4 Key Benefits of Cloud Backup for Healthcare You Can’t Ignore

In April 2024, MediSecure, an Australian electronic prescription provider, experienced a significant ransomware attack that compromised the personal data of approximately 12.9 million Australians. 

The stolen data included sensitive information such as full names, phone numbers, addresses, Medicare numbers and prescription details. 

This breach offers a stark reminder of just how vulnerable healthcare IT systems can be. With patient data on the line, having a reliable cloud backup for healthcare in place has never been more critical. This is why it’s vital for healthcare providers to understand the full benefits of club backups.

Why cloud backup matters

Cloud backup for healthcare is much more than a safety net. It’s an absolutely necessary part of any healthcare organisation’s cyber security strategy. They help prevent the kind of large-scale data loss seen in breaches like MediSecure by keeping sensitive patient information secure and accessible.

Beyond security, reliable cloud backups mean healthcare providers can access the data they need. And when they need it. For instance, the Australian Digital Health Agency notes that 80% of health consumers expect innovative digital tools to enhance their care, and having data at your fingertips is a big part of delivering that experience.

Despite this, some practices still rely on local servers or physical backups, which are far more vulnerable to unexpected events. And while Microsoft 365 offers built-in backup features, they don’t cover everything—as we explore in our article, Why Microsoft 365’s Built-In Backup Isn’t Enough.

In short, cloud backups for healthcare have become standard for a reason. Here are four ways they can transform the way your practice protects and manages patient data:

  1. Better patient care, every time

‘Good collection and use of health data leads to better health care,’ says the Department of Health and Aged Care. And it’s easy to see why. When a doctor can’t access a patient’s full medical history because of a server outage or other technology disruption, care can be delayed or even compromised.

While on-premise servers are still important for running critical applications, pairing them with cloud backups takes your data security—and patient care—to the next level.

For example, with cloud backups, healthcare professionals can securely store patient records and gain 24/7 access to them from anywhere with an internet connection.

That means doctors and nurses can access the information they need instantly, even during unexpected events. 

So how do cloud backups actually improve patient care? By giving healthcare teams faster, reliable access to records, they can diagnose sooner, plan treatments more efficiently, and deliver better outcomes for every patient.

 2. Faster recovery and minimal downtime

No IT system is completely immune to surprises. Whether it’s a power outage, a natural disaster or a cyberattack, the unexpected can hit when we least expect. 

Imagine a cyclone, for example, hitting and taking your practice’s servers offline. In an unanticipated event like this, how quickly could you access patient records and get back to caring for patients?

Downtime in healthcare is a lot more than a mere convenience. It can affect patient safety and cost your practice thousands for every minute offline. The longer the disruption, the bigger the impact. Basically, the longer the disruption, the bigger the impact. 

And that’s where cloud backups make a real difference. With data stored securely off-site, you can recover quickly and keep your practice running smoothly. 

The Australian Government advises healthcare providers that ‘having a recent backup of your data will help you to recover more quickly,’ reinforcing why offsite solutions are essential for continuity of care.

 3. Stay compliant and protect patient data

Patient data is incredibly sensitive. And the healthcare sector is under constant pressure to meet strict regulations. 

The World Economic Forum stresses that ‘stringent rules and regulations must be put in place to secure sensitive patient data,’ and cloud backups can be a huge help in staying compliant.

Here’s how they support your obligations:

• Data Security: Australian Privacy Principle (APP) 11 requires healthcare providers to protect patient data from unauthorised access, loss or disclosure. Cloud backups use strong encryption to keep information safe. Even if a breach occurs, the data is unreadable. 
• Access Controls: APP 1.3 mandates control over who can access personal information. Cloud solutions let you set precise permissions. That way, only authorised staff can view or edit patient records. 
• My Health Record Integration: Cloud backups work seamlessly with My Health Record, ensuring that patient data stays secure while being shared safely between providers.

With cloud backups in place, you can confidently deliver care, knowing your patients’ information is protected and your practice is meeting its compliance obligations.

  4. Easy scalability and smarter cost management

As your practice grows, so does your data. And traditional on-site servers can quickly become a bottleneck. Upgrading means expensive hardware, potential compatibility headaches and frustrating downtime. 

Cloud backup for healthcare takes all that off your plate. They scale effortlessly as your needs increase, so you’re not constantly investing in new servers or worrying about running out of space.

Beyond convenience, cloud solutions are also cost-smart. McKinsey & Company reports that moving to the cloud can reduce IT costs by 30–40%, freeing up resources that can be better spent on patient care and other priorities.

Protect your patients and your practice with reliable cloud backups

In healthcare, every second counts, and so does every byte of data. With cyber threats on the rise, safeguarding patient records is no longer optional. Cloud backup solutions give you peace of mind, secure access to critical information, and the ability to recover quickly from any unexpected event.

At ADITS, we help healthcare providers across Brisbane, Townsville, and Queensland implement tailored backup strategies that fit your practice’s needs. From compliance and security to cost-effective scalability, we make it simple to protect your data and keep your day-to-day operations running on track.

So let’s make sure your practice is prepared for anything. Reach out today to see how ADITS can help secure your patient data and streamline your IT.