How cloud computing influences the security of medical software?

Cloud computing data offers a number of benefits for medical and healthcare organisations, such as scalability, expertise, and compliance. On the other hand, it introduces new security risks and challenges that we, as a cloud computing in medical software provider, have to face.

Table of contents:



Threats in the medical cloud security environment

One of the biggest security issues is that cloud environments are typically shared by multiple organizations. This means that if one organization’s data is compromised, it could affect other organizations on the same platform.

Additionally, medical or healthcare organizations may have less control over their data and security when they move it to the cloud. Another concern is that cloud computing introduces new attack vectors that healthcare organizations need to be aware of. For example, attackers can exploit vulnerabilities in cloud applications or APIs to gain access to sensitive data.

Above examples rarely happen, but as a client you need to be aware of them. Despite the mentioned concerns, cloud-based services providers ensure security for medical application in the cloud. They use strict security measures like encryption, access controls, and regular data backups. Despite the risks, cloud computing can be a secure way to store and manage medical software projects.

The most common challenges in the healthcare cloud security industry

According to the article “Security challenges and solutions using healthcare cloud computing” by Mohammad Mehrtak et al. [1], the following are some specific security challenges that healthcare organizations need to be aware of when using cloud computing:

  • Data breaches: Cloud environments are prime targets for data breaches because they contain sensitive patient information
  • Compliance: Healthcare organizations need to ensure that their cloud provider complies with all applicable industry regulations, such as HIPAA and GDPR
  • Insider threats: Malicious insiders can pose a significant security threat to cloud-based medical software
  • Application security: Cloud-based medical software applications need to be properly secured to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited

The article also offers some solutions to these challenges:

  • Choose a reputable cloud provider: It is important to choose a cloud provider with a good reputation for security. Healthcare organizations should carefully review the cloud provider’s security documentation and certifications before making a decision.
  • Encrypt data: All sensitive data should be encrypted before it is stored in the cloud. This will help to protect the data even if it is compromised.
  • Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication: All users should use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to access cloud applications. This will help to prevent unauthorized access to data.
  • Monitor cloud activity: Healthcare organizations should monitor cloud activity for suspicious activity. This can help to identify and respond to security incidents quickly.
  • Educate staff: Healthcare staff should be educated on cloud security best practices. This includes topics such as password security, data encryption, and how to identify and report suspicious activity.

The most frequently identified solutions for cloud computing security challenges (based on 48 studies dedicated to solutions for cloud technology).

Source: Mehrtak M, SeyedAlinaghi S, MohsseniPour M, Noori T, Karimi A, Shamsabadi A, Heydari M, Barzegary A, Mirzapour P, Soleymanzadeh M, Vahedi F, Mehraeen E, Dadras O. Security challenges and solutions using healthcare cloud computing. J Med Life. 2021 Jul-Aug;14(4):448-461.

Choose the right cloud data provider

In conclusion, it is worth summarising that healthcare organisations can mitigate the risks by choosing a reputable cloud provider, encrypting data, using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, monitoring cloud activity, and educating staff on cloud security best practices. By following these best practices, medical and healthcare organizations can help to protect their data and applications in the cloud. Would you like to talk about your medical software migration to the cloud? Contact us.

[1] Mehrtak M, SeyedAlinaghi S, MohsseniPour M, Noori T, Karimi A, Shamsabadi A, Heydari M, Barzegary A, Mirzapour P, Soleymanzadeh M, Vahedi F, Mehraeen E, Dadras O. Security challenges and solutions using healthcare cloud computing. J Med Life. 2021 Jul-Aug;14(4):448-461. doi: 10.25122/jml-2021-0100. PMID: 34621367; PMCID: PMC8485370. Access online: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8485370/

Accessibility by WAH