthcare sector, help support healthcare organizations in the protection of patient/client data and medical systems.