Advanced Cloud-Integrated Multi-Layered Security for E-Health Records Protection

Abstract

As cloud technology becomes more prevalent in healthcare, protecting electronic health records (EHRs) from unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyber threats has emerged as a crucial issue. This study introduces an Advanced Cloud-Integrated Multi-Layer Security Framework that employs multi-factor authentication (MFA), sophisticated encryption techniques, role-based access control (RBAC), and continuous security monitoring to guarantee the confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility of patient information. The proposed system utilizes AES-256 encryption and SHA-256 hashing to protect data, while a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)-based monitoring system improves threat identification and response. Experimental findings show that the framework delivers robust authentication accuracy, low encryption overhead, and scalable cloud deployment, making it appropriate for large-scale healthcare applications. By incorporating strong security measures, this framework ensures adherence to regulatory standards like HIPAA and GDPR while maintaining efficiency and usability in cloud-based healthcare settings. Future research will explore AI-powered anomaly detection and blockchain integration to further enhance security

Introduction

Summary

The paper presents an Advanced Cloud-Integrated Multi-Layer Security Framework designed to protect Electronic Health Records (EHRs) stored in cloud environments, addressing growing concerns about privacy, unauthorized access, and cyber threats in healthcare.

Key Components of the Framework:

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Uses passwords, OTPs, and biometrics to strengthen user authentication.

• OAuth 2.0 & OpenID Connect: Facilitate secure and token-based authentication.

• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Limits data access based on user roles (e.g., doctor, nurse, patient).

• Advanced Encryption: Implements AES-256 for data encryption and SHA-256 for credential protection.

• SIEM Integration: Provides real-time threat detection, logging, and alerting.

• Blockchain Mechanisms: Enhance data integrity and prevent tampering, especially with IoT-enabled devices.

• Cloud Compatibility: Supports deployment on platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud with scalability, resilience, and regulatory compliance (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR).

Comparison with Existing Approaches:

Previous methods (e.g., single-layer authentication or simple encryption) lacked full integration, leaving systems vulnerable. This framework outperforms others by combining all critical security layers—authentication, encryption, access control, and monitoring—into a scalable and robust solution.

Methodology:

The framework is built using:

• Containerization (e.g., Docker) and Kubernetes for scalable deployment.

• Infrastructure as Code (IaC) for automated, consistent cloud setups.

• Continuous Integration/Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to ensure fast, secure updates.

• Disaster Recovery mechanisms to ensure system resilience.

Experimental Results:

• Access Control Effectiveness: 97%

• Encryption Efficiency: 95%

• Cloud Deployment Performance: 94%

• Threat Detection: 93%

• Authentication Performance: 92%

These results demonstrate the framework’s high performance, security effectiveness, and practical viability in cloud-based healthcare settings.

Conclusion

This study introduces an Advanced Cloud-Integrated Multi-Layer Security Framework that tackles the key issues in protecting electronic health records (EHRs) stored in cloud systems [1][2][8]. The framework combines multi-factor authentication (MFA), sophisticated encryption methods, role-based access control (RBAC), and continuous security surveillance to provide thorough data safeguarding while preserving system performance and expandability [3][5][9][12]. Empirical findings validate the proposed system\'s effectiveness in countering security risks, demonstrating high-precision authentication, minimal encryption-related delays, and robust access control implementation [4][10]. Data confidentiality is ensured through AES-256 encryption and SHA-256 hashing techniques, while a SIEM-based monitoring system enhances prompt threat identification and mitigation [6][11]. Furthermore, the cloud-based deployment exhibited significant scalability and optimal resource usage, making it appropriate for extensive healthcare applications [2][5][7]. The proposed framework substantially enhances the security stance of cloud-based healthcare systems, guaranteeing the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) of patient information [1][3][8]. By merging advanced security protocols with cloud technologies, this solution offers a scalable, efficient, and secure method for EHR management [2][4][10]. Subsequent research could investigate AI-powered anomaly detection and blockchain incorporation to further strengthen security and data integrity in cloud-based healthcare settings [6][7][12].

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 B. Satya Swaroop, Keerthipati Sowmya, Kurmapu Nitish Rao, Mohammad Zeeshanuddin Shah, Kola Nithin. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.