10 Techniques for HIPAA-Compliant Cloud Security

The results of a data breach involving PHI can be disastrous. So far in 2024, the American Hospital Association (AHA) has recorded 386 healthcare cyberattacks—putting it on pace to eclipse the activity levels reported in 2023. And in 2023, they saw the number of individuals affected by healthcare  attacks jump 287% compared to the prior year. With Change Healthcare confirming last month that its breach affected data of 100 million individuals—nearly one-third the population of the United States—it's clear that the effect of PHI data breaches is poised to spike again in 2024 overall.

So, what can be done to slow down this activity? Here we’ll examine ten techniques that companies in healthcare can use to implement and maintain HIPAA-compliant cloud security, preventing data breaches and enjoying the trust of customers. These are:

• Understand how HIPAA rules apply to data in the cloud
• Select a HIPAA-compliant Cloud Service Provider (CSP)
• Establish a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with your CSP
• Conduct a thorough risk assessment
• Classify data by sensitivity level
• Implement encryption and data protection
• Set up access controls and identity management
• Perform regular auditing and monitoring
• Regularly update and patch systems
• Train employees in security and compliance

Understanding the role of HIPAA compliance

Healthcare records in the United States are governed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which can now be more effectively enforced via the Health Information Technology for Economic Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2009 and the HIPAA Omnibus Rules. 

The shared responsibility model dictates that while a provider might be HIPAA-compliant, compliance responsibility starts and ends with the cloud-hosting infrastructure. Healthcare organizations are responsible for implementing controls to ensure HIPAA-compliant cloud security.

For organizations in the healthcare space, ensuring HIPAA compliance starts with employing the right practices.

Time-tested HIPAA cloud security practices

1. Understand how HIPAA rules apply to data in the cloud

In the United States, HIPAA sets the standard for protecting sensitive patient data. The Privacy Rule and Security Rule are particularly relevant to data in the cloud. The Privacy Rule focuses on safeguarding PHI, while the Security Rule outlines the necessary administrative, physical and technical safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of electronic PHI (ePHI). Understanding these rules is the first step in achieving HIPAA compliance.

2. Select a HIPAA-compliant Cloud Service Provider (CSP)

Choosing the right CSP is crucial. Look for providers that offer HIPAA-compliant services and have a proven track record in the healthcare industry. Ensure they provide the necessary security measures, such as encryption, access controls and regular audits. You need to be able to access your data at all times, so your CSP should offer uptime of nearly 100 percent. They should also have a disaster recovery plan in place to restore your data in the event of a breach, ransomware attack or natural disaster.

3. Establish a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with your CSP

A BAA is a contract that outlines the responsibilities of each party in protecting PHI. It ensures that your CSP understands and complies with HIPAA regulations. This agreement is not just a formality; it is a critical component of your compliance strategy. Make sure the BAA includes provisions for data encryption, breach notification and regular security assessments.

4. Conduct a thorough risk assessment

A comprehensive risk assessment identifies potential vulnerabilities in your cloud environment. This process involves evaluating the likelihood and impact of various threats to ePHI. Use the findings to implement appropriate security measures and mitigate risks. Regular risk assessments are essential to adapt to new threats and maintain compliance.

5. Classify data by sensitivity level

Classifying data based on its sensitivity helps prioritize security efforts. For instance, PHI requires more stringent protection than non-sensitive data. Implementing data classification policies ensures that sensitive information receives the appropriate level of security, reducing the risk of breaches. Using an advanced Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) solution with AI-powered accuracy will help to ensure that you classify all data correctly and eliminate ROT (Redundant, Obsolete and Trivial) data that increases your exposure to risk.

6.  Implement encryption and data protection

Encryption is a cornerstone of HIPAA-compliant cloud security. Ensure that ePHI is encrypted both in transit and at rest. Use strong encryption protocols and regularly update them to protect against emerging threats. Implement a Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solution to monitor and protect sensitive information from unauthorized access or disclosure.

7.  Set up access controls and identity management

Access controls are vital for restricting who can view or modify ePHI. Implement Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC) to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive data. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security. Effective identity management practices help prevent unauthorized access and ensure accountability.

8. Perform regular auditing and monitoring

Regular auditing and monitoring are essential for maintaining HIPAA compliance. Conduct internal audits to assess your security measures and identify areas for improvement. Monitor your CSP’s compliance with the terms of the BAA. Enable logging in firewalls and other security devices to track access and detect suspicious activity. File Integrity Monitoring (FIM) can help ensure that critical files have not been tampered with.

9. Regularly update and patch systems

Keeping your systems up to date is crucial for protecting against vulnerabilities. Regularly apply security patches and updates to your software, operating systems and applications. This practice helps close security gaps that could be exploited by attackers. Establish a patch management policy to ensure timely updates and minimize downtime.

10. Train employees in security and compliance

Human error is a significant risk factor in data breaches. Regular training ensures that employees understand their role in maintaining HIPAA compliance. Provide training on data protection best practices, recognizing phishing attempts and reporting security incidents. A well-informed workforce is your first line of defense against security threats.

HIPAA compliance drives your company’s success

By implementing these ten techniques, you can enhance your cloud security posture and ensure HIPAA compliance. Protecting sensitive patient data is not just a regulatory requirement; it is a critical component of building trust with your clients and maintaining a competitive edge in healthcare.

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