Zero Trust Security for Healthcare Networks: A New Standard for Patient Data Protection

Abstract

Zero Trust Security (ZTS) has emerged as a critical cybersecurity framework for protecting sensitive patient data in healthcare networks. The Zero Trust (ZT) model challenges traditional perimeter-based security, assuming that no user, device, or network entity should be trusted by default. Instead, continuous authentication, identity verification, and least-privilege access control are enforced to safeguard electronic health records (EHRs) and other critical healthcare assets. In healthcare environments, ZTS ensures that access is granted only after rigorous authentication, considering factors such as user identity, device health, location, and behavior analytics. This dynamic security model continuously monitors and adapts access permissions to mitigate insider threats and cyberattacks. Implementing Zero Trust in healthcare reduces data breaches, prevents ransomware attacks, and ensures regulatory compliance with HIPAA and GDPR. As cyber threats evolve, Zero Trust Security is becoming the new standard for securing patient data, reinforcing trust and resilience in modern healthcare networks.