Data within the healthcare industry is fraught; there’s no avoiding it. According to the HIPAA Journal, in 2024, the records of 82% of the population of the United States were exposed, stolen, or impermissibly disclosed. In response, organizations are shifting from on-premises hosting operations to a variety of different ways to keep data secure. But change comes with disruption. So, in a world that’s dangerous for data, what’s at stake?

Security, performance and availability—“SPA”—are the cornerstones of the Cloud. In my previous blog, I took a high-level look at defining each pillar, but now, let’s discuss the first pillar, security, which is a key consideration for organizations around the world.

The risks

Without secure data, organizations must consider major risks. An avalanche of consequences can hit an organization without a secure system, including risking leaks of patient data and medical records. This can lead to identity theft for patients, incorrect medical treatments, privacy violations and major financial losses for organizations. Simply put, patient trust will suffer, leading to fewer patients and a worse reputation. A secure system works to prevent these potentially severe consequences, and in today’s digital age, the reality is: maintaining data security is critical.

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Proactive, prescriptive, preventive

Let’s take a look at these terms and define them more specifically. Proactive data refers to the approach of preventing data errors and issues before they occur, rather than reacting to them after they have already impacted operations. Prescriptive data goes beyond simply describing or predicting trends by actively suggesting the best steps to take in a given situation to achieve desired outcomes. And lastly, preventive data strategies and technologies are designed to protect sensitive information from being lost, stolen or accessed by unauthorized individuals. It aims to prevent data breaches before they happen.

By incorporating all three concepts into the structure of how we define our operations, we ensure that our data security can inspire trust, as well as next-level outcomes.

Safe and secure

These concepts are not the holistic list of how we, at Altera, frame the importance of data security from a Hosting perspective, but it is worth noting that these pieces contribute to the bigger picture of why Cloud Hosting is the safest move for healthcare organizations to consider.

Security can become complex very quickly, which isn’t all together bad, especially if you have a Health IT vendor who has your back. While security presents a massive undertaking for organizations to keep under control, they certainly don’t have to do it alone. Altera Cloud maintains a keen focus on data security, performance and availability, so that organizations can keep their focus on the patient experience, and running smooth daily operations. Partnership is everything to our perspective at Altera, and success is framed by our clients, always, as their results are how we measure ourselves. To learn more about Altera Cloud and how we keep data safe, performing well and available, visit this site.