HIPAA Breach and Cloud Computing: Risks and Best Practices
Users of cloud computing can access cloud-stored data from any location that has an internet connection.
Because it’s so simple to use, most organizations across all industries already adhere to common best practices when it comes to storing customer and patient data in the cloud.
Yet, as remote work has become more popular and firms have rushed to implement remote working methods, many have failed to adequately protect their data.
How you can use cloud software and comply with HIPAA is covered in order to offer guidance on HIPAA compliance with cloud computing.
In this article we will tell you about HIPAA Breaches and Cloud Computing, so continue reading.
The use of cloud computing significantly grew in 2020, which led to a rise in cybersecurity concerns. According to a recent survey, there have been 12% more attacks against healthcare web applications, with 195 million attacks on average monthly.
Following a wave of cyberattacks on remote employees, the CISA and FBI both offered advice on enhancing cloud security.
Among the recommendations made by CISA are:
Install MFA for each and every user.
Concentrate on education and awareness. Inform staff members of dangers, such as phishing scams, and how they are spread. Moreover, educate users on information security concepts, methods, and general, developing cybersecurity threats and weaknesses.
Adapt conditional access (CA) policies to the requirements of your organization.
A baseline for typical network activity in your context should be established.
Verify that user access logging is turned on. To maintain visibility on logs outside of logging periods, forward logs to a security information and event management appliance for aggregation and monitoring.
Create a system for blame-free employee reporting, and make sure that staff members are aware of who to contact if they see any irregularities or think they have been the victim of a cyberattack.
This will guarantee that the appropriate mitigation plan can be applied effectively and rapidly.
Many of the aforementioned suggestions are directly related to HIPAA and cloud computing requirements. This is so because the HIPAA Security, Privacy, or Breach Notification Standards mandate many of these activities. HIPAA cloud computing is actually required.
For instance, HIPAA mandates that healthcare businesses put in place rules and practices that reduce threats to PHI security, such as using strong passwords, monitoring access to data, and granting access to data only to those workers who need it.
Additionally, HIPAA mandates that healthcare staff members undergo annual training in cybersecurity best practices, HIPAA fundamentals, and their organization’s policies and procedures.
Organizations must also notify employees of suspected breaches and urge them to do so without fear of reprisal under HIPAA.
