Terraform and AWS Security: Helps healthcare meet compliance

The healthcare sector in every country has to undergo different healthcare compliance requirements for smooth business practices. Terraform can help such organizations by automatically setting up, configuring, and building security with a cloud infrastructure on AWS. It can also automate the deployment of intrusion detection systems, vulnerability scanning tools, and other safety measures. It also ensures that all the systems have the latest patches and releases installed and are up and running all the time.

## What is Terraform?

Terraform is an open-source infrastructure as a code software tool created by HashiCorp. It enables users to define and provision a data center infrastructure using a high-level configuration language called Hashicorp Configuration Language (HCL). It can work on popular service providers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and DigitalOcean. It also allows for the definition of custom in-house solutions.

## Terraform and healthcare

Terraform is a potential tool that can boost the security of healthcare systems, with powerful features like automatic deployment, compatibility with other cloud Infrastructures, management of access and control, and encryption properties. Terraform is one of the most commonly used and reliable tools available. Healthcare organizations must undergo ‘HIPAA compliance’ to ensure that they follow the best practices in all fields of operations.

An accurate audit trail is a unique feature of Terraform that can demonstrate compliance and match it with the industry's standards as recommended. All this is done keeping security and privacy in place. Organizations can easily add multiple adherence and protocols to terraform that will keep them attracted to all these things. This is one of the easiest ways for an organization working in the Healthcare sector to serve people daily to ensure that they abide by all the rules and regulations.

With features like automatic updates, terraform can easily keep the infrastructure and all the measures up to date with the latest versions.

## How to build the best infrastructure using Terraform?

Consider the following things to build an infrastructure using Terraform and AWS security best practices.

Automation - Terraform works on automating and maintaining the cloud infrastructure with automatic deployment. Always look for a service provider that offers automation for infrastructure provisioning and management automation. This reduces human effort and makes things transparent, intuitive, and accessible.

Scalability - The healthcare sector has a vast dimension and scope. Ensure that you opt for a provider that offers scalable solutions with accurate pricing. Always keep room for an increase or decrease in the services provided, considering the market demands. A stagnant and non-scalable solution will eventually cost you more than a flexible one since you have the scope for enough modification.

Versioning - Be it a terraform file, cloud infrastructure, a tool, or a technology, everything comes with multiple releases and versions. The companies make these releases to ensure that users get the best-in-class services and experience while using the products. There can be chances when a rollout has bugs and errors. In such cases, you might experience a breakdown in your system. To avoid that, ensure that you go back to the previous versions for the safety and security of the infrastructure.

Collaboration - All the tools and technology in the healthcare sector are competent and compatible. It is a common thing to experience conflict between two technologies or software. In such a situation, you should eliminate the issues as soon as possible. This can be done by having a system that works with multiple technologies and is suitable to each one.

Modularity - The basis of every tool or technology we come across on the internet is a code structure. The lines of code can be similar and repetitive. In such a situation, ensure you have a provision to create modules and components representing a code section. This component can be used repetitively instead of repeating and writing the whole code again. This will not only make the code shorter and more precise but will improve the stability and speed of the terraform.

Flexibility - Check your service provider's agreement and terms and conditions to see if he offers flexibility while simultaneously working on various clouds and infrastructures. You must have the flexibility to work with multiple tools and services simultaneously in the healthcare sector.

Multi-cloud support - If you are currently working with a cloud service provider but are to add another one, you must ensure that both providers cater to AWS security. All the providers should have multi-cloud support that allows you to work with other cloud partners simultaneously. The service agreement for this, and if not, ask your provider to add this clause.

Support and maintenance - Who will look after the terraform and your infrastructure? The answer is the support team of your service provider. This team handles all the bugs and errors arising in work operations. Your providers should have a flexible support team that can work in different time zones catering to the requirements as needed.

Cost - Most service providers offer different add-ons relating to other technologies. Some of these add-ons are free, but some charge you an amount. Check for the cost incurred in each scenario and immediately close the subscription for unwanted add-ons and plans.

Community support - Terraform is specialized, and only some have enough knowledge of this. Ensure that your service provider has a competent and qualified team to handle your issues. A dedicated group of skilled people must be well-versed with the technology, run queries, and provide resolutions at the earliest without hampering the system.

Terraform is an invaluable tool for healthcare organizations looking to ensure secure and compliant systems. Its automation capabilities help streamline setting up and managing secure cloud infrastructure while saving time and money. Additionally, it provides an audit trail that makes it easier to demonstrate compliance with industry standards like HIPAA compliance.

Furthermore, terraform also allows for automated policy enforcement and deployment of remediation scripts in response to detected vulnerabilities or malicious activity. By leveraging these features, healthcare organizations can ensure their systems remain compliant with best practices for security while saving time and money in the process.