Vol. 2 No. 2 (2022): Journal of Machine Learning for Healthcare Decision Support
Articles

Cloud Compliance in Healthcare: A Technical Evaluation of Data Encryption, Access Control, and Risk Management Practices

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  • Srinivasan Ramalingam,
  • Lakshmi Durga Panguluri,
  • Subhan Baba Mohammed
Srinivasan Ramalingam
Highbrow Technology Inc, USA
Lakshmi Durga Panguluri
Finch AI, USA
Subhan Baba Mohammed
Data Solutions Inc, USA
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Published 10-12-2022

Keywords

  • cloud compliance,
  • healthcare data security
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

[1]
Srinivasan Ramalingam, Lakshmi Durga Panguluri, and Subhan Baba Mohammed, “Cloud Compliance in Healthcare: A Technical Evaluation of Data Encryption, Access Control, and Risk Management Practices”, Journal of Machine Learning for Healthcare Decision Support, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 94–133, Dec. 2022, Accessed: Jan. 22, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://medlines.uk/index.php/JMLHDS/article/view/57

Abstract

Cloud compliance in healthcare is an increasingly critical area as healthcare providers migrate sensitive patient data to cloud infrastructures. This paper undertakes a comprehensive technical evaluation of cloud compliance methodologies within the healthcare sector, focusing on the essential areas of data encryption, access control, and risk management practices. With the proliferation of electronic health records (EHRs), protected health information (PHI), and other critical datasets, ensuring regulatory compliance, security, and privacy in cloud environments is paramount. This research explores the mechanisms of data encryption as a primary tool for safeguarding data integrity and confidentiality. Advanced encryption protocols, including symmetric, asymmetric, and hybrid encryption algorithms, are examined, with attention given to key management strategies and challenges related to cloud-specific encryption issues, such as latency and computational overhead. The analysis highlights encryption practices aligned with industry standards like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), aiming to mitigate risks associated with unauthorized data access and ensuring data residency compliance.

In addition to encryption, this paper scrutinizes access control practices as a cornerstone of cloud security and compliance in healthcare. Role-based access control (RBAC) and attribute-based access control (ABAC) are discussed, detailing their implementation in cloud infrastructures and their suitability in managing access to healthcare data. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and biometric authentication methods are evaluated for their effectiveness in restricting unauthorized access, particularly in contexts requiring stringent identity verification. The paper further discusses the significance of least privilege principles and zero-trust architecture in modern cloud compliance frameworks, presenting these strategies as critical elements in reducing the potential attack surface within healthcare cloud environments. As cloud environments expand, access control models are increasingly required to adapt, necessitating flexible, scalable solutions that ensure ongoing compliance without compromising user accessibility.

Risk management is presented as the third pillar of cloud compliance, encompassing proactive threat detection, vulnerability assessment, and incident response strategies. This paper evaluates frameworks and tools available for healthcare providers to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with cloud usage, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) risk management framework. The role of continuous monitoring, automated risk assessment tools, and artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced predictive analytics is examined, illustrating how these technologies support compliance by detecting potential breaches and anomalies in real-time. This evaluation underscores the necessity of integrating these practices within a comprehensive governance model that ensures accountability and compliance with sector-specific regulations, emphasizing the importance of a well-defined incident response protocol to address breaches effectively and mitigate potential damage.

This technical evaluation of data encryption, access control, and risk management practices reveals that cloud compliance in healthcare demands a multidimensional approach. Compliance challenges are compounded by the unique requirements of healthcare data, which is highly sensitive and often subject to stringent regulations. The findings indicate that while encryption and access control are essential for protecting data integrity and privacy, robust risk management is necessary to anticipate, mitigate, and respond to potential threats. By adhering to established standards and incorporating advanced technologies, healthcare organizations can develop a secure, compliant cloud infrastructure that supports both regulatory demands and operational efficiency. This paper concludes by suggesting future research directions, including the exploration of machine learning techniques for adaptive compliance management and the potential role of blockchain in enhancing traceability and auditability of healthcare data in the cloud.

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