Why identity and access management is key to zero trust in healthcare

Posted on Monday November 18, 2024

Protecting sensitive patient data in an era of fast-evolving cyberthreats may render traditional security models obsolete and insufficient. To address this concern, healthcare practices can opt to implement a zero trust framework, with identity and access management (IAM) as a key component. Read on to learn more about IAM, the backbone of a zero trust approach.

IAM enables healthcare providers to control, monitor, and secure access to systems and patient data in the following ways:

Enforcing least privilege access

Doctors, nurses, administrative personnel, and other healthcare staff usually require different levels of access to healthcare systems and data. IAM helps streamline access management by granting users access only to the data and systems needed for their roles, applying least privilege access principles to minimize the risk of unauthorized access. IAM can also automatically adjust privileges when staff roles change, which helps reduce the chances of data breaches and maintain compliance with relevant regulations.

Conducting continuous authentication and monitoring

Unlike traditional security models that authenticate users only at login, IAM provides continuous authentication by verifying users throughout their login process and use of systems. IAM also integrates with monitoring tools to track user behavior in real time. If there's suspicious activity in your network, such as an unusual attempt to access systems outside of working hours, IAM can flag and restrict access to prevent potential breaches.

Protecting against insider threats

Insider threats are a growing concern in medical practice. IAM reduces this risk by controlling access to sensitive data and tracking user activity, making every access request auditable. Having specific levels of control limits what each user can do and helps protect against both intentional misuse and careless mistakes.

Simplifying regulatory compliance

Healthcare organizations are subject to stringent regulations such as HIPAA, which require strict access controls and detailed auditing of data access. IAM simplifies compliance by providing an audit trail for every access request. IAM also enforces role-based access controls, a mechanism that lets only authorized personnel access or modify sensitive patient records.

Securing cloud environments

IAM helps extend zero trust principles to cloud-based resources, which many healthcare organizations have adopted. Whether healthcare staff are accessing electronic health records or telemedicine platforms, IAM guarantees secure access to cloud applications and services. It also provides a unified approach to managing access across hybrid and multi-cloud environments, regardless of where data or systems are hosted.

Ready to strengthen your healthcare organization's security with IAM or zero trust architecture? Contact our team of experts today to discuss how we can help you protect sensitive data and build a secure, scalable IT environment tailored to your needs.