Securing healthcare data with Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB)

Healthcare organizations are adopting cloud services for everything from electronic health records (EHR) to telehealth platforms. This migration creates new security challenges as sensitive patient data moves beyond traditional network boundaries. Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB) is an important tool for securing healthcare data in this cloud-first environment.

What is a CASB?

Microsoft defines a Cloud Access Security Broker as a security policy enforcement center between cloud service providers and healthcare organizations. It provides visibility, compliance, data security, and threat protection for cloud services. Think of it as a security checkpoint that monitors all cloud traffic, ensuring that sensitive healthcare data remains protected regardless of where it's accessed or stored.

Why healthcare organizations need CASB

Rising cloud adoption

According to an academic paper, healthcare organizations are increasingly moving away from privately owned and controlled servers to cloud-based solutions. This shift has enabled various healthcare applications including electronic medical records, telemedicine services, medical imaging storage, and real-time health monitoring systems. Cloud adoption in healthcare has become essential for managing and securing these services, particularly as organizations integrate more Internet of Things (IoT) devices and wearable technology into their healthcare delivery systems. CASB helps discover and secure these cloud services.

Data protection requirements

HIPAA compliance requires healthcare organizations to maintain strict control over Protected Health Information (PHI). CASB provides the visibility and control needed to ensure compliance as data moves to and from cloud services.

Remote work security

With more healthcare staff working remotely and accessing cloud resources, CASB helps ensure secure access and data protection regardless of location.

CASB features

Visibility and shadow IT discovery

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University and the National Institute of Informatics emphasize that while cloud providers may have strong security infrastructure, they don't understand the semantics of healthcare applications, making CASB a necessity for protecting sensitive medical data. Key visibility features include:

• Identifying unauthorized cloud services through policy-based monitoring
• Tracking data movement with encrypted channels and customized encryption keys
• Monitoring user access patterns through comprehensive logging and auditing
• Assessing cloud service risk levels with built-in compliance controls

This security framework is particularly valuable for healthcare organizations, which the researchers note typically access hundreds of cloud services and need to manage access from various devices and locations while maintaining compliance. The CASB pattern provides transparent security controls while allowing healthcare providers to define and enforce their own security policies for protecting patient data.

How CASB works

CASB operates through four primary mechanisms that work together to secure cloud services and protect sensitive healthcare data.

• Visibility: CASB discovers and monitors all cloud service usage across the healthcare organization. It provides detailed insights into who is accessing cloud services, what data is being shared, and how information is being used. For example, when a clinician accesses patient records through a cloud-based EHR system, CASB tracks this activity and ensures it complies with organizational policies.
• Policy enforcement: Once cloud services are identified, CASB enforces security policies through automated controls. When a staff member attempts to share patient data through an unauthorized cloud service, CASB can automatically block the transfer and alert security teams. This ensures that sensitive healthcare information remains within approved, HIPAA compliant channels.
• Data security: CASB protects sensitive healthcare data through continuous monitoring and control. It automatically encrypts protected health information (PHI), enforces data loss prevention rules, and manages secure data sharing. For instance, if a physician needs to share lab results with a specialist, CASB ensures the transfer occurs securely and in compliance with HIPAA requirements.
• Threat protection: CASB actively defends against cloud-based threats by monitoring for suspicious activities. When unusual behavior is detected, such as multiple failed login attempts or unusual data access patterns, CASB can immediately respond to prevent potential security breaches.

FAQs

What exactly is "shadow IT" and why is it a concern in healthcare?

Shadow IT refers to cloud services and applications that employees use without IT department approval. In healthcare, unauthorized cloud services could potentially expose patient data and violate HIPAA regulations.

How does CASB help with HIPAA compliance?

CASB helps maintain HIPAA compliance by providing visibility into cloud data movement, enforcing encryption policies, monitoring access controls, and creating audit trails of all cloud service usage involving PHI.

Can CASB protect data accessed through mobile devices?

Yes, CASB solutions can secure data accessed through any device, including mobile phones and tablets. They enforce security policies regardless of the device used to access cloud services.