Amazon Web Services (AWS) supports the productivity and data security needs of Australian organisations in all sectors, including the healthcare industry. In addition to compliance with Australia’s data protection laws, AWS solutions can help healthcare facilities identify and address security challenges without impacting teamwork and collaboration.
Find out how an AWS expert like WOLK can help your healthcare facility migrate to AWS and modernise its processes.
The Importance of Patient Data Security in Healthcare
Data breaches regularly expose private or highly sensitive information, exposing victims to an increased risk of identity theft, fraud, scams, and financial losses. Many Australian laws and data protection regulations are designed to protect healthcare data and patient information. Examples include the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme.
Despite these measures, healthcare providers across the country are vulnerable to patient data breaches. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) reported 104 healthcare organisation breach notifications from July to December 2023, up from 63 from January to June.
Challenges in Healthcare Data Management
Healthcare organisations must handle patients’ personally identifiable information and medical records, introducing many data security risks and challenges:
- Increased cyber threats. Healthcare facilities in Australia are often the target of cyber attacks such as ransomware or phishing, increasing the need for cybersecurity measures.
- Compliance challenges. Healthcare organisations must comply with the APPs, report breaches with the NDB, and follow all other applicable laws to avoid sanctions and protect patient trust.
- Data integrity risks. Failing to keep a healthcare facility’s IT systems secure and up-to-date increases the risk of corrupting sensitive data or rendering it unavailable.
- Storage and access challenges. Healthcare facilities must process, store, and secure large volumes of data. They must also ensure that data is remotely accessible by healthcare providers for efficient telemedicine.
AWS Solutions for Secure Healthcare Workspaces
Amazon Web Services (AWS) includes a range of secure, efficient solutions designed to enhance your healthcare facility’s data security. These solutions comply with Australian data security standards without impacting productivity or workflow efficiency.
- AWS WorkSpaces. This secure, remotely accessible Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) facilitates access to sensitive patient data while keeping it safe with encryption at rest and in transit.
- Identity and Access Management (IAM). With IAM, define and configure precise security roles for each healthcare worker, ensuring each team member only has access to the data they need.
- AWS CloudTrail. Gain access to detailed user activity logs, detect who accesses what data, and give your healthcare facility the tools to detect and combat security incidents.
Secure Your Patient Data with WOLK Today
WOLK can help you protect your patients’ sensitive data and work more efficiently. Contact us today and learn how AWS services can strengthen your healthcare facility against cyber threats.