Transforming Security and Compliance for a Healthcare Provider Handling Sensitive Patient Data

Azentra partnered with a regional healthcare provider responsible for managing high volumes of sensitive patient information across multiple clinics. With growing cyber threats, outdated systems, and increasing regulatory scrutiny, the organisation needed to modernise its security architecture and implement robust governance controls.

The goal was clear: protect patient data, ensure compliance, and establish a secure foundation for ongoing digital transformation.

The Challenge

The healthcare provider was facing several high-risk issues that required urgent remediation.

1. Sensitive Patient Data at Risk

Electronic health records (EHR), imaging files, and clinical documentation were stored on outdated servers with:

• limited encryption

• inconsistent access control

• no real-time threat detection

• weak auditing and logging

This created significant exposure to data breaches and confidentiality violations.

2. Outdated Security Controls & Fragmented Tooling

The organisation relied on dated antivirus tools and lacked:

• endpoint detection and response (EDR)

• security monitoring

• privileged access governance

• consistent patching and vulnerability management

Clinical systems were vulnerable to cyberattacks, including ransomware.

3. Regulatory Pressure & Compliance Gaps

Auditors identified gaps related to:

• data access governance

• patching cadence

• incident response documentation

• insufficient security evidence

• lack of structured risk assessments

The organisation faced potential regulatory escalation without major improvements.

4. Distributed Workforce & External Partners

Doctors, nurses, admin staff, and external partners accessed systems from:

• clinics

• hospitals

• remote locations

• mobile devices

Lack of consistent access control created operational and security risk.

5. No Security Governance Framework

Security responsibilities were scattered and reactive, with no formal structure or defined model for long-term maturity.

The Solution

Azentra delivered a targeted, multi-phase programme designed to secure patient data, improve operational resilience, and elevate compliance maturity across the entire healthcare environment.

Phase 1: Security Foundation & Infrastructure Hardening

• Conducted a full security assessment and mapped risks to healthcare regulatory standards

• Implemented encryption across patient data repositories

• Standardised patching policies and automated vulnerability updates

• Deployed next-generation firewalls and secure network segmentation

• Hardened systems using industry best practices and NCSC guidance

Result: A secure, stabilised foundation protecting patient data across all sites.

Phase 2: Identity & Access Governance Overhaul

• Enforced Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all staff and external partners

• Implemented Azure AD with least-privilege access controls

• Introduced automated access reviews aligned to clinical job roles

• Delivered privileged account management for sensitive systems

• Standardised onboarding/offboarding processes for clinical and admin staff

Result: A significant reduction in unauthorised access risk and stronger identity governance.

Phase 3: Advanced Threat Detection & Endpoint Protection

• Rolled out enterprise EDR across all clinical and admin endpoints

• Implemented continuous threat monitoring through a 24/7 SOC

• Deployed behavioural analytics to detect anomalous activity

• Introduced automated containment workflows for high-risk events

• Integrated monitoring across on-prem and cloud systems

Result: Real-time visibility into threats with rapid response and containment capability.

Phase 4: Compliance & Governance Maturity

• Developed a full governance framework with clearly defined roles and responsibilities

• Created incident response plans, playbooks, and test procedures

• Delivered documentation aligned with regulatory expectations

• Implemented centralised audit reporting and evidence collection

• Conducted staff awareness and security training programmes

Result: The organisation achieved full compliance in its next audit cycle, with measurable improvements across all control areas.

The Outcomes

Within nine months, the healthcare provider achieved critical improvements:

Security & Risk Reduction

• 98% reduction in unpatched vulnerabilities

• Full MFA adoption across all systems

• Real-time threat detection and containment in place

• Encrypted patient data across all clinics

  
  

Compliance & Governance

• Passed regulatory assessment with no critical issues

• Complete audit trails and centralised reporting

• Strong governance structure with defined accountabilit

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Operational Efficiency

• Faster, more secure access for clinical teams

• Reduced downtime related to outdated systems

• Improved reliability of patient information systems

  
  

Patient Data Protection

• Strong encryption and access controls

• Safe remote access for clinical staff

• Significantly reduced risk of data exposure

  
  

Conclusion

Azentra helped this healthcare organisation transition from a fragmented, high-risk environment to a secure, compliant, and resilient operational model built to protect patient data and withstand modern cyber threats.

With improved governance, stronger identity controls, and advanced threat detection, the organisation now operates with confidence — supporting clinicians and administrative staff while safeguarding the integrity of patient information.