Ensuring Data Privacy and Security in Cloud-based Healthcare System

Got more things than your organization’s internal storage can handle?

Technology is here to save the day again. Cloud computing is a type of technology infrastructure, which, to simplify, is an additional computer system that can be accessed from any part of the world. It gives you more processing power, storage, and features without asking you to manage them. All you need is a subscription, just like Netflix!

The most common industries using this facility are e-commerce, healthcare, Edtech, and Fintech. Without having to worry about additional technical resources, it enables them to expand along with their customer bases.

For the health and wellness sector, a simple solution for their ever-growing data is to integrate cloud computing with healthcare systems. In 2022, the global healthcare sector withheld $35.61 billion of the total cloud storage. Further, it is predicted to hold US $127.04 billion out of the total cloud storage by the time 2030 rolls around.

What’s special about these information management systems is the fact that they now have a scalable and team-based solution. Additionally, several features are offered by these systems to ensure the accuracy of the stored data. All of these advantages, though, also raise some privacy and data security issues. Here are a few concerns that were resolved as a result of integrating healthcare systems with cloud storage.

Data Control

When the data of any system is controlled in-house, the organization is responsible for it. But when data moves to cloud storage, the cloud takes over. Security concerns, information management, data backup, etc. all fall under the cloud system. In the event of a security breach, if any information is lost or stolen, it could be difficult to retrieve, which could land healthcare businesses in a mess. It is always a good practice to consult a legal advisor while using cloud computing in healthcare systems. Between the healthcare organization and the business selling the cloud storage, a Service Level Agreement is frequently negotiated.

On-site and Off-site Backups

Response time and productivity could be impacted while managing data from various sources. That’s why accessibility issues brought on by system bugs can prevent users from using cloud services. Due to the critical nature of their business dealings, this could once again harm healthcare businesses. A good remedy for such outages is the inclusion of features like onsite and offsite backup facilities, which decentralize data backups. On-site backups make a copy of the data and store it in a different area of the cloud that sees less user traffic. Off-site backups keep backup storage servers at different locations that can also be reached when necessary.

Multi-Device Access

When data is shared among numerous devices, redundancy and security issues occur. The ability to extract information over an equal number of channels, if not more, is made possible by continuous access across numerous devices. Data that is redundant spreads out more than data that is only stored once. The less data that is repeated in healthcare systems, the more secure a piece of information is. All systems that currently have or require access to the cloud must use all-inclusive security algorithms, which cover a variety of parameters. Direct unauthorized access and cyberattacks will be avoided by such algorithms.

Internal bugs

No matter how many algorithms you use, they can only guarantee the security of data coming from domestic channels. By using the cloud, you run the risk of having your data misused. Data can be altered through several techniques, including the creation and sale of copies without authorization, access to unwanted devices, and improper regulation. Unwanted access to a patient's medical record may violate government regulations, putting the healthcare industry in hot water. To guarantee the security of healthcare businesses while uploading data to a cloud, make sure to review the cloud policies and their compliance with governmental guidelines. Consulting a legal practitioner is also advisable.

Conclusion

Cloud computing has benefits, but there are some drawbacks as well. Due to the sensitive nature of storage in the healthcare sector, data security becomes a top priority. As they store a lot of data, cloud storage systems are more vulnerable to cyberattacks and need a strong security system. There are numerous security holes mentioned, along with actions that can be taken to address those flaws.

The most crucial safety measure to take before using cloud storage is to consult a lawyer and go over the cloud policy. It is still, however, a good idea to double-check network protocols and security to make sure there is a strong connection. Do not worry! Cloud storage is still a great service for the healthcare sector thanks to its extensible and accessible features.