Data Privacy Challenges in Healthcare Cloud Applications

Abstract

The proliferation of cloud computing in healthcare has facilitated improvements in operational efficiency and accessibility, but it also introduces significant challenges related to data privacy. Healthcare organizations are increasingly adopting cloud solutions to store and manage vast amounts of patient data. However, the sensitive nature of this information makes it vulnerable to data breaches, unauthorized access, and misuse. This paper explores the privacy challenges healthcare organizations face when utilizing cloud computing and examines the effectiveness of various strategies designed to mitigate these risks. A critical analysis of existing literature reveals the primary concerns regarding data protection, regulatory compliance, and the role of encryption in safeguarding healthcare information. The paper also provides an evaluation of different cloud service models and discusses emerging solutions such as blockchain for enhancing data privacy in healthcare.