Zscaler: Protecting the Most Sensitive Data—Personal Health Data

Last Updated: March 1, 2025

Introduction

Healthcare CIOs, CISOs, and IT leaders trust as the premier solution for securing electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI), Personally Identifiable Information (PII), and other sensitive healthcare data in today’s digital era—ensuring patient data protection and operational efficiency stay in lockstep with healthcare cybersecurity requirements. 

Zscaler’s cutting-edge security service edge (SSE) integrates Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) to deliver airtight security. By enforcing continuous verification, blocking unauthorized data exposure, and stopping ransomware and phishing, Zscaler safeguards healthcare organizations from evolving cyberthreats. Seamlessly aligning with HIPAA standards, it simplifies compliance and risk management. 

Zscaler Ensures the Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability of ePHI

Zscaler enforces HIPAA’s General Rules by securing ePHI with its Zero Trust Exchange framework. This cloud native platform ensures least-privileged access, continuous authentication, and comprehensive threat protection, reducing the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and compliance violations.

Key Metrics and Outcomes:

  • 99.999% availability ensures continuous access to critical health data.
  • 85% reduction in lateral movement risk with zero trust segmentation.
  • 100% inline traffic inspection for all ePHI transactions.

Technical Safeguards Implementation

Access Control

Zscaler enforces least-privileged access through Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), ensuring that only authorized users and devices can access ePHI. This aligns with HIPAA’s mandate for controlled access to electronic health information.

  • Capabilities:
    • Role-based access control (RBAC) and contextual identity verification.
    • Integration with identity providers (IdPs) for seamless authentication.
    • Continuous user and device verification before granting access.

Audit Controls

Zscaler provides real-time activity logging and threat intelligence to track ePHI access and usage.

  • Capabilities:
    • Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) logs all user activity.
    • Security information and event management (SIEM) integration for centralized monitoring.
    • AI-powered analytics for anomaly detection and insider threat prevention.

Integrity and Protection from Alteration

Zscaler prevents unauthorized data modifications using its Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Cloud Sandbox solutions.

  • Capabilities:
    • DLP policies to restrict unauthorized sharing of ePHI.
    • Encryption of ePHI in transit and at rest to prevent data corruption.
    • Advanced threat isolation to prevent malware and ransomware attacks.

Authentication and Transmission Security

Zscaler couples multifactor authentication (MFA) and end-to-end encryption to protect ePHI during transmission.

  • Capabilities:
    • TLS/SSL inspection to secure ePHI against man-in-the-middle attacks.
    • Software-defined perimeter (SDP) to prevent unauthorized network access.
    • Continuous adaptive authentication using user behavior analytics.

Administrative Safeguards Implementation

Security Management Process

Zscaler provides automated risk assessments and compliance monitoring to help healthcare organizations manage security risks effectively.

  • Capabilities:
    • Automated compliance reporting for HIPAA Security Rule adherence.
    • Threat intelligence integration to prevent emerging cyberthreats.
    • Policy-driven security automation to mitigate risks dynamically.

Workforce Security and Information Access Management

Zscaler ensures that only authorized workforce members access ePHI based on least-privileged principles.

  • Capabilities:
    • Just-in-time (JIT) access policies to minimize exposure.
    • Context-based access control with real-time risk scoring.
    • Single sign-on (SSO) and MFA enforcement.

Security Incident Procedures

Zscaler provides real-time threat detection and automated incident response to mitigate security risks to ePHI.

  • Capabilities:
    • Cloud-delivered firewall with AI-driven threat protection.
    • Automated quarantine and response for compromised accounts.
    • Detailed forensic logs for regulatory audits.

Contingency Plan and Evaluation

Zscaler supports business continuity and compliance through resilient security measures and periodic assessments.

  • Capabilities:
    • Cloud-based backup and disaster recovery support.
    • Automated security policy evaluation for HIPAA compliance.
    • Continuous monitoring and adaptive security posture.

Why CIOs, CISOs, and IT Leaders Should Act Now

  • Simplified compliance: SSE streamlines audits and regulatory reporting with real-time visibility and policy enforcement.
  • Zero trust alignment: Enforces least-privileged access and continuous verification, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
  • Operational efficiency: Integrates security into a unified framework, minimizing tool sprawl and manual processes.

Take Action: Protect Patient Data Today

As healthcare organizations adopt cloud-based systems and digital records, the risks of cyberattacks and data breaches escalate. Security service edge (SSE) offers a comprehensive solution, integrating Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) to safeguard sensitive ePHI and maintain HIPAA compliance.

Secure your healthcare network and simplify compliance with SSE technologies. Contact our experts to discuss how SSE can enhance your organization’s security and meet HIPAA standards.