Page 195 - Cyber Defense eMagazine June 2024

In conclusion, securing cloud platforms and infrastructure is a complex but critical task. From the military’s
high-security demands to everyday applications in the private sector, effective planning and
implementation of IAM and other security controls are what make the cloud a viable and safe option for
handling data in the modern digital world.

A practical example of planning and implementing security controls in a cloud environment can be
illustrated by how a healthcare organization transitioned to a cloud-based electronic health records (EHR)
system. This move required rigorous security measures due to the sensitive nature of health data and
compliance with strict regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

Scenario: Healthcare Organization Moving to a Cloud-Based EHR System

As the digital landscape evolves, more organizations are embracing cloud technologies to enhance
efficiency, scalability, and accessibility of their critical systems. However, this transition also brings forth
significant security challenges, particularly when handling sensitive information. A prime example of such
a transition is seen in the healthcare industry, where the migration to cloud-based systems must be
meticulously planned to protect patient data while complying with stringent regulations like HIPAA.

One illustrative case involves a healthcare organization that decided to move its electronic health records
(EHR) system to the cloud. This strategic shift aimed not only to modernize their operations but also to
improve data accessibility for healthcare providers and patients alike. Yet, the sensitive nature of the
information managed required a comprehensive approach to security. Here’s how they approached the
planning and implementation of security controls in the cloud, setting a benchmark for best practices in
cloud security within the healthcare sector.

Step 1: Risk Assessment

The healthcare organization began by conducting a comprehensive risk assessment focused on the
cloud environment. This involved identifying critical data such as patient medical records, billing
information, and personal identifiable information (PII). They evaluated potential threats like data
breaches, unauthorized access, and data loss due to system failures.

Step 2: Choosing Appropriate Security Controls

Given the sensitive nature of the data involved, the organization opted for a hybrid cloud model to
maintain greater control over the most sensitive workloads while still benefiting from the scalability of
public cloud resources for less critical data.

Key Security Controls Implemented:

• Encryption: All data, both at rest and in transit, was encrypted using advanced encryption
standards to protect data confidentiality and integrity.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – June 2024 Edition 195
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