Intelligent Health.tech Issue 21 | Page 45

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( IGA ), Access Management ( AM ) and Privileged Access Management ( PAM ) play an indispensable role in fortifying the Zero Trust framework .
Conventional cybersecurity paradigms lean heavily on perimeter defences , confining security measures to network boundaries . However , with the rise of telehealth and the increased adoption of cloud computing , the inadequacies of this static approach to cybersecurity have become evident .
Zero Trust Network Access introduces a paradigm shift of prioritising continuous identity verification and authorisation irrespective of a user ’ s location .
This dynamic approach underscores the essence of Zero Trust , where trust is never assumed and access is meticulously validated at every interaction point .
Zero Trust architecture has rapidly become the foundation of modern cybersecurity , with secure networking and identity security as the cornerstone which establishes secure tunnels between users and applications .
As such , users will have to undergo rigorous authentication and be granted explicit authorisation to be able to access specific applications and data required to perform their job , while broad access to systems and information that aren ’ t part of the job is limited .
This secure access approach also applies to those that are outside the traditional corporate network .
At the heart of Zero Trust lies Identity and Access Management ( IAM ), a multifaceted framework encompassing IGA , AM and PAM functionalities .
IAM facilitates continuous risk assessment , ensuring that access privileges are granted judiciously within an environment .
By embracing Zero Trust principles , healthcare entities will benefit from the granular access control which mitigates the risk of unauthorised data access and aligns with stringent regulatory requirements .
Further , IAM ’ s integration with Zero Trust not only bolsters data security but also enhances remote access protocols which are vital for the expanding the landscape of telehealth services and other remote access technologies which are becoming more prevalent in the healthcare industry .
For example , with Zero Trust and IAM measures in place , remote healthcare workers will only have access to the specific data and applications needed to perform their jobs without jeopardising the entire network ’ s security . At the same time , this approach eliminates the need for traditional VPNs , which simplifies network architecture and lowers management costs .
As the healthcare industry continues to adapt and implement new technologies such as telehealth and remote patient monitoring to improve patient support , it also needs to implement security solutions that help to protect its patient data from cyberthreats .
Zero Trust , coupled with IAM applications , provides a safeguarding mechanism wherein only authorised personnel can access sensitive information , thereby building a strong line of defence and minimising the risk of data breaches .
Similarly , in clinical trial settings , Zero Trust architecture ensures the confidentiality of highly sensitive data , limiting access to authorised researchers only , while preventing potential data leaks .
Maximising the benefits of Zero Trust and IAM applications requires careful deliberation and strategic planning .
As such healthcare entities should consider a few key factors .
First , select reputable vendors that offer robust security solutions tailored to industry specific requirements , including compliance requirements .
Next , as Zero Trust is a relatively new technology , user training and awareness programs are imperative to foster a culture of security consciousness .
Likewise , the solution must seamlessly integrate with existing
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